Yes, a Japan work visa can be converted to a permanent resident visa provided you fulfil the eligibility requirements for it. To be able to qualify for PR with a Japan work visa, you must meet the 10-year residency requirements in Japan, reside in the country on a valid work visa for at least 5 years out of the 10 years, amongst other criteria. There are, however, exceptions to this rule, wherein highly skilled individuals can apply for a Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa in Japan, which grants them fast-tracked permanent residency in just 1-3 years, depending on their points in the points-based system.

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What are the eligibility criteria to convert a Japan work visa to a permanent resident visa?

To qualify for a PR status in Japan on a work visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as a minimum residency requirement, having a valid full-time work visa for a minimum of 5 years, including other criteria such as maintaining good conduct, having sufficient funds, and meeting the legal requirements for a PR visa in Japan.

The eligibility criteria to convert a Japan work visa to a permanent resident visa are as follows:  

• Continuous residency: You must have lived in Japan for at least 10 continuous years
• Valid work visa: You must reside in Japan on a valid work visa for a minimum of 5 out of the 10 years.
• Criminal record: You must not have a criminal history or a criminal record
• Good conduct: You must maintain good conduct throughout, including not having any unpaid insurance or taxes, and no traffic violations
• Sufficient funds: You must have enough funds or financial resources to support your stay in Japan, which can be demonstrated through tax records or proof of a stable income.
• Current visa status: Your current visa must have a valid residence status of at least 3 or 5 years.

There are certain exceptions to the above-listed eligibility criteria to convert your Japan work visa to a PR. The exceptions include qualifying for a Japan PR visa through the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) or if you are married to a Japanese national. The Japan HSP visa allows highly skilled professionals to apply for a PR visa in just 1-3 years, depending on the points scored in the points-based system.

• Apply for PR through Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa: You can apply for a Japan PR visa in 1 year if you score 80+ points, or in 3 years if you score 70+ points through the points-based system. The point-based system for the Japan HSP visa assesses candidates based on factors such as age, education, minimum salary, and work experience.
• Applying as a spouse of a Japanese national: You can qualify for a faster permanent residence if you have been living in Japan for a minimum of 3 years as a spouse of a Japanese national or PR holder.
   

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Steps to convert a Japan work visa to a PR

To successfully convert a work visa in Japan to a PR visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, arrange the documents required, and submit the application at the nearest Immigration Services Agency office.

 

Here is a quick 5-step process for converting your Japan work visa to a permanent resident visa:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible for PR in Japan

Step 2: If yes, arrange the following documents:

• A valid PR application form
• An original and valid passport
• A copy of the latest passport-sized photograph (in the last 3 months)
• A residence certificate (Juminhyo)
• Proof of income (tax records, payslips, or employment certificates)
• Guarantor certificate (if required)

Step 3: Submit the PR application

Step 4: Await the application status

Step 5: Upon approval, you will be notified and can convert your Japan residence card to a PR card  
 

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High-Paying and In-Demand Jobs in Japan

The most in-demand and high-paying jobs in Japan over the next 10 years are likely to be found in the IT, engineering, healthcare, finance and accounting, and education sectors. Japan is renowned as one of the safest countries in the world, boasting a high standard of living, well-maintained public transportation, and a comprehensive universal healthcare system. Job roles expected to be in demand in Japan over the next 10 years include software developers, IT professionals, data analysts, nurses, digital marketing specialists, English language teachers, and Investment Banking Analysts. The aging population and increased workforce shortages are among the major reasons why Japan is seeking skilled foreign workers. The country is reputed as one of the major global economies, offering numerous job openings, competitive salaries, job stability, and various allowances provided by most Japanese companies, making it one of the ideal countries to work abroad.

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In-demand jobs in Japan and their average salaries

Some of the jobs currently in demand in Japan include those in the healthcare, IT, accounting and finance, and engineering sectors.

The table below has the list of top-paying jobs in Japan along with the average salary offered for each:

Occupation	Average annual salary
IT and Software	8,045,000 円
Engineering	5,219,400 円
Accounting and Finance	6,500,000 円
Human Resource Management	4,491,233 円
Hospitality	2,535,000 円
Sales and Marketing	6,619,571 円
Healthcare	2,404,238 円
Teaching	3,480,000 円

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In-demand jobs in Japan for the next 10 years

Japan currently has over 800,000 job vacancies across major industrial sectors, with an average annual salary of ¥4.6 million to ¥6.2 million (approximately USD 29,000 to USD 42,000). The exact salary may vary depending on the job role, industry, and location for which you are applying. According to reports, Japan needs around 1 million foreign working professionals by 2040, with a high focus on sectors like healthcare, IT, and construction. Japan plans to invite 820,000 skilled professionals under the skilled worker visa program over the next 5 years.

The table below has complete details of job roles that are expected to be in demand in Japan over the next 10 years:

Sector	Job role
Technology and IT	Software Developers
	IT and AI Specialists
	Data Platform Engineer
	Software Engineer
	Data Scientists
	Computer and Information Systems Managers
Healthcare	Doctors
	Surgeons (neurology, paediatrics, and gynaecology)
	Nurses
	Medical and Health Services Managers
Green Technology & Sustainability	Renewable Energy Project Manager
	Green Construction Engineer
	ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) Consultant
Construction, Infrastructure & Logistics	Site Manager (Large Projects)
	Logistics Coordinator/Manager
	Heavy Vehicle/Transport Supervisor
Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing	Industrial Automation Engineer
	Robotics Systems Architect
	Quality/Process Improvement Engineer
Digital Communications & Global Business	Multilingual HR Business Partner
	Global Talent Acquisition Specialist
	International Sales & Business Development Lead
Language and education	English teachers
	Japanese translators/interpreters

Read more…

Japan Job Market 2025-26
 

How to apply for a job in Japan from India?

