How can I migrate to Japan as a Chef?

You can migrate to Japan as a chef either through the Skilled Labor (Ginou) status, which generally requires around 10 years of relevant professional experience, or through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) route, which requires passing skill and Japanese language tests along with securing a job offer from a Japanese employer. Chefs from abroad are typically expected to demonstrate expertise in foreign cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, French, or Italian, depending on the visa category. Once you secure a job offer, the Japanese employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) with Japan’s Regional Immigration Services Bureau on your behalf.
 

*Want to work in Japan? Let Y-Axis assist you with the steps.
 

Immigration Pathways in Japan for a Chef

Immigration pathways for chefs in Japan include the Skilled Labor visa (Ginou visa) and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. Chefs migrating with a Skilled Labor Visa will need at least 10 years of work experience, including training and expertise in foreign cuisine. A job offer is mandatory to migrate to Japan as a chef, after which the Japanese employer will obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on your behalf.
 

Skilled Labor Visa (Ginou visa)

The Skilled Labor (Ginou) visa is a suitable immigration pathway for chefs with extensive work experience and expertise in foreign cuisine to migrate to Japan. Chefs can legally work in Japan with a Ginou Visa, valid for 1, 3, or 5 years, which can also be renewed. Experienced chefs specialising in foreign cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Italian, French, or Middle Eastern can also apply for a Skilled Labor Visa, provided they have at least 10 years of proven work experience.

How it works: To apply for a Skilled Labor Visa, chefs must secure a valid job offer in Japan and have at least 10+ years of work experience (combining training and professional work).

Benefits: Foreign chefs can work full-time and receive sponsorship to bring their family to Japan through a Skilled Labor Visa.

Pathway to PR: After 10 years of continuous residence in Japan, which includes at least 5 years on a work-related residence status, foreign chefs can apply for permanent residence. Candidates who qualify under Japan's points-based HSP system may also be eligible for a faster PR pathway, provided they meet the criteria.
 

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Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa is an immigration pathway in Japan that addresses ongoing workforce shortages in industries, including Food Services. Through the SSW visa pathway, qualifying foreign nationals can seek employment in hospitality sectors, including commercial kitchens and restaurants, provided they meet the language and skill requirements. To be eligible for the SSW visa pathway as a chef, you must get a valid job offer, pass the Food Service Skill Proficiency Test, and clear the Japanese language proficiency test (such as JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic). The SSW Type 1 will allow food service workers and chefs to work in Japan for a total of 5 years.

How it works: Chefs must pass the skill assessment test and language proficiency exam, secure a job with a Japanese employer, and apply for a Skilled Worker Visa (SSW).

Benefits: Chefs with intermediate work experience can migrate to Japan through an SSW Visa, which can be fast-tracked to meet high demand in the country's hospitality sectors.

Pathway to PR: You can apply for permanent residence in Japan after residing in the country for 10 continuous years, of which you must spend at least 5 years on a valid work status, while also fulfilling the other eligibility requirements.
 

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Eligibility Criteria for Chefs to Migrate to Japan

To migrate to Japan as a chef via immigration pathways such as the Skilled Labor Visa and SSW Visa, you need to secure a valid job offer, have sufficient work experience, relevant culinary skills, and language proficiency.

The eligibility requirements to migrate to Japan as a chef are as follows:

• Valid job offer from a Japanese employer.
• Employer sponsorship
• Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).
• A minimum of 10 years of prior work experience (For Skilled Labor Visa)
• Clear the Food Service Skill Proficiency Test
• Meet the minimum Japanese language test requirements (such as JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic)
• Proof of expertise in foreign cuisines such as Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian, or Indian.
• Valid passport.

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How to Migrate to Japan as a Chef?

Migrating to Japan as a chef requires you to secure a valid job offer with a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from a Japanese employer. Chefs from abroad must meet the minimum skills, language, and work experience requirements depending on the visa pathway.

