Sendai

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Work Visas and Permits

Essential details about visa types, permits, and residency requirements for working in Japan.

Sections

1. Overview of Work Visas in Japan

To work legally in Sendai, Japan, you must obtain a work visa that matches the type of employment you will undertake. Japan offers several work visa categories, each tailored to specific professions or job types. The most common work visa categories include:

  • Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa: For professionals in IT, engineering, marketing, translation, and other specialized fields.
  • Instructor Visa: For teaching positions, such as English teachers in schools.
  • Professor Visa: For academic professionals working in universities or research institutions.
  • Skilled Labor Visa: For jobs requiring specific skills, such as chefs, carpenters, or artisans.
  • Business Manager Visa: For individuals managing or starting a business in Japan.
  • Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW): For workers in industries facing labor shortages, such as construction, agriculture, or nursing care.
  • Highly Skilled Professional Visa: For highly qualified individuals with advanced degrees, high salaries, or significant professional achievements.

Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria, so itโ€™s important to confirm which category applies to your job.

2. Application Procedures

The process for obtaining a work visa involves several steps:

Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Before applying for a work visa, your employer in Japan must sponsor you and apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf. The COE is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and serves as proof that you meet the requirements for a work visa.

  • Who applies: Your employer or sponsor in Japan.
  • Processing time: Approximately 1โ€“3 months.
  • Required documents (provided by you and your employer):
    • Completed COE application form.
    • Copy of your passport.
    • Recent passport-sized photo.
    • Employment contract or offer letter.
    • Company registration documents and financial statements (provided by the employer).
    • Proof of your qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, professional licenses).
    • Resume or CV.

Step 2: Work Visa Application

Once the COE is issued, you can apply for a work visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

  • Where to apply: Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
  • Required documents:
    • Original COE and one photocopy.
    • Completed visa application form (available on the embassyโ€™s website).
    • Valid passport.
    • Recent passport-sized photo.
    • Additional documents as requested by the embassy.
  • Processing time: Typically 5โ€“10 business days.
  • Visa fee: Varies by nationality but is generally around ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 (single-entry visa).

Step 3: Residence Card

Upon arrival in Japan, you will receive a Residence Card at the airport if you are staying for more than 3 months. This card serves as your official ID in Japan.

  • Important: You must register your address at the local ward office in Sendai within 14 days of moving into your residence.

3. Costs

  • COE application: Free (handled by your employer).
  • Visa application fee: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 (varies by nationality).
  • Residence Card: Free (issued upon arrival in Japan).
  • Additional costs: Translation of documents, notarization, and travel expenses for embassy visits.

4. Processing Timelines

  • COE issuance: 1โ€“3 months.
  • Visa application: 5โ€“10 business days.
  • Total time: 1.5โ€“4 months, depending on the complexity of your case and the workload at the immigration office.

5. Local Considerations in Sendai

Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, is a welcoming and livable city for foreign workers. Here are some local resources and tips to help you settle in:

Immigration Office in Sendai

  • Sendai Regional Immigration Bureau: Handles visa extensions, status changes, and other immigration matters.
    • Address: 1-3-20 Gorin, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 983-0842.
    • Phone: +81-22-256-6076.
    • Hours: Mondayโ€“Friday, 9:00 AMโ€“12:00 PM and 1:00 PMโ€“4:00 PM.
    • Website: Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Ward Offices in Sendai

After arriving, you must register your address at the ward office corresponding to your residence. Sendai has five ward offices:

  • Aoba Ward Office
  • Miyagino Ward Office
  • Wakabayashi Ward Office
  • Taihaku Ward Office
  • Izumi Ward Office

Bring your Residence Card and proof of address (e.g., rental agreement) for registration.

Job Support Resources

  • Sendai International Center: Offers support for foreign residents, including language classes, cultural exchange programs, and job assistance.
  • Hello Work Sendai: A government-run employment service center that provides job listings and career counseling for foreign workers.
    • Address: 4-6-28 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0014.
    • Phone: +81-22-222-8609.

Language Considerations

While many employers in Sendai may require Japanese language proficiency, some positions (e.g., English teaching) may not. Consider enrolling in Japanese language classes to improve your communication skills and integration into the local community.

6. Cultural Tips for Working in Sendai

  • Work Culture: Japanese workplaces value punctuality, teamwork, and respect for hierarchy. Be prepared for a formal work environment and a strong emphasis on group harmony.
  • Business Etiquette: Bowing is a common greeting, and exchanging business cards (meishi) is an important ritual. Always present and receive cards with both hands.
  • Seasonal Events: Sendai is famous for its festivals, such as the Tanabata Festival in August. Participating in local events can help you build connections with colleagues and the community.

7. Additional Tips

  • Health Insurance: Enroll in Japanโ€™s National Health Insurance (NHI) system after registering your address. This is mandatory and provides affordable healthcare coverage.
  • Bank Account: Open a Japanese bank account to receive your salary. Major banks in Sendai include Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Japan Post Bank.
  • Housing: Many landlords in Japan require a guarantor (co-signer) for renting apartments. Your employer may assist with this.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources available in Sendai, you can successfully navigate the work visa process and settle into your new life in Japan. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!