Japan N2 Visa and Long-term Stay Card (CoE) Process v1
1. N2 Visa
1.1 What is the N2 Visa
The N2 Visa is a Japanese 'Specified Skills' work visa, applicable to workers in specified industries.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Specified Skills Visa (N2) |
| Applicable to | 14 specified industries |
| Duration | Maximum of 5 years |
1.2 Specified Skills Industries
| Industry | Description |
|---|---|
| Care | Care sector |
| Hospitality | Catering services |
| Construction | Construction industry |
| Agriculture | Agriculture |
| Fishing | Fishing industry |
| Food Manufacturing | Food processing |
| Accommodation | Hotel services |
| Machinery Parts | Machining |
| Electrical and Electronics | Electronics industry |
| Plastics and Moulding | td>Plastics moulding|
| Cleaning | Environmental services |
| Aviation | Aviation ground services |
| Automotive Repair | Vehicle maintenance |
| Shipbuilding | Shipbuilding industry |
2. CoE (Certificate of Eligibility)
2.1 What is CoE
CoE (Certificate of Eligibility) is an essential document for long-term study/work in Japan, issued by the Japanese Immigration Services Agency.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Full form | Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) |
| Purpose | Required document for long-term visa application |
| Validity period | 3 months |
2.2 CoE Application Process
[1. Prepare documents] → [2. Japanese employer/school application]
→ [3. Immigration screening] → [4. CoE issuance]
→ [5. Collect CoE] → [6. Apply for visa]
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Prepare documents | 1-2 weeks |
| Employer/school application | 1-2 weeks |
| Immigration screening | 1-3 months |
| CoE issuance | 1 week |
| Total period | 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) |
| Postage | approx. 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 |
| Re-issuance | 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 Processing Time
| Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | 5-7 working days |
| Express | 1-3 working days |
4.3 Residence Card vs Visa Speed
| Method | Speed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CoE first, then visa | Slower (takes 2-3 months) | Correct process |
| Direct Residence Card | ❌ Not possible | Must obtain visa first |
⚠️ Note: Must obtain CoE first → Apply for visa → Enter country → Then obtain Residence Card.
5. Application Materials
5.1 CoE Required Documents (Work)
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport copy | Copy |
| Photo | 4x3cm white background |
| Resume | Work experience |
| Employment contract | Job offer |
| Qualification certificate | Skill certificate |
| Employer documents | Company information |
5.2 Visa Required Documents
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport | Original |
| Visa application form | Downloaded from official website |
| CoE | Original |
| Photo | 2 inch white background |
| Family 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. Collect Residence Card]
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Find Employer | 1-2 months |
| CoE Application | 1-3 months |
| Visa Application | 5-7 days |
| Entry | - |
| Collect Residence Card | Same day/1 week |
| Total Duration | Approximately 3-6 months |
7. Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
7.1 What is a Residence Card
Residence Card is a legal identity document for foreigners in Japan, replacing the former "Alien Registration Card".
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Residence Card (Zairyu Card) |
| Purpose | Identity verification, customs entry/exit |
| Validity Period | According to visa period |
7.2 Uses of the Residence Card
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Identity Verification | Legal identity |
| Bank Account Opening | Financial services |
| Housing verification | |
| Employment | Employment proof |
| Medical Services | Healthcare access |
Source / Related Verification
The information in this article is compiled from the internal FactcheckDocs (JP_datatable_N2簽證CoE流程_v1.md), with reference to JP region publicly available official data 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 |
