Japan N2 Visa and Long-Term Stay Card (CoE) Process v1
1. N2 Visa
1.1 What is N2 Visa
N2 Visa is a type of Japan's "Specified Skills" work visa for workers in specified industries.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Specified Skills Visa (N2) |
| Applicable | 14 specified industries |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
1.2 Specified Skills Industries
| Industry | Description |
|---|---|
| Nursing | Nursing care industry |
| Food Service | Food and beverage services |
| Construction | Construction industry |
| Agriculture | Agriculture |
| Fisheries | Fisheries |
| Food Manufacturing | Food processing |
| Accommodation | Hotel services |
| Machine Parts | Machining |
| Electric & Electronics | Electronics industry |
| Plastic Molding | Plastic molding |
| Cleaning | Environmental services |
| Aviation | Aviation ground services |
| Automobile Maintenance | Automobile repair |
| Shipbuilding | Shipbuilding industry |
2. CoE（Certificate of Eligibility）
2.1 What is CoE
CoE（Certificate of Eligibility）is a required document for long-term study or work in Japan, issued by the Japanese Immigration Services Agency.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Certificate of Eligibility（在留資格認定證明書） |
| Purpose | Required document for applying for a long-term visa |
| Validity Period | 3 months |
2.2 CoE Application Process
[1. Prepare Documents] → [2. Japanese Employer/School Applies]
→ [3. Immigration Review] → [4. CoE Issuance]
→ [5. Collect CoE] → [6. Apply for Visa]
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Prepare Documents | 1-2 weeks |
| Employer/School Application | 1-2 weeks |
| Immigration Review | 1-3 months |
| CoE Issuance | 1 week |
| Total | Approximately 2-3 months |
3. Cost Comparison
3.1 CoE Fees
| Item | Fee (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Free (Paid by employer) |
| Processing Fee | 4,000 (Immigration processing fee) |
| Shipping Fee | Approximately 500 |
3.2 Visa Fees
| Item | Fee (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | 6,000 |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 12,000 |
3.3 Residence Card Fees
| Item | Fee (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Residence Card Issuance | Free |
| Replacement | 2,000 |
| Reissuance | 1,300 |
4. Time Comparison
4.1 CoE Approval Time
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Study | 1-2 months |
| Work | 1-3 months |
| Technical Internship | 2-4 weeks |
4.2 Visa Approval Time
| Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Regular | 5-7 business days |
| Expedited | 1-3 business days |
4.3 Residence Card vs Visa Speed
| Method | Speed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CoE first, then visa | Slower (takes 2-3 months) | Correct procedure |
| Direct residence card | ❌ Not available | Must obtain visa first |
⚠️ Note: You must first obtain CoE → apply for visa → enter the country → then obtain the residence card.
5. Application Materials
5.1 Required Documents for CoE (Work)
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport Copy | Copy |
| Photo | 4x3cm white background |
| Resume | Work experience |
| Employment Contract | Job offer |
| Qualification Certificate | Skills certificate |
| Employer Documents | Company information |
5.2 Required Documents for Visa
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport | Original |
| Visa Application Form | Downloaded from official website |
| CoE | Original |
| Photo | 2 inch white background |
| Household Registration Extract | Obtained locally |
6. Process Overview
6.1 Complete Process
[1. Find Japanese Employer/School] → [2. Employer Applies for CoE]
→ [3. Obtain CoE] → [4. Apply for Visa] → [5. Visa Approved]
→ [6. Enter Japan] → [7. Obtain Residence Card]
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Find Employer | 1-2 months |
| CoE Application | 1-3 months |
| Visa Application | 5-7 days |
| Entry | - |
| Obtain Residence Card | Same day/1 week after entry |
| Total Duration | Approximately 3-6 months |
7. Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
7.1 What is the Residence Card
Residence Card is the legal identification document for foreign nationals in Japan, replacing the old "Alien Registration Card."
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Residence Card |
| Purpose | Identification, customs clearance |
| Validity Period | Based on visa duration |
7.2 Uses of the Residence Card
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Identification | Legal identity |
| Bank Account Opening | Financial services |
| Rental Housing | Rental proof |
| Employment | Employment verification |
| Medical Care | Medical services |
Sources / Related Verification
The information in this article is compiled from internal FactcheckDocs (JP_datatable_N2簽證CoE流程_v1.md), referencing publicly available official data from the JP region and industry documents. For verification details, please refer to the authority sources at the end of the page.
TW_datatable_外國人居留證_v1encyclopedia-ops
Japan Key Data
Japan 2023: 25.06M inbound, JPY 5.3T tourism, JPY 12.6T ag & fisheries.
| Indicator | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Inbound | 25.06M | JNTO |
| Ag & Fish | JPY 12.6T | MAFF |
| Tourism | JPY 5.3T | MLIT |
