How to get a work visa in Japan as a Vietnamese citizen
Complete guide to all available work permit pathways, requirements, costs, and processing times.
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Japan is the top destination for Vietnamese workers, with a community of 520,000 and large-scale recruitment through the TITP and SSW programmes in manufacturing, construction and caregiving.
Phù hợp nhất cho ai
- ✓High-skilled professionals targeting fast-track PR (HSP visa)
- ✓IT engineers, especially at global tech firms in Tokyo
- ✓Specified Skilled Workers across 14 industry sectors
- ✓Caregivers and nurses via SSW and EPA routes
- ✓Manufacturing and construction specialists
🎯 route.recommendedFor: Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) - the most direct route for this corridor based on cost, processing time and long-term prospects.
Available visa pathways
The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is the main professional work visa in Japan. It covers a broad range of white-collar occupations including software engineering, IT, finance, marketing, translation, education, and international business. This is the visa that most foreign professionals in Japan hold, and it is the standard pathway for anyone with a job offer in a knowledge-based or service-oriented role.
Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa uses a points-based system to fast-track talented foreign workers. You score points across categories including academic background, professional experience, annual salary, age, and bonus items like Japanese language ability or graduating from a top-ranked university. You need at least 70 points to qualify, and the real prize is the permanent residence timeline: 70+ points gets you PR eligibility after three years, while 80+ points qualifies you after just one year — the fastest employer-sponsored path to permanent residence anywhere in the world.
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa was created in 2019 to address Japan's acute labor shortages in specific industries. It currently covers 16 designated sectors including food service, hospitality, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, nursing care, shipbuilding, aviation, and automobile maintenance. The visa is divided into two tiers: SSW-1 and SSW-2, with SSW-2 offering significantly better long-term prospects.
💡 route.tipFor: JLPT N4 Japanese is the minimum for SSW - Vietnamese training centres run dedicated preparation courses.
Application timeline for Japan
Employer applies for Certificate of Eligibility
Your employer or a representative submits an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) at the regional immigration bureau in Japan.
1-3 monthsCoE mailed to applicant
Once approved, the CoE is mailed to you (or your employer forwards it). The CoE is valid for 3 months.
1-2 weeksApply for visa at Japanese embassy
Submit your visa application at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate with the CoE, passport, and photos.
5-10 business daysTravel to Japan
Enter Japan on your work visa. Your residence card is issued at the airport.
VariesRegister at local ward office
Register your address at the local ward office (kuyakusho) within 14 days of moving into your residence.
1 dayCommon required documents
Documents commonly required for a Japan work visa for Vietnamese citizens:
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| Item | Amount | In VND |
|---|---|---|
| route.cost.visaFee | ¥4000 | ₫666,667 |
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Hướng dẫn liên quan
Làm việc và sinh sống tại Japan
Các ngành tuyển dụng chính
Japan's demand is concentrated in automotive and electronics manufacturing, IT and gaming, healthcare and elderly care, and construction. The Specified Skilled Worker programme channels foreign workers into 14 designated sectors facing acute labour shortages.
Chi phí sinh hoạt và chất lượng cuộc sống
Tokyo housing is compact and costs ¥80,000-120,000 a month for a one-bedroom, with cities like Osaka and Fukuoka noticeably cheaper. National health insurance is mandatory and affordable, public transport is world-class, and Japan offers exceptional safety and quality of life.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a work visa in Japan?
Processing times range from 4 to 12 weeks.
Can I bring my family on a Japan work visa?
Yes. 3 of 3 visa types allow dependants.
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What are the top industries hiring in Japan?
Japan's demand is concentrated in automotive and electronics manufacturing, IT and gaming, healthcare and elderly care, and construction. The Specified Skilled Worker programme channels foreign workers into 14 designated sectors facing acute labour shortages.