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Apply for a Specified Skilled Worker Visa

Updated：2026/5/10

In general, to get a visa to work in Japan, you apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your area after receiving a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

A COE is a certificate used to check in advance that the planned activity in Japan matches the residence status. However, even if you have a COE, visa issuance or entry into Japan is not always guaranteed.

Difference between COE and visa

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

This certificate is issued by a regional immigration services bureau in Japan after checking in advance whether the activity you will do in Japan matches the residence status. In many cases, the accepting company or an application agent completes the procedure in Japan.

Visa

This is something you apply for at a Japanese embassy or consulate overseas in order to enter Japan. After receiving the COE, apply according to the instructions for your country or region.

What to Do
  • First, the accepting company or other organization completes the COE procedure in Japan.
  • After the COE is issued, the applicant receives the COE information
  • Check the Japanese embassy, consulate, or designated application center responsible for your country or region
  • Finally, prepare the required documents such as your passport, photo, and COE, and apply.
  • Submit the application according to the instructions of the application office and wait for the result
Where to apply

The place to submit the application is the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for the country or region where you live. Depending on the country, you may need to apply through a visa application center or application agency.

In some countries, you may need to use an application center or a proxy application agency. Always check the local guidance.

Checklist before application
  • I checked the validity period of my passport
  • I received the COE information
  • Check the Visa Application Flow
  • I checked the photo size and conditions
  • I checked whether the application office requires the original, a copy, or an electronic COE
  • I checked the application fee, reservation method, and pickup method
  • I prepared early enough to apply well before the departure date
Official Page
Important notes

Required documents, fees, reservation methods, and screening times for visa applications differ by country and region. Check not only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page, but also the page of the Japanese embassy or consulate where you will apply.

If you are unsure, proceed while consulting the accepting company or registered support organization.