Japan stands as one of the most desired destinations of aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), according to a report in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
However, the same report shows that Japan is not included in the list of countries where most Filipinos pursue their work abroad.
This is probably because securing a working visa in Japan entails a stricter process compared to other countries because jobs in Japanese companies do not only require the right profile and work experience, but also demands a good handle of the Japanese language.
Working visas are necessary for aspirants who wish to engage in full-time activities in Japan. There are about 15 types of working visa, which validity ranges from a period of 3 months to 5 years. For each type of visa, specific documents will be needed.
Here are the requirements for some types of working visas in Japan, according to www.livejapan.com:
Engineer Visa
Those who have a contract with a public or private organization in Japan in the fields of physical science, engineering or other natural fields can apply for this visa.
Requirements:
- University degree in the corresponding field or 10 years of professional experience
- Receive less remuneration than a Japanese national would receive for the same work
- Must have a contract with a stable and profitable company
Skilled Labor Visa
This visa is required for those wanting to be a chef in Foreign Restaurant, Confectionery Instructor, Cake Artist, Sommelier, Civil Engineer in foreign countries, processor of gems, etc.
Requirements (dependent on the type of work)
- Must have 3 to 10 years of professional experience, period of training included
- Have a higher level of skill than the standard level in Japan.
Medical Services Visa
Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and other medical specialists certified in Japan must apply for this visa. This does not include caregivers, social welfare workers or home helpers.
Requirements:
- Certification that the applicant is qualified to do activities under this status
- Documents showing the outline of the recipient organization
- Must receive a salary no less than a Japanese national would receive for comparable work.
Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
This visa is for individuals interested in working for a private language school or any work in the legal, economic, social, or human science field.
Requirements:
- A university degree or 10 years of professional experience are required.
Professor Visa
Those interested to work in the research and education field at a university or any equivalent educational institution must apply for this visa.
Requirements:
- Copies of the company registration and its statement of profit and loss
- Documents certifying the activity, duration, position and the remuneration of the applicant.
A detailed list of the requirements for other types of visas can be found on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/index.html
