Nursing Care Visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Nursing Care Visa (介護)
Stay Length	1, 3, or 5 years
Visa Cost	15,000 JPY (single entry)
COE Cost	Free
Exam Cost	Approx. 18,380 JPY
Eligibility Timing	After obtaining Certified Care Worker qualification
Work Rights	Restricted to Certified Care Worker duties
Study Rights	Not stated in the source
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel Facility	Not stated in the source
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Permanent Residency	Possible after 10 years
Family Sponsorship	Spouse and children eligible (Dependent visa)
Visa Record	Residence Status (Zairyu Shikaku)

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Purpose

The Nursing Care visa allows foreign nationals holding Japan's national Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushishi / 介護福祉士) qualification to work as professional caregivers at Japanese nursing homes, care facilities, or in-home care providers.

Eligibility Requirements

• Possession of the Japanese Certified Care Worker qualification (Kaigo Fukushishi registration certificate).
• A valid employment contract with a recognized, licensed care facility, nursing home, or in-home care provider in Japan.
• Sufficient Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N4 or above recommended; N3 or above preferred by employers; notices cite requirements up to JLPT N2).
• A clean background with no criminal record.
• A valid passport.

Stay and Extension

• Granted Periods: 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years (single residence period up to 5 years).
• Renewability: Renewable indefinitely every 1 to 5 years, provided the holder continuously retains the qualification and remains employed at a care facility.
• Pathways: Offers a pathway to apply for Permanent Residence after 10 years.

Fees and Processing

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application: Free.
• Visa Sticker Issuance Fee: 15,000 JPY (single entry, effective from 2026-07-01).
• National Examination Fee: Approximately 18,380 JPY.
• Overall Processing Time: 1–3 months.
• Average Review Times (as of June 2026):
  • COE (Overseas): 27.5 days (30-month average: 53.1 days).
  • Change of Status (in Japan): 26.6 days (30-month average: 38.2 days).
  • Renewal / Extension: 29.2 days (30-month average: 30.3 days).

Rights, Conditions, and Family Provisions

• Work Scope: Restricted strictly to Certified Care Worker duties.
• Dependents: Main visa holders may sponsor their spouse and minor children under a Dependent (Family Stay) visa.
• Distinction from Specified Skilled Worker (SSW): Unlike the SSW Type 1 visa (which only requires a skills evaluation test and basic Japanese), the Nursing Care visa requires full national Kaigo Fukushishi certification.

Required Documents

• Valid passport.
• Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Certificate of Certified Care Worker qualification (介護福祉士登録証).
• Employment contract from the Japanese care facility.
• Care facility's registration documents and accreditation information.
• Proof of Japanese language ability (JLPT certificate or equivalent).
• Resume / CV outlining care work training and experience.

Application Steps

1. Obtain Qualification

Obtain the Kaigo Fukushishi credential via a training course in Japan (e.g., student visa route to a 3-year care training facility followed by the national exam) or through bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) pathways (available for Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam).

2. Secure Employment

Sign an employment contract with an accredited Japanese care facility.

3. Apply for the COE

The employer or Japan-side sponsor submits the COE application to the regional Immigration Bureau.

4. Visa Issuance

Once the COE is issued, submit it alongside required documents to a Japanese Embassy or Consulate overseas to receive the visa sticker. (If already in Japan, apply for a Change of Residence Status at the regional Immigration Bureau).

5. Arrival and Registration

Enter Japan and register your residential address at the local municipality within 14 days before starting work.

Important Notices

• Applicants must pass Japan's national Certified Care Worker examination to qualify.
• Language proficiency requirements are high due to the necessity of reading medical records and coordinating care (employers generally look for JLPT N3–N2 levels).
• Graduates of recognized Japanese care worker training facilities may be subject to transitional period arrangements.

Official Resources

• Immigration Services Agency Official Page