Route guide
Direct hire from abroad
Apply to sponsor-friendly companies and move with a job offer.
Who it's for
Degree holders with in-demand skills, IT especially.
- Time to a job
- 2–9 months (uncertain)
- From starting this route to your first job in Japan.
- Visa path
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- The visa you apply for.
- How secure
- Risky
- How likely you can stay if plans change.
- Japanese needed
- None for many IT roles
- N2 for most Japanese companies
- To get in, and to get hired.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree, or 10+ years' relevant experience (3+ for translation/teaching)
- A sponsoring employer (you can't sponsor yourself)
- Since April 15, 2026: N2 (or BJT 400+) for customer-facing or language-heavy roles at smaller companies
Check it on the official site
Timeline
- 1Months 1–6
Apply to 'apply from abroad' roles
Filter job boards for visa sponsorship. About half of foreigner-friendly tech roles still want Japan residents.
- 2After offer
Employer files your COE
Usually 1–3 months.
- 3Month 0
Visa, flights, first month's rent
Budget for 1–2 months of living until the first salary.
Loading costs…
Do's and don'ts
✓ Do
- Set a deadline (3–6 months) and keep a Plan B
- Ask: 'Do you sponsor a COE for overseas candidates?'
- Keep raising your JLPT level
✕ Don't
- Don't apply to 'Japan residents only' ads
- Don't pay anyone for a 'guaranteed job'