Visa Certificates

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — What It Is & Why It Matters?

A Certificate of Eligibility is the first mandatory approval for most long-term visas in Japan. It confirms that the applicant meets the entry conditions for a designated working status.

Required Before Applying for Most Long-Term Visas

The CoE verifies eligibility for work or business residency and must be issued before submitting a visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate.

Issued by Immigration Bureau in Japan

Applications are filed inside Japan by the employer, partner company, or proxy, and immigration authorities evaluate them under strict compliance rules.

Essential Document for Visa Issuance Abroad

Once approved, the CoE is sent overseas and becomes the primary document needed for final visa issuance and entry into Japan.

Process Flow — Inside Japan, Outside Japan & Arrival Procedures

Inside Japan – CoE Application Stage

Submit Application to Immigration Bureau

CoE Screening & Issuance

Status Change for Visitors in Japan

Prepare Documents for Embassy Submission

Outside Japan – Visa Application Stage

Submit Visa Application with CoE

Embassy Review & Verification

Visa Issuance Abroad

Pre-Departure Arrangements

Returning to Japan – Landing & Residence Procedures

Enter Japan with Visa & CoE

Receive Landing Permission

Obtain Residence Card

Entry Within CoE Validity Period

Working Status Categories (Visa Types for Business & IT Professionals)

Japan has specific working statuses to match business roles. Below is the improved presentation, preserving all slide meanings but making them clear and aligned.

Business Manager

For individuals managing or operating a business in Japan, including running a subsidiary, branch, or corporate office.

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

For professionals requiring specialized knowledge, including IT engineers, designers, economists, legal researchers, translators, or professionals with foreign-culture-based skills.

Intra-Company Transferee

For employees transferred from a foreign head office or branch to a related company office in Japan for a defined period.

Legal / Accounting Services

For foreign attorneys, certified public accountants, or qualified legal professionals engaged in permitted business activities in Japan.

Skilled Labor

For occupations requiring industry-specific skills or technical expertise, based on work contracts with Japanese or foreign organizations.

Which type of working status should you apply?

Representative of Subsidiary Company

Visa Category: Business Manager

Use When:

Foreign Staff Working in Japan Office

Visa Category: Skilled Labor

Use When:

Representative of a Representative Office

Visa Category: Intra-company Transferee

Use When:

IT Engineer / Technical Specialist

Visa Category: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

Use When:

Representative of Branch Office

Visa Category: Intra-company Transferee

Use When:

Explore Additional Market Resources

Access guides, references, and support materials to strengthen your Japan ICT market strategy.

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