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Instructor (教育)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

45,000 JPY

Stay Duration

3 months to 5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Instructor (教育) visa covers foreign nationals teaching at School Education Act schools in Japan — elementary, junior high, high, and special-needs schools, and certain vocational colleges. Applicants need a bachelor's degree or teacher's licence, or 12 years in the subject language, or 5 years' teaching experience.

Stays of 3 months, 1, 3, or 5 years are granted and renewable. Dependents can accompany; spouses may work up to 28 hours per week with a separate permit. Permanent residence becomes available after 10 years. Fees are ¥15,000 (single-entry) or ¥30,000 (multiple-entry) since April 2026.

This visa is ideal for qualified teachers or language instructors with a job offer from a Japanese school who want a renewable, long-term work status with family accompaniment options.

Fee Breakdown

Single-entry visa	15,000 JPY
Multiple-entry visa	30,000 JPY

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Japan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing4-6 months

View Visa Details

Japan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years

Processing14-28 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have a job offer from a Japanese educational institution (e.g., elementary, junior high, high school, vocational school).

Must engage in language instruction or other educational activities.

Must possess a university degree (bachelor's or higher) or equivalent, OR a teacher's license for the subject.

For foreign language instruction without a degree/license, must have 12 years or more of education in that foreign language.

For other subjects without a degree/license, must have 5 years or more of teaching experience in that subject.

Must be sponsored by a Japanese employer who acts as a guarantor.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support oneself during the stay.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Visa application form.

Passport-sized photograph.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Employment contract or letter of appointment.

Academic and professional CV.

Proof of qualifications (e.g., university degree, teaching certificates).

Additional documents may be required based on nationality or specific school requirements.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for long-term residency in Japan.
Provides a stable path for professional development in the Japanese education sector.
Eligible for renewal of stay.
Allows for family accompaniment (spouse and children) under the Dependent visa status.

Worth Knowing

Visa is tied to the specific employer; changing jobs requires a new visa or change of status.
Strict requirements regarding the type of educational institution.
Processing times can vary; applying early is recommended.
Must adhere to the specific activities permitted under the visa.

Application Process

Secure a job offer from a Japanese educational institution.

Employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at a regional immigration office in Japan.

Once the COE is issued, the employer sends it to the applicant.

Applicant applies for the visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate using the COE, passport, and application forms.

Visa is issued; applicant travels to Japan and receives the Residence Card upon arrival.

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Secure a job offer from a Japanese educational institution.; Employer applies for a Certificate of E…	moj.go.jp
Dependent Visa	Yes, dependents can accompany	jetro.go.jp
Fee Breakdown	Single-entry visa: 15000 JPY; Multiple-entry visa: 30000 JPY	mofa.go.jp
Fees	¥15,000 for single-entry, ¥30,000 for multiple-entry (effective April 1, 2026; varies by nationality…	mofa.go.jp
Forms	—	moj.go.jp
Included Nationalities	—	moj.go.jp
Job Offer Required	true	moj.go.jp
Application Portal	https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/online/onlineshinsei.html	moj.go.jp

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Overview

This visa is ideal for qualified teachers or language instructors with a job offer from a Japanese school who want a renewable, long-term work status with family accompaniment options.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have a job offer from a Japanese educational institution (e.g., elementary, junior high, high school, vocational school).

Must engage in language instruction or other educational activities.

Must possess a university degree (bachelor's or higher) or equivalent, OR a teacher's license for the subject.

For foreign language instruction without a degree/license, must have 12 years or more of education in that foreign language.

For other subjects without a degree/license, must have 5 years or more of teaching experience in that subject.

Must be sponsored by a Japanese employer who acts as a guarantor.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support oneself during the stay.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Visa application form.

Passport-sized photograph.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Employment contract or letter of appointment.

Academic and professional CV.

Proof of qualifications (e.g., university degree, teaching certificates).

Additional documents may be required based on nationality or specific school requirements.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for long-term residency in Japan.
Provides a stable path for professional development in the Japanese education sector.
Eligible for renewal of stay.
Allows for family accompaniment (spouse and children) under the Dependent visa status.

Worth Knowing

Visa is tied to the specific employer; changing jobs requires a new visa or change of status.
Strict requirements regarding the type of educational institution.
Processing times can vary; applying early is recommended.
Must adhere to the specific activities permitted under the visa.

Application Process