▲Is a question that some visitors to Japan may ask after experiencing what Japan has to offer. “I don’t want to leave Japan”, “I want to stay and work here”, are some other questions that come to mind. So the question now is, can you change from a tourist visa to a working visa in Japan?
First Published : 2021/07/13
Updated : 2024/04/18
Table of Contents
- “Change of Status of Residence” Procedure in Japan
- Can I change from a tourist visa to a working visa in Japan?
- Can I change from a working holiday visa to a working visa in Japan?
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
“Change of Status of Residence” Procedure in Japan
In Japan, you are only permitted to engage in activities that are under your status of residence.
For example, international students cannot work as the 留学 (ryuugaku / study abroad) status is for studying only. If international students want to work, they need to get “permission to engage in other activities other than that permitted under status of residence”. If an international student wants to continue staying in Japan to work after graduating, he/she must change his/her 留学 visa to a 就労 (shuurou / working) visa. There are many different types of working visa in Japan, so you will need to change to one that matches your field of employment and job scope.
The relevant immigration procedure to change your visa type is called “Application for Change of Status of Residence”, aka 「在留資格変更許可申請 (zairyuu-shikaku henkou kyoka shinsei)」. For more details, visit the Immigration Services Agency page here.
Note : A different procedure applies for “change to permanent residence”.
Starting from March 16 2022, “Application for Change of Status of Residence” procedures can be done online with a My Number Card. Read more about it here.
Writer's Pick
Can I change from a tourist visa to a working visa in Japan?
No, you cannot change from a tourist visa to a working visa in Japan. In the first place, job hunting while on a tourist visa is not permitted.
Previously, there were cases where a change from tourist visa to working visa was approved, provided a Certificate of Eligibility is able to be issued before the tourist visa period expires. However, since the end of 2019, the immigration agency has become stricter and so this is no longer a viable option - exceptions are so rare that there’s no point trying it.
If you do manage to get a job offer while on a short-term visa, you will need to return to your home country first, and apply for a Certificate of Eligibility and work visa from there.
Can I change from a working holiday visa to a working visa in Japan?
What is a working holiday visa?
Based on bilateral agreements with partner countries and regions, the working holiday programme’s primary objective is to allow youths from Japan and other countries to spend their holidays in a foreign country whilst engaged in employment to supplement funds for their travel and stay. The aim is to deepen mutual understanding by providing opportunities to understand the culture and lifestyle of the destination country or region.
Depending on what country you are from, it is possible to change from a working holiday visa to a working visa in Japan. Some countries have a requirement that you must return to the country after your working holiday period expires. In this case, you cannot change from a working holiday visa to a working visa. These countries include:
- France
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Norway
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
and others.
Aside from those countries, it is possible for working holiday visa-holders from other countries to change from a working holiday visa to a working visa. Note that applications for change of status of residence are evaluated on a case-by-case basis so even if your application is rejected, it does not necessarily mean it is because you have a working holiday visa - other reasons may apply.
Please consult with your Embassy if you have any questions about a working holiday visa.
※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, “The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan”
To Close
It is understandable why you would want to continue staying and working in Japan after experiencing life here as a visitor. However, are you sure you are ready to start a new life in Japan? Have you considered how different the work culture can be? Or, if you have the Japanese language skills to support your life here?
Moving to another country is a huge step, so think carefully about it. And when you’re ready, Japan is always ready to welcome you.
