A flexible residency status tailored to your specific purpose in Japan.
“This activity is necessary in Japan, but it can’t be covered by a standard visa.”
That’s exactly the kind of exception the Specific Activities Visa is designed to handle.
▶️ A highly flexible visa system that grants residence for activities individually approved by the Minister of Justice.
▶️ It includes multiple categories tailored to specific purposes, with new frameworks being added in recent years.
Main Use Cases of the Specific Activities Visa
📌 Post-graduation job hunting period for international students waiting to join a company
📌 Continued residence for child-rearing after divorce or the death of a Japanese spouse
📌 Short-term stays for foreign interns or professional athletes
📌 Bringing elderly parents to Japan, medical stays, academic research, and more
[New in 2023] A New Future-Focused Specific Activities Visa Is Now Available
Within the Specific Activities visa category, these two are currently gaining the most attention👇
J-Find (Japan-Find) Visa [Specific Activities]
✅ [Eligibility] Foreign nationals who graduated from universities or graduate schools outside Japan
✅ [Purpose] To stay in Japan for job hunting or preparing to start a business
✅ [Duration] Up to 2 years of residence permitted
✅ [Activities Allowed] Job hunting, business startup preparation, and internships
✅ [Key Features]
- Work permitted during stay (up to 28 hours per week)
- Family members may accompany the applicant if certain conditions are met
- A visa that fully supports highly educated individuals seeking opportunities in Japan
Recommended for those with strong resumes who are eager to connect with Japanese companies.
J-Skip (Japan-Skip) Visa [Highly Skilled Professional]
✅ [Eligibility] Highly skilled foreign professionals who meet either educational or income criteria
✅ [Purpose] To facilitate the fast-track acceptance of top talent into Japan
✅ [Key Points]
- Educational requirement: Graduates from top overseas universities, etc.
- Income requirement: Minimum income thresholds set, with a focus on proven experience in designated fields
✅ [Benefits]
- Eligible to apply for permanent residency in as little as one year
- Family members can accompany the applicant; spouses can work; domestic helpers may also be brought to Japan
- A special fast-track route within the Highly Skilled Professional visa system that allows applicants to “skip” certain screenings
Perfect for companies looking to hire and activate top-tier global talent immediately.
Even in those moments when you think, “It’s all over…,” it’s not the end—there’s still hope.
The Specific Activities visa is a tool that turns “exceptions” into reality.
By becoming familiar with new programs like J-Find and J-Skip, living and working in Japan becomes a much more attainable goal.
First, tell us about your individual situation.
Our certified immigration specialists will recommend the best possible path for you.