Japan Expat Forum

fchar
Joined 2018
Posts: 1

5 years ago

"Must currently reside in Japan" vs "Visa sponsorship available"?

5 years ago

Hello,
My name is Farid, I am living in Chile (therefore I'm a native Spanish speaker, but also fluent in English), I am willing to relocate abroad as soon as possible (hopefully in Japan), but I would like to know some information on this particular situation:
I know that in order to get a job in Japan, I must get the COE document and apply for the work visa, sponsored by a Japanese company. However, many of them (at least when I search in GaijinPot) specifies this requirement: "Must currently reside in Japan", but, in the same job posting, it says "Visa sponsorship available".
I understand that many jobs are oriented to people already living in Japan, and not all are available from overseas. Thus, when I see "must currently reside in Japan" I assume that the applicant must be in Japan under a lawful status, living there; but when I see "Visa sponsorship available" I assume that this benefit is exactly what an overseas applicant (i.e. someone not living in Japan) is looking for, so I don't know if I'm missing something here.

I ask this because in some forums I have read that some people choose to visit Japan with a tourist visa, and during this visit, they apply for jobs. It seems that they are doing this because:
- As far as I know (from some expat blog posts) the Japanese companies are used to interview applicants in person rather than use virtual methods (e.g. Skype), so being physically in Japan can increase chances to be hired.
- Technically you are 'residing' in Japan during your application, even if you need a visa sponsorship if hired** (though it's not illegal, this practice may be frowned upon from the Japanese immigration bureau, I guess).

**This sentence can solve my doubt? When a Japanese company says that they are willing to sponsor your work visa and they ask you to reside in Japan, that means that you can apply just if you are physically in Japan (even with a tourist visa at this moment)?

I have a scheduled trip to Japan, so it would be great to know if is actually possible to apply for a job during my stay in Japan (if it's legal). I have found a few job opportunities (in GaijinPot and other places) but probably my options would increase if at some point I can consider these including the "must currently reside in Japan" requirement.

Thanks in advance for any feedback on this!

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Japan Guide

Did you know that washers and dryers are often placed on the balcony or in the kitchen in Japan? Did you know that trains are the best way to travel in Japan? Expats in Japan share their tips for living in Japan.

Japan Forum
Join our Japan forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Japan.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Japan.

Best Places to Live in Japan

If you're considering a move to Japan, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Japan in 2023.

39 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Japan

Expats living in Japan talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Japan and more.

Cost of Living in Japan

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Japan.

Moving to Japan Guide

If you're moving to Japan this is a must-read article highlighting tips from expats in Japan. Topics covered include driver's licenses, healthcare in Japan, international schools and more.

Real Estate in Japan

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Japan.

Pros & Cons of Living in Japan

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Japan.

Retiring in Japan

Advice for people retiring in Japan.

10 Tips for Living in Japan

If you've recently arrived in Japan, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Japan.

Additional Information:

Visit our Japan Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Japan by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Japan.