To get a job in Japan from India, you must create a CV that aligns with Japanese standards, obtain a job offer from a Japanese employer, and then start the work visa application process, provided you secure a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Japanese company.

Here is a step-by-step process to apply for a job in Japan from India:

Step 1: Get a job offer from a registered Japanese employer/company

Step 2: Receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Step 3: Apply for a Japan work visa that best aligns with your profile and purpose

Step 4: Attend the visa interview (if required)

Step 5: Await a decision on your Japan work visa
 

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FAQs

What are the most in-demand jobs in Japan for the next 10 years?

The most in-demand jobs in Japan for the next 10 years will be in the IT, healthcare, engineering, green technology, and education sectors. The table below has complete details of the high-demand job roles in Japan over the next 10 years:

Sector	Job role
Technology and IT	Software Developers
	IT and AI Specialists
	Data Platform Engineer
	Software Engineer
	Data Scientists
	Computer and Information Systems Managers
Healthcare	Doctors
	Surgeons (neurology, paediatrics, and gynaecology)
	Nurses
	Medical and Health Services Managers
Green Technology & Sustainability	Renewable Energy Project Manager
	Green Construction Engineer
	ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) Consultant
Construction, Infrastructure & Logistics	Site Manager (Large Projects)
	Logistics Coordinator/Manager
	Heavy Vehicle/Transport Supervisor
Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing	Industrial Automation Engineer
	Robotics Systems Architect
	Quality/Process Improvement Engineer
Digital Communications & Global Business	Multilingual HR Business Partner
	Global Talent Acquisition Specialist
	International Sales & Business Development Lead
Language and education	English teachers
	Japanese translators/interpreters

Which industries in Japan are expected to have the highest job growth by 2035?

Industries expected to experience the highest job growth by 2035 include Information Technology (IT) and Technology, Healthcare and Caregiving, Construction and Infrastructure, Robotics and Automation, Machinery and Manufacturing, Clean Energy, and Hospitality and Tourism. The aging population and rapidly growing technological advancements are the primary factors driving the highest job growth in Japan by 2035.

Why does Japan need more skilled foreign workers in the coming decade?

Japan will seek more skilled foreign workers in the coming decade due to its declining growth rate and aging population, which is directly leading to shortages in both skilled and labor workforces. The increase in such conditions would impact the country’s fiscal stability and economic growth. To overcome this, Japan is focusing more on skilled foreign workers, which can improve productivity, promote tax revenue, and contribute to the country’s social security.

What are the top sectors hiring foreign professionals in Japan?

The top sectors hiring foreign professionals in Japan include:

• IT and technology
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Hospitality and tourism
• Education
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Finance and banking
• Language services

Are IT and tech jobs in high demand in Japan?

Yes, IT and tech jobs are in high demand in Japan, primarily due to the shortage of a talented and skilled workforce. Software development, Cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI are among the most sought-after IT jobs in Japan. The country plans to invite nearly 820,000 skilled professionals over the next five years, aiming to have around 1 million skilled workers by the end of 2040. Japan is actively seeking skilled foreign professionals to meet labor market requirements and address labor shortages.

How is Japan’s aging population influencing job demand?

Japan’s aging population is one of the main factors leading to labor shortages and workforce requirements across major sectors, such as eldercare, healthcare, and construction. The lack of young working talent has also led to a dependency on AI and automation to maintain the workforce rates in the country. Some of the ways Japan’s aging population has led to job demand are as follows:

• Increased labor shortages
• More dependency on AI and automation
• Huge demand within the eldercare and healthcare sectors
• Increased opportunities in the construction sector
• More work opportunities for foreign workers through visa pathways such as "Specified Skilled Worker" (SSW)
• Major changes in the workforce demographic trends

What are the skill shortages Japan aims to fill by 2035?

Japan aims to fill skill shortages in the nursing, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, construction, and IT sectors by inviting skilled foreign workers. Some of the most in-demand skills that will be sought after in Japan, over the next few years, include data science, sustainability expertise, engineering, automation and AI, cybersecurity, and IT.

Sector	Skills
Technology and IT	IT, Engineering, Data science, AI, Machine learning, Cybersecurity
Industry and Construction	Construction, Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Automobile repair
Healthcare and Social Care	Nursing, Nursing care

What are the most in-demand jobs in Japan for Indian professionals?

The most in-demand jobs in Japan for Indian professionals are in the IT, healthcare, and engineering sectors, with more opportunities for roles such as software developers, nurses, mechanical engineers, and AI specialists. Some of the other in-demand sectors in Japan for Indians include hospitality, education, marketing, and finance.

What qualifications or skills increase employment chances in Japan?

Here are some of the qualifications and skills that can increase your employment chances in Japan:

Skills type	Skills Required
Language and cultural skills	Japanese Proficiency, Bilingual Communication, Cultural Understanding
In-demand technical skills	Engineering and IT, Data Science, Teaching, Medicine and Healthcare, Hospitality and Tourism, Skilled Trades
Important qualifications	Education, Work Experience, Leadership, Soft Skills

How does Japan’s labor shortage create opportunities for foreign workers?

The labor shortages in Japan create more opportunities for foreign workers by enforcing new immigration rules and policies, as well as increased openness among companies to recruit overseas professionals. Sectors such as hospitality, construction, and care work are currently the most in demand in Japan. The government has also introduced new visa pathways such as the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, which provides long-term residency benefits for qualifying workers.