Moving to Japan Is Not as Hard as You Think

3. Volunteer Visa
Attention citizens from the United Kingdom!

Under a bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom and Japan, the “Volunteer Visa Scheme” makes it possible for UK citizens to volunteer in Japan for up to one year. Individuals on the Volunteer visa may volunteer in Japan for up to one year and must work for a registered charitable organization providing services to the public (such as The Red Cross). In addition, those on a Volunteer Visa may not receive payment for their work or bring children or spouses with them to Japan.

4.Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visas.
Some companies in Japan that hire people from abroad to work as Assistant Language Teachers in Japanese public schools will put new hires on what is known as an “Instructor’s Visa”. This visa is restricted to Japanese public schools. By its definition, the “Instructor’s Visa” does not allow someone working with it in Japan to work in as many capacities/types of companies as someone would be on a “Specialist in Humanities/International Services.” This makes it harder to transfer to non-teaching companies on the “Instructor Visa.” It is possible to get this visa changed by a new employer, but it may take longer starting out on the “Instructor’s Visa.”

Something important to note about working visas in Japan is that your visa belongs to you in Japan once you receive it. Those who teach in certain other countries, such as South Korea, for example, are no in control of their own visas. If you cut your contract early with the public school or conversation schools in these countries, you will have to leave the country and cannot switch companies on the same visa. In Japan, as long as you still have time left on your visa, you can switch to working with a different company on the same visa while continuing to stay in Japan.

There are other ways to stay in Japan. Please feel free to ask any questions.


Koji Kitada. Licensed real estate agent.