Japan needs more IT workers right now. Companies hire software engineers from other countries to build apps, work on cloud systems, and create AI tools. Most of these jobs come with visa help so you can move and start working legally.
Visa Requirements for Software Engineers in Japan
You need a work visa to take a software job in Japan. The main one is called Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. It fits jobs like writing code or designing systems.
To get it, you need one of these:
- A college degree in computer science or IT.
- 10 years or more of real work in software.
- Pass an official IT test like PhilNITS.
Your new boss files the papers. They get a Certificate of Eligibility from Japan’s immigration office. This takes 1 to 3 months. Then you pick up your visa at a Japanese embassy back home.
Your spouse and kids can come too on a Dependent Visa. Spouses work up to 28 hours a week. First visas last 1 or 3 years. Good jobs let you renew up to 5 years.
You don’t need Japanese for the visa. But knowing some helps with shopping or chats at work. Many companies teach basic Japanese for free.
Key Documents for Visa Application
- Job contract from the company.
- Proof of your degree or work history.
- Passport and photos.
- Letter from your boss saying they’ll sponsor you.
Immigration looks at your skills and the job match. Steady pay and taxes make renewals easy.
Top Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship for Software Roles
Big tech companies in Japan hire foreign software engineers. They use English in teams and help you move. All sponsor visas for good candidates.
Here are the top ones hiring in 2026:
- Rakuten Group, Inc.: Runs online shopping. English is their main language. Jobs in backend code and data work. Offices in Tokyo and Fukuoka. They pay for your move.
- Mercari: Builds the marketplace app. Needs full-stack and mobile coders. All-English teams. Based in Tokyo with work-from-home days.
- LINE Corporation: Makes chat apps and bank tools. Wants AI and cloud experts. Helps switch visas. Tokyo office.
- PayPay: Fintech app with 69 million users. Jobs in backend and system setup. Gives bonuses for learning Japanese.
- ExaWizards: AI startup. Builds smart products. Pays ¥5M to ¥12M. Full visa help.
- Ubie: Health tech company. Software jobs in medical apps. English office.
- Autify: Tests software automatically. QA and code jobs for foreigners.
They want skills in Python, Java, React, and AWS. Most ask for 2 years of experience.
Salary Expectations for Software Engineers in Japan
Software engineers make good money in Japan. Average pay hit ¥5.69 million in 2024. Expect the same or a bit more in 2026. Foreign workers often get higher offers.
| Experience Level | Average Yearly Pay (¥) | About USD |
|---|---|---|
| New (0-2 years) | 3.5M – 5M | $23K – $33K |
| Mid (3-5 years) | 5M – 7M | $33K – $46K |
| Senior (6+ years) | 8M – 12M+ | $53K – $80K+ |
From Glassdoor and TokyoDev data. Tokyo pays 10-20% more than Osaka. You get bonuses worth 1-3 months pay each year.
AI and security skills boost your salary. At Rakuten, foreign engineers average ¥8.5M.
Best Job Platforms for Foreign Software Engineers
Use these websites to find jobs. They list ones with visa help. Apply from anywhere.
Top sites:
- Japan Dev: 300+ tech jobs. Filter for visa and remote. All in English.
- TokyoDev: Just for coders. Has salary tips and visa guides.
- GaijinPot Jobs: For expats. Search “visa sponsorship.”
- YOLO JAPAN: 300,000 users. Helps with IT jobs in English.
- Jobs in Japan: Focus on visas. Full-time and contract work.
- Glassdoor Japan: See reviews and pay. Filter for sponsorship.
- Eight Values: Matches you to company style. Tech only.
Add your GitHub to your profile. Many take apps from overseas.
Application Process for Visa-Sponsored Positions
Search “software engineer Japan visa sponsorship” on job sites. Make your resume Japanese style: add photo and skills list.
Follow these steps:
- Pick jobs that fit your skills.
- Send resume, cover letter, and code samples.
- Do interviews: code tests and talk about your work.
- Get offer. Boss files COE.
- Take COE to embassy for visa.
From offer to first day: 2-4 months. Companies pay for flights and first month’s rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree for Japan software visa?
Yes, or 10 years experience works too.
What skills help get Japan IT jobs?
Python, Java, cloud, and AI top the list.
How long for visa after job offer?
1-3 months once company files papers.
Need Japanese for software jobs?
No for work, but yes for easy daily life.
