Status of Residence · 技術・人文知識・国際業務
Documents for a Japan Work Visa
A practical checklist of the documents you and your employer need for a Japan work visa — from your degree certificate to the company's financial records.
LAST UPDATED · 2026-06-121 MIN READSOURCE · IMMIGRATION SERVICES AGENCY
The paperwork splits in two: what you provide, and what your employer provides. Get both halves ready before filing the Certificate of Eligibility.
What you provide
- A valid passport and a recent photo (4cm × 3cm)
- Your degree certificate (and sometimes transcripts)
- An updated CV showing relevant experience
- For some roles, professional certifications or a portfolio
What your employer provides
- The signed employment contract or offer letter
- Company registration (登記事項証明書) and a recent financial statement
- A breakdown of your duties and how they match your background
- The company's most recent tax withholding record
Documents in a language other than Japanese or English usually need a Japanese translation. Keep originals — immigration may ask to see them.
A note on timing
Degree certificates from overseas can take weeks to obtain. Request yours early — it is the item most likely to delay an otherwise ready application.