How to Get a Job in Japan from India?

Japan, “the land of the rising sun”, is also a land of opportunities, especially if you are an international professional or a graduate seeking a career abroad. The Japanese government is making significant efforts to spur economic growth and stay competitive in the international market. To achieve this endeavour, they are looking to hire highly skilled professionals, especially from India, to work in various sectors like IT, healthcare, electronics, manufacturing, hospitality, etc.

If you are an aspiring graduate or a working professional from India seeking a career in Japan, now is the right time to make a switch. Let’s get a deep perspective on how Indian professionals and graduates can land their dream job in Japan.

Why Japan is Looking for Foreign Talent, Especially Indians?

Although Japan is the fourth-largest economy in the world, its ageing population and low birth rate are creating severe workforce shortages across most sectors. As per World Bank statistics, Japan’s population is projected to reduce from approximately 126 million in 2020 to around 88 million by 2100 based on the current trends.

To sustain growth and stay competitive on the world stage, Japan has chosen the route of hiring international talent, especially from India, to compensate for manpower shortages and create a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Some of the reasons that are compelling Japan to hire Indian talent to meet their workforce demands include:

• Most Japanese companies believe Indian professionals are best suited to work in most sectors, especially IT & Software Development, Healthcare & Research, Engineering & Robotics, Finance & Business, etc.
• Japan’s culture is similar to India, where discipline, hierarchy, punctuality, loyalty, and stability are valued the most. Japanese believe Indians are a natural fit to embrace Japanese culture and support them in their business endeavours.
• Japan has a strong Indian community presence, making it easier for new talents to feel at home.
• Japanese companies emphasise teamwork and efficiency, and Indian professionals thrive in such an environment.

Understanding the Job Market in Japan

The job market in Japan is experiencing significant growth, with nearly 18 million job vacancies across different sectors. The top 5 cities of Japan with the highest job opportunities include Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Fukuoka, and Nagoya. However, Japanese employers face difficulties in finding the right talent to match the requirements, creating excellent job opportunities for international professionals, especially from India.

Here is a list of high-demand jobs in Japan with approximate average annual CTC:

Japan’s GDP is expected to grow by 6.34% by 2032, creating a great demand for skilled workers, especially from foreign countries like India. The country is planning to welcome 820,000 foreign talents through a skilled worker visa program.

Essential Requirements to Work in Japan

Here are the key requirements that foreign nationals must fulfil to work in Japan:

Here are the key requirements that foreign nationals must fulfil to work in Japan:

What are the Types of Japan Visas?

Japan offers several types of visas based on job type, role, and duration of stay. The time of stay varies from 3 months to 5 years based on the type of permit approved.

1. Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW)

Foreign nationals above the age of 18 are eligible for a Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW) if the job skills are related to the following 16 sectors approved by the Japanese government.

1. Building Cleaning Management
2. Nursing Care
3. Construction Industry
4. Manufacture of Industrial Products
5. Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry
6. Aviation Industry
7. Automobile Repair and Maintenance
8. Accommodation Industry
9. Fishery and Aquaculture Industry
10. Food Service Industry
11. Railway
12. Automobile and Transportation Business
13. Forestry
14. Agriculture
15. Manufacture of Food and Beverages
16. Wood Industry

2. Specified Skills Visa 1-SSV1

This visa is valid for 12 months and can be renewed every 5 years. Foreign nationals working in shipbuilding, agriculture, and nursing fields with Japanese language proficiency and related technical skills are eligible for Specified Skills Visa 1-SSV1.

3. Specified Skills Visa 2-SSV2

Workers already working with Specified Skills Visa 1-SSV1 and who are selected for higher positions can apply for Specified Skills Visa 2-SSV2. Under this visa, workers can bring dependents to Japan.

What is the Eligibility of a Japan Work Visa?

• A valid job offer in Japan is mandatory.
• Japanese language proficiency certificate.
• A passport with at least 3 months’ validity from the time of the trip to Japan.
• No criminal records.
• Received an invitation letter from a licensed Japanese company.
• Have enough financial means to sustain oneself in Japan.
• Clear the medical test.
• Meet the required skills and qualifications.

What are the Requirements for a Japan Work Permit?

• COE (Certificate of Eligibility).
• Completed Visa application.
• Recent passport-size photographs (4cm * 3cm).
• Passport copies.
• Job Offer letter from a Japan-based firm.
• Provide a return mail envelope with a postage stamp JPY 392.
• Resume and Original degree certificate.

What are the Steps to Apply for a Work Visa in Japan?

• Step 1: Choose the visa type based on your eligibility.
• Step 2: Confirm if you are eligible to work in Japan.
• Step 3: Complete the online visa application form by filling in the required details.
• Step 4: Upload your fingerprint and photo.
• Step 5: Pay the required visa processing fees.
• Step 6: Make an appointment home country’s embassy.
• Step 7: Submit the form with all the required documents mandated by the Japanese government.
• Step 8: Attend a visa interview at the specified location.
• Step 9: If you pass the visa interview and document verification is successful, you will get a work visa to Japan.

What is the Importance of Learning the Japanese Language?

While technical skills and qualifications are vital to prosper in any career path, learning the Japanese language can be a differentiator in fast-tracking your career growth in Japan. Here are key reasons that shed light on the importance of learning the Japanese language:

• To work in a top management role, you need to be proficient in the Japanese language and must clear the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) N1 or N2.
• Most daily communication in the workplace is done in the Japanese language, and having proficiency can help you communicate better and build a rapport with colleagues and managers.
• It will help you understand the Japanese work culture and other intricacies in a better way.
• For a better social and personal life, learning Japanese can be extremely useful.

How Our Japanese Language Training Helps You?

ALP Consulting, one of India’s leading HR services and solutions companies, offers end-to-end support for graduate students and job seekers aspiring to build a career in Japan. Here’s how our Japanese language learning and job assistance program works:

1. Internship Opportunity

After completing JLPT N4 and graduation, candidates will receive a 4–6-month internship/apprenticeship offer from ALP in India to gain practical experience.

2. JLPT N3 Training

ALP will help enrolled students prepare for the JLPT N3 exam, enabling them to match the communication standards required for professional roles in Japan.

3. Job Interview Support

Once N3 certification and the internship are completed, ALP facilitates job interviews with our Japanese clients.

4. Advanced Language and Cultural Training

Selected candidates will receive N2-level communication, culture, and client-specific training during the 2–3-month visa processing period from ALP.

5. Visa & Onboarding Support

ALP will provide visa assistance and full onboarding support for selected candidates to facilitate a smooth transition into their new job role and life in Japan.

Why Choose Us for Your Japan Career Journey?

1. Structured Career Pathway

From language training to job placement, our end-to-end program helps job seekers and students prepare thoroughly for a successful career in Japan.

2. Industry-Backed Legacy

As a part of Outsourcing Inc. Japan and Bain Capital, ALP bring global credibility and HR expertise to your career goals.

3. Internship with Real World Exposure

Gain hands-on experience through a 4–6-month internship in India before transitioning to a career in Japan.

4. JLPT-Focused Language Training

Our curriculum supports N4 to N2 level JLPT preparation, helping candidates meet the language requirements for professional roles in Japan.

5. Job Interview Coordination

We connect you with our top Japanese clients and schedule interviews aligned with your skills, certification, and career interests.

6. Visa and Onboarding Assistance

Receive complete assistance for visa processing, cultural preparation, and settling seamlessly into your new role and life in Japan.

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