【Expert Advice】What Support is Needed for a Work Visa?
Foreigners must obtain a “work visa (residence status)” to work in Japan. This article explains the basics of work visas, the support required by companies and individuals, and the associated costs from an expert perspective.
What is a Work Visa?
A “work visa” refers to the “residence status” required to work for remuneration in Japan. Formally, it refers to statuses such as “Engineer, Economist, Accountant, Auditor and Manager” or “Specified Skilled Worker.”
The specific status that can be applied for depends on the job type and duties performed by the foreign national. It primarily involves specialized or skilled work, not simple labor.
To obtain a work visa, the employing company must present the contract details, and the foreign national must meet requirements such as educational background and work experience. Documents submitted to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) include an Application for Certificate of Eligibility, the employment contract, and a Statement of Reasons.
These procedures are complex and require specialized knowledge, so it is common to engage professionals such as administrative scriveners.
What Support is Required?
Smooth acquisition and renewal of a work visa necessitates support for both the foreign national and the receiving company.
For the company, key points include preparing the employment contract and notice of working conditions, and confirming job duties align with the visa status. For the foreign national, support is needed for managing the period of stay, daily life assistance, and language support.
Particularly for the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa, legally mandated support for the foreign national includes orientation on daily life, consultation services, and providing information in their native language. Failing to provide this support not only damages the receiving company’s credibility but may also hinder the smooth renewal of the foreign national’s residence status.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek support from registered support agencies or administrative scriveners with practical experience.
Costs for Support Services
The cost of support services related to work visas varies depending on the scope of services and the provider.
When requesting an administrative scrivener to apply for a “Certificate of Eligibility,” fees typically range from ¥80,000 to ¥150,000. Applications for visa renewal or change generally cost around ¥50,000.
On the other hand, outsourcing support services for Specified Skilled Workers to a Registered Support Organization typically incurs monthly fees of approximately ¥10,000 to ¥30,000. This support includes daily life assistance, consultation services, and Japanese language learning support.
While some companies handle these matters internally to reduce costs, specialized knowledge is essential for legal compliance and maintaining residency status. Therefore, entrusting the work to professionals ultimately proves safer and more reliable.
Summary
The work visa system is a vital framework enabling foreign workers to work with peace of mind. Establishing the right support system allows both companies and foreign workers to build smooth, productive relationships. Understand the necessary costs for support and make effective use of professional assistance.
