Japan Visas

Visa options, requirements, and timelines for Canadian professionals moving to Japan.

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa

A points-based visa for professionals in academia, business, or research. Points are awarded for salary, age, education, and Japanese ability. Scoring 70+ points grants the visa; 80+ points enables permanent residency application after just 1 year.

Requirements

•70+ points on the HSP points system (salary, education, age, experience weighted)
•Job offer or contract with a Japanese organization
•Bachelor's degree or higher (additional points for top universities)
•Higher salary = more points (300K yen/month+ recommended)

Processing Time:2–4 weeks processing (priority handling)

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa

The most common work visa for foreign professionals. Covers IT engineers, translators, designers, business consultants, and similar knowledge workers.

Requirements

•Job offer from a Japanese employer
•University degree or 10+ years of relevant professional experience
•The role must match your educational background or experience
•Employer must be a registered sponsor (most companies qualify)

Processing Time:4–8 weeks processing

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa

Created in 2019 for workers in shortage sectors including nursing care, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Type 1 allows up to 5 years; Type 2 (construction, shipbuilding, and expanded sectors) allows indefinite renewal and family sponsorship.

Requirements

•Pass the sector-specific skills exam
•Pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N4 or higher)
•Job offer from a registered employer in an eligible sector
•No degree required — skills and language ability are key

Processing Time:4–8 weeks processing

Tax Overview

Tax implications for Japan

Income Tax Rate

5% on first 1.95M -> 45% above 40M (plus 10% flat resident tax)

Japan has progressive income taxes ranging from 5% to 45%, plus a flat 10% resident tax (prefectural + municipal). Total effective rates are comparable to Canada. Social insurance contributions cover excellent healthcare and pension. Japan and Canada have a tax treaty and a social security agreement, allowing pension contribution transfers.

✓Progressive national income tax from 5% to 45%
✓Flat 10% resident tax (approximately) on top of income tax
✓Social insurance: ~15% of salary (split with employer) covers health, pension, employment insurance
✓Canada-Japan tax treaty avoids double taxation
✓Canada-Japan Social Security Agreement allows pension credit transfer
✓Must file Canadian departure return when leaving Canada

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