Japan immigration and settlement routes

A points-based status for professional and technical work in Japan. It requires a qualifying Japanese job or institutional offer; the points evidence and the later permanent-residence stage must be checked separately.

A points-based status for advanced academic research or education in Japan. The applicant needs a qualifying research or academic position; the scoring categories differ from professional and business-management activities.

A points-based status for advanced business management or operation in Japan. A qualifying management or business activity is required, and its scoring categories differ from the research and professional/technical tracks.

For establishing, operating or managing a business in Japan. The business plan, office, investment, staffing, management role and any current language or transition requirements must be checked against the official rules in force at filing.

For a genuine spouse or child relationship with a Japanese national. This is a family-based status with a separate, shorter permanent-residence exception for qualifying spouses; it is not an automatic grant of permanent residence or citizenship.

For a spouse of a Japanese permanent resident or a qualifying child of a permanent or special permanent resident. The sponsor category is legally distinct from the spouse-of-Japanese-national status and should be assessed separately.

Japan's main professional work status for engineering, IT, humanities, business and international-services roles. A qualifying Japanese employment relationship and education or experience are central; the work, employer category and any conditional language evidence must be checked against the current official checklist.

A work status for designated labour-shortage fields. Type 1 has a limited period and generally narrower family options, while Type 2 can support a longer stay and family accompaniment in qualifying fields; tests, employer and sector conditions must be checked.

For an employee transferred to Japan from an overseas office or related organisation. The transfer, group relationship, overseas employment history and role must satisfy the status-specific conditions; it is distinct from the ordinary professional work status.

For teaching at Japanese schools and other qualifying educational institutions. The required education, subject-specific qualification or teaching experience depends on the school and subject, and a qualifying employment contract is required.

For a foreign national who holds the Japanese Certified Care Worker qualification and works in care or care instruction. A qualifying Japanese care employer and the required professional qualification are necessary.