Japan

Japan Work Visa (COE)

For long-term employment, a COE and employer package are often required.

About visa

The Japan Employment Eligibility Certificate (COE) is intended for Georgian citizens who have a job offer in Japan and wish to live and work in the country for a long period of time. This visa is a critical step for those starting a career or transferring to a Japanese company.

A key element of the application process is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) . This document certifies in advance that the applicant meets the requirements of Japanese immigration law for a specific job category. The COE is usually obtained by the employer in Japan, on behalf of the applicant, from the Japanese Immigration Service. Without a COE, it is almost impossible to obtain a Japanese work visa (COE), as it is the main evidence of your work purpose and the legality of your employment.

This visa is intended for those traveling to Japan under a specific employment contract, highly qualified specialists, engineers, teachers, IT professionals, and other categories of workers who meet the criteria set by Japan. If your purpose is a short-term business visit, you should consider a Japan Business Visa (Temporary Visitor) . Also, if you are traveling for tourism purposes, then a Japan Short-Term Visa (Temporary Visitor) will be appropriate. For family members accompanying a work visa holder, there is a Japan Family Visa (Dependent) .

The validity of a Japanese work visa (COE) depends on the length of the employment contract and can be 1, 3 or 5 years, with the possibility of renewal. Unlike Canadian or Australian work visas, which often require a direct application to the immigration office, obtaining a COE in Japan significantly simplifies the visa processing process at the embassy, because the legality of your employment has already been confirmed. This reduces the time it takes to make a final decision at the embassy level.

Under this visa, you are allowed to work for the company and in the position specified in your COE. Any change in employment or position requires notification to the Immigration Service and possibly a new permit. GetVisa offers full support within the scope of visa services to ensure the accuracy and completeness of your application, especially for the subsequent stages of obtaining a COE.

COE: 1-3 months; Visa: 5-10 business days

75 GEL

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport: An original passport that is valid for the entire period of stay in Japan and has at least two blank pages for visa affixing.

Visa Application Form: A fully completed and signed application form. Available on the Japanese Embassy website.

Passport-sized photos: Two recent, colored, passport-sized photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), with a white background.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Original and copy. This is the most important document that proves your employment and purpose of stay in Japan.

💰Financial Documents

Employment contract: A formal employment contract signed with a Japanese company, specifying the position, salary, working conditions, and duration.

🛡️Civil and Security Documents

Educational documents: diplomas, certificates, and transcripts that prove your qualifications for the proposed job.

Work experience documents: References or recommendations from previous employers that confirm your relevant work experience.

Police certificate: Certificate of no criminal record from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

🏥Medical and Technical Requirements

Travel insurance: Medical insurance that covers the period of stay in Japan.

📋Other Documents

Employer company information: Company registration documents and an invitation letter confirming your employment.

Note: This is a general list of requirements. Specific documentation may vary depending on your job category and individual circumstances. Always check the official website of the Japanese Embassy for the latest information.

Application Process

Accepting a job offer and applying for a COE

First, you need to receive an official job offer from a Japanese company. After that, your employer will submit an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Japanese Immigration Service.

Receiving a COE

After the application is reviewed and approved by the Immigration Service, the COE will be sent to your employer in Japan, who will then forward it to you.

Collecting the necessary documents

After receiving your COE, gather all the necessary documents for your Japan work visa (COE) application, including a valid passport, application form, photos, and other supporting documents.

Filling out the visa application form

Fill out the Japan visa application form accurately and completely. Make sure that all information matches what is on your COE and other documents.

Payment of consular fee

Pay the Japanese Work Visa (COE) Consular Fee. The amount and payment methods should be checked on the website of the Japanese Embassy in Georgia.

Submitting an application to the embassy

Submit your complete application package, along with the original COE, to the Embassy of Japan in Georgia. Advance registration may be required.

Getting a visa

After your application is processed, if your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport. The visa will be affixed to your passport.

Important Tips & Advice

COE Accuracy: Make sure that all information provided in your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is accurate and up-to-date. Any inaccuracies may result in the delay or rejection of your Japan Work Visa (COE) application.

Completeness of documentation: Gather all required documents in a complete manner. An incomplete application is one of the most common reasons for rejection. GetVisa will assist you in preparing and reviewing your documents.

Financial Stability: While a COE proves employment, supporting documents (if requested) to prove your financial stability always strengthens your application. Similar to a Canadian visa, financial transparency is important in Japan.

Travel history: If you have a strong travel history, especially in developed countries, this will have a positive impact on your application. Similar to the Australian visa, Japan also assesses the credibility of the applicant.

Coordination with your employer: Work closely with your Japanese employer during the COE application process and ensure that all necessary information is provided in a timely manner.

Processing Fees

Consular fee (single entry)

Consular fee for Japanese Work Visa (COE) application for Georgian citizens. Please note that official rates are subject to change and should be checked on the Japanese Embassy website.

75 GEL

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and why is it important?

A COE is a document issued by the Japanese Immigration Service that pre-certifies that the applicant meets the requirements for a long-term stay in Japan. It is critically important for obtaining a Japanese work visa (COE) as the embassy uses it to process your application.

How long does it take to get a Japanese work visa (COE)?

It may take 1 to 3 months to receive a COE, depending on the workload of the immigration office. Once the COE is received, it usually takes 5-10 business days for the visa to be processed at the Japanese Embassy.

Can I bring family members to Japan on a work visa?

Yes, holders of a Japanese Work Visa (COE) can bring their family members (spouse and children). They will need to apply for a separate Japanese Family Visa (Dependent) based on the relevant COE.

Is an interview required to obtain a Japanese work visa?

As a rule, an interview is not required for applicants with a COE. However, the embassy may request an interview in specific cases. Unlike the US visa , interviews are less common in the case of Japan.

Can I change my work visa category while in Japan?

Yes, it is possible to change your visa status while in Japan if you meet the requirements for a different category. For example, changing to a student visa or changing to a different work category. You must apply to your local immigration office for this.

Japan Visa Types

Explore other visa options that might suit your needs

Japan Short-Term Visa (Temporary Visitor)

Japan Business Visa (Temporary Visitor)

Japan transit visa

Japan Student Visa (Student)

Japan Family Visa (Dependent)