Nagoya

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Work Visa and Residency

Guidelines on obtaining and maintaining work visas and residency permits for immigrants.

Sections

1. Work Visa Types in Japan

To live and work in Nagoya, you will need a work visa. Japan offers several types of work visas depending on your profession and the nature of your employment. Common work visa categories include:

Specialist in Humanities/International Services

  • For professionals in fields like marketing, translation, teaching languages, or international relations.
  • Common for English teachers or those working in international companies.

Engineer/IT Specialist

  • For engineers, IT professionals, and those in technical fields.

Skilled Labor

  • For jobs requiring specific skills, such as chefs specializing in foreign cuisine, construction workers, or artisans.

Intra-Company Transferee

  • For employees transferred from a companyโ€™s overseas branch to its office in Japan.

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

  • For individuals with advanced skills in academia, research, or business management. This visa offers benefits like a fast-track to permanent residency.

Other Work Visas

  • Includes categories like Artist, Researcher, Business Manager, and Entertainer.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)

  • For workers in industries facing labor shortages, such as agriculture, construction, or nursing care.

2. Application Procedures

The process for obtaining a work visa involves several steps:

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

  • You must have a job offer from a Japanese company or organization. Your employer will act as your sponsor.

Step 2: Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

  • Your employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf at the Immigration Services Agency in Japan. The COE confirms that you meet the requirements for a work visa.
  • Processing Time: 1โ€“3 months.
  • Required Documents for COE:
    • Completed COE application form (provided by your employer).
    • Copy of your passport.
    • Recent passport-sized photo.
    • Employment contract or offer letter.
    • Company registration documents (provided by your employer).
    • Resume or CV.
    • Proof of qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, professional licenses).

Step 3: Apply for a Work Visa

  • Once the COE is issued, you apply for a work visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Required Documents:
    • COE (original and a copy).
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
    • Passport-sized photo.
    • Additional documents may be requested by the embassy.
  • Processing Time: 5โ€“10 business days.
  • Visa Fee: Approximately ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 (varies by nationality).

Step 4: Enter Japan

  • After receiving your visa, you can travel to Japan. At the airport, you will receive a Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyu Card) if you are staying for more than 3 months.

3. Residency in Nagoya

Once you arrive in Nagoya, there are additional steps to complete your residency:

Step 1: Register Your Address

  • Within 14 days of moving to Nagoya, you must register your address at the local ward office (kuyakusho).
  • Required Documents:
    • Residence Card.
    • Passport.
    • Proof of address (e.g., lease agreement).

Step 2: Enroll in National Health Insurance

  • You are required to enroll in Japanโ€™s National Health Insurance (NHI) system. This can be done at the ward office when you register your address.
  • Cost: Premiums vary based on income but are generally affordable.

Step 3: Open a Bank Account

  • To receive your salary, you will need a Japanese bank account. Popular banks in Nagoya include MUFG Bank, SMBC, and Japan Post Bank.
  • Required Documents:
    • Residence Card.
    • Passport.
    • Proof of address.

Step 4: Obtain a My Number Card

  • The My Number Card is a personal identification number used for tax and social security purposes. You will receive a notification to apply for it after registering your address.

4. Local Immigration Offices in Nagoya

For visa extensions, changes in visa status, or other immigration-related matters, you will need to visit the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau

  • Address: 5-18 Shoho-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8601.
  • Access: A 10-minute walk from Nagoya Port Station (Meiko Line).
  • Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AMโ€“12:00 PM and 1:00 PMโ€“4:00 PM.
  • Services Provided:
    • Visa extensions.
    • Change of visa status.
    • Re-entry permits.
    • Assistance with permanent residency applications.

5. Associated Costs

Here is a breakdown of typical costs associated with moving to Nagoya:

  • Visa Application Fee: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000.
  • COE Application Fee: Free (handled by your employer).
  • Residence Registration: Free.
  • National Health Insurance Premiums: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ20,000/month (depending on income).
  • Housing Costs in Nagoya:
    • Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: ยฅ50,000โ€“ยฅ80,000/month.
    • Initial move-in costs (deposit, key money, etc.): 3โ€“5 monthsโ€™ rent upfront.

6. Cultural and Practical Tips for Living in Nagoya

Nagoya is Japanโ€™s fourth-largest city and offers a mix of modern conveniences and traditional culture. Here are some tips to help you adapt:

Workplace Culture

  • Punctuality is highly valued. Arrive early for work and meetings.
  • Respect hierarchy and use polite language when addressing colleagues and superiors.
  • Business attire is formal, especially in corporate settings.

Language

  • While some companies in Nagoya operate in English, learning basic Japanese will greatly enhance your experience. Consider enrolling in a language school or taking online courses.

Transportation

  • Nagoya has an efficient public transportation system, including subways, buses, and trains. Purchase an IC card (e.g., manaca) for convenient travel.
  • Cycling is also popular, and many areas have bike-friendly infrastructure.

Local Highlights

  • Explore Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
  • Try local specialties like miso katsu (fried pork cutlet with miso sauce) and hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice).

Community and Support

  • Join expat groups or international communities in Nagoya to build a social network. The Nagoya International Center (NIC) offers resources, language classes, and cultural events for foreigners.

7. Permanent Residency

If you plan to stay in Nagoya long-term, you may consider applying for permanent residency. Requirements include:

  • Living in Japan for 10 consecutive years (or 1โ€“5 years for Highly Skilled Professionals).
  • Stable income and tax payments.
  • Good conduct and no criminal record.

By following these steps and tips, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to live and work in Nagoya. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!