Below are the main visa options and legal methods available for long-term stay in Japan, including examples and links to official sources.

1. Work Visa

One of the most common ways to live in Japan long-term is through a work visa. Japan offers several categories based on job type and qualifications:
•    Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (e.g., IT workers, English teachers, marketers)
•    Skilled Labor (e.g., chefs, construction workers)
•    Intra-Company Transferee (employees sent from a foreign office to a Japan branch)
•    Highly Skilled Professional (a point-based visa for experts like researchers, engineers, and executives)
Example: A Filipino IT professional hired by a Tokyo tech company gets a work visa under the "Engineer/Specialist" category.

🔗 Immigration Services Agency – Work Visa Categories
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2. Student Visa

Those who enroll in Japanese universities, language schools, or vocational institutions can obtain a student visa. These visas can often be converted into a work visa after graduation.
Example: A student from Thailand studies at a Japanese language school in Kyoto, then attends a university, and eventually finds employment in Japan.

🔗 Study in Japan – Official MEXT Website
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3. Spouse or Child of Japanese National

If you're married to a Japanese citizen or are their biological/adopted child, you can live and work in Japan without restrictions through this visa category.
Example: An American woman marries a Japanese man and obtains a spouse visa, which allows her to live and work freely in Japan.

🔗 ISA – Spouse or Child of Japanese National
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4. Permanent Residency

Permanent residency allows you to live and work in Japan without needing to renew your visa. Typically, it requires 10 years of continuous residence, though exceptions exist (e.g., 1–3 years for Highly Skilled Professionals).
Example: A Vietnamese researcher working in Japan under a Highly Skilled Professional visa applies for permanent residency after three years.

🔗 ISA – Permanent Residency Guide
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5. Long-Term Resident Visa (定住者)

This visa is issued to individuals with special circumstances, such as:
•    Descendants of Japanese emigrants (e.g., Nikkei from Brazil or Peru)
•    Foreign spouses or children who don’t qualify for the "spouse" visa
Example: A third-generation Japanese-Peruvian moves to Japan under the long-term resident visa to reconnect with his heritage.

🔗 MOFA – Long-Term Resident Visa
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6. Business Manager Visa

For foreigners who want to start or manage a business in Japan, this visa is available. Requirements include:
•    A physical office in Japan
•    Capital of at least ¥5 million (about USD 35,000)
•    A sound business plan
Example: A Canadian entrepreneur opens a coffee shop in Osaka and receives a Business Manager visa.
 

🔗 JETRO – Setting Up Business in Japan
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7. Dependent Visa

Dependents (spouse or children) of those holding a valid work or student visa can join them in Japan on a Dependent Visa. With permission, they may work part-time.
Example: The wife of a Chinese professor in Tokyo joins him and applies for part-time work permission under her dependent visa.
 

🔗 ISA – Dependent Visa Information
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8. Designated Activities Visa

This visa covers a wide range of specific, pre-approved activities. Common types include:
•    Job-hunting after university
•    Internships
•    Working Holiday
•    Volunteers
•    Domestic workers of diplomats
Example: An Indian student finishing graduate studies in Japan stays for an extra year to find a job under the Designated Activities visa.
 

🔗 ISA – Designated Activities
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9. Refugee or Humanitarian Status

Individuals fleeing conflict or persecution can apply for asylum in Japan, though the acceptance rate is low. Applicants are allowed to stay during the review process.
Example: A political refugee from Syria files for asylum and is granted provisional stay while their case is evaluated.
 

🔗 UNHCR Japan – Asylum in Japan
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10. Working Holiday Visa

This visa is available for citizens aged 18–30 (or 35, depending on the country) from certain countries. It allows part-time work while traveling for up to one year.
Example: An Australian traveler works at a ski resort in Hokkaido while exploring Japan.
 

🔗 MOFA – Working Holiday Program
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Living in Japan long-term is very achievable for non-Japanese residents through work, study, family, or entrepreneurship. Each visa pathway has its own requirements and conditions, so it's essential to research the right fit for your situation. For up-to-date and detailed application procedures, always refer to the official Japanese government websites linked above.
 

If you’re planning to move to Japan, start by identifying which visa category best matches your goals — and build your journey from there. Please contact us at for any assistance.