Nagoya
๐
Work Visa and Residency
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 companyโs 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: 1โ3 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: 5โ10 business days.
- Visa Fee: Approximately ยฅ3,000โยฅ6,000 (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 (ๅจ็ใซใผใ, 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 Japanโs 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 AMโ12:00 PM and 1:00 PMโ4:00 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: ยฅ3,000โยฅ6,000.
- COE Application Fee: Free (handled by your employer).
- Residence Registration: Free.
- National Health Insurance Premiums: ยฅ2,000โยฅ20,000/month (depending on income).
- Housing Costs in Nagoya:
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: ยฅ50,000โยฅ80,000/month.
- Initial move-in costs (deposit, key money, etc.): 3โ5 monthsโ rent upfront.
6. Cultural and Practical Tips for Living in Nagoya
Nagoya is Japanโs 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 1โ5 years for Highly Skilled Professionals).
- Stable income and tax payments.
- Good conduct and no criminal record.
By following these steps and tips, youโll be well-prepared to live and work in Nagoya. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!