The steps to migrate to Japan as a chef are as follows:

Step 1: Check your eligibility for different immigration pathways for chefs in Japan.

Step 2: Select a suitable Japan immigration pathway based on work experience (10+ years mandatory for Skilled Labor Visa), skills, and language proficiency (for SSW).

Step 3: Secure a valid job offer from a Japanese employer in the food service sector.

Step 4: The employer applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau on your behalf.

Step 5: Upon receiving a CoE, submit the visa application at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate, with the required documents, including proof of work experience, a job offer letter, the CoE, and other additional documents.

Step 6: Fly to Japan to work as a chef once you receive a visa approval.

Step 7: Receive a Residence Card after arriving in Japan, which confirms your Status of Residence (SOR).
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
 

 

FAQs

Are chefs in demand in Japan?

Yes, chefs are in high demand in Japan, with a significant skills shortage across the hospitality and food service sectors. Foreign chefs with sufficient work experience (10+ years) and advanced culinary skills can migrate through common immigration pathways, such as the SSW visa or Skilled Labor Visa, to work in cities like Tokyo and Kanagawa, offering competitive salaries and booming job opportunities.

How to migrate to Japan as a chef?

To migrate to Japan as a chef, you need to secure a valid job offer and visa sponsorship with a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from a Japanese employer in the country's culinary sector. Foreign chefs should meet work experience and language proficiency requirements to migrate to Japan.

What are the work visa options for chefs migrating to Japan from India?

The work visa options for chefs migrating to Japan from India include the Skilled Labor Visa and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa, which require a valid job offer and sponsorship from a Japanese employer. Chefs need at least 10 years of professional work experience/training, along with Japanese language proficiency, to migrate to Japan on a work visa.

Is a job offer mandatory for chefs to migrate to Japan?

Yes, a job offer with visa sponsorship is mandatory for chefs to migrate to Japan. You need to have a confirmed job letter with a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and proof of 10 years of work experience from your employer to apply for a work visa in Japan as a chef.

What is the average annual chef salary in Japan?

The average annual chef salary in Japan is around ¥5,172,915, which often includes an additional yearly bonus of approximately ¥ 141,221. The overall salary of foreign chefs in Japan depends on work experience and culinary skills, with senior chefs earning up to ¥6.3 million. Entry-level chefs with intermediate experience can expect a salary of around ¥3.7 million, with an hourly wage of ¥ 2,487.

How much does it cost to relocate to Japan as a chef?

To migrate to Japan as a chef, the estimated relocation cost ranges from around ¥500,000 to over ¥1,000,000. The total relocation cost for a foreign chef migrating to Japan includes visa application fees, travel expenses, initial accommodation, and living expenses for the first few months. Factors affecting the total cost of migrating to Japan as a chef include your city of residence, the type of housing you secure, and whether the employer sponsors your visa.

Which Japanese cities offer the most job opportunities for foreign chefs?

The Japanese cities offering the highest job opportunities for foreign chefs include Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Niseko (Hokkaido). The availability of chef jobs in these cities is driven by high demand for international cuisine and a skills shortage in the regional job market.

What are the language requirements for chefs migrating to Japan?

Chefs migrating to Japan need to have basic to intermediate proficiency in Japanese. To apply for visa options like the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa, you need to pass the JFT-Basic A2 or JLPT N4 test when migrating to Japan as a chef.

What documents are required to migrate to Japan as a chef?

The documents required to migrate to Japan as a chef are as follows:

• Job offer letter/employment contract.
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Proof of work experience (at least 10 years for Skilled Labor Visa).
• Culinary Certificates/Diplomas.
• Valid passport.
• Signed and filled out the visa application form.
• Recent passport-sized photos.

Can I apply for permanent residence in Japan as a chef?

Yes, you can apply for permanent residence in Japan as a chef after completing 10 years of continuous stay and work in the country’s culinary sector. The process of applying for permanent residence in Japan is expedited to 5 years for chefs with specialised experience.