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Skilled Labor visa (技能): chefs of foreign cuisine and other trades

A work status for chefs of foreign cuisine and other trades that take years of practice. No diploma is needed — proven experience is: 10 years for a chef. Which certificates to collect, how the application works and how your family can join you.

Forms and documents

All work visas

Checked against the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on 7 October 2026

Chef’s experience10 years incl. study

Thai chefs (EPA)5 years + certificate

Period of stay5 y · 3 y · 1 y · 3 months

FamilyYes — Dependent visa

Who qualifies

Chefs and other skilled trades

Skilled Labor (技能) is granted for a skill built over years of practice. The job in Japan must need exactly that skill, and under the landing criteria (上陸基準省令) the pay must be at least what a Japanese employee gets for the same work.

The main group

Chef of a foreign cuisine

  • You cook a cuisine that comes from abroad and is considered special in Japan — for example Indian, Nepali, Thai, Chinese or French. Whether your cuisine qualifies, immigration decides case by case
  • At least 10 years of experience in that cuisine
  • Years of studying that cuisine at a college or school abroad count toward the 10
  • Thai chefs under the Japan–Thailand EPA need 5 years and a certificate from Thailand’s Ministry of Labor
  • The same group covers makers of foreign food products (under the landing criteria)

Other trades

Who else can get Skilled Labor

  • Builders using techniques special to another country — 10 years (5 years when working under a master with 10 years)
  • Makers and repairers of special foreign products, jewelers, furriers, animal trainers, drilling specialists (offshore oil, geothermal wells, seabed mineral surveys) — 10 years
  • Airline pilots — at least 250 flight hours
  • Sports coaches — 3 years (coaching study abroad and years as a professional athlete count), or competing in the Olympics, a world championship or another international event
  • Sommeliers — 5 years, plus a high result at an international competition, taking part as your country’s only representative, or a qualification on the Ministry of Justice list

Skilled Labor or Specified Skilled Worker? Specified Skilled Worker in food service (外食業) grants no new CoEs from 13 April 2026, and changes from other statuses are, in principle, not granted. For an experienced chef of a foreign cuisine, Skilled Labor is a separate route: no tests, but proven experience — and your family can join you from the start.

The core of a chef’s application

How to prove 10 years of experience

A chef’s diploma is not required — the employment certificates decide. Collect them early, while you are still at home.

  • A certificate from every workplace (在職証明書): the restaurant’s name, address and phone number, your position, what you cooked, start and end dates. ISA does not accept certificates without an address and phone number.
  • Study counts. If you studied this cuisine at a college or school, add a certificate of the study period — those years count toward the 10.
  • An official chef’s certificate, if your country issues one — a copy. For Chinese cuisine ISA names the 戸口簿 and the 職業資格証明書.
  • A CV (履歴書): the dates must match the certificates.
  • A Japanese translation of every document in a foreign language — the Immigration Control Act ordinance requires it. Certificates issued in Japan must be no older than 3 months.

In practice the hardest case is a restaurant that has closed: there is no one to issue the certificate. Collect certificates early and keep copies of contracts and payslips. Category 1 and 2 employers do not submit experience certificates, but immigration may ask for them.

Forms and documents

Official forms and the documents you need

The forms are shared by the work statuses. Chefs and other trades have separate ISA pages and different proof of experience. Part of the documents comes from the employer.

Two ways to the status. From abroad, the restaurant in Japan applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and you get the visa at a Japanese embassy (how the CoE works). Already living in Japan on another status — you apply for a change of status and may cook only after approval.

The document set also depends on the employer’s category: 1 — listed companies and public bodies; 2 — employers that withheld at least ¥10 million in income tax from salaries last year; 3 — other employers that file the withholding-tax summary; 4 — all others, for example a restaurant opened this year. Small restaurants are usually Category 3 or 4 and submit the full set.

Your trade:

chef: Chef of a foreign cuisine: 10 years of experience in that cuisine, including study of it abroad; Thai chefs under the Japan–Thailand EPA: 5 years. Under the landing criteria (上陸基準省令) the same group covers making foreign food products.

other trades: Builders using foreign techniques, makers of special foreign products, jewelers and furriers, animal trainers, drilling and offshore survey specialists, pilots, sports coaches, sommeliers.

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — you are abroad, the employer is in Japan

Your employer in Japan files it (a staff member or an administrative scrivener, 行政書士). With the CoE you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate and enter Japan. You prepare the employment certificates and translations yourself — early, while you are still at home.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor all categories · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor categories 3 and 4 · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor all categories · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor categories 3 and 4 · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書Part of the form is filled in by the employer.
  2. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真
  3. Return envelope with address and stamps for registered mail 返信用封筒For paper applications.
  4. Proof of the employer’s category カテゴリーを証明する文書Category 1 — for example a copy of the 四季報 or proof of a stock-exchange listing. Categories 2 and 3 — a copy of last year’s withholding-tax summary (法定調書合計表). No such document — the employer is in Category 4.list of Category 1 organizations · PDF
  5. Employer’s document describing the work you will do 従事する業務の内容を証明する所属機関の文書Needed for every employer category.
  6. CV: where, as what and for how long you worked in this trade 申請に係る技能を要する業務に従事した機関及び内容並びに期間を明示した履歴書Needed for every category. The dates must match your employment certificates.
  7. Employment certificates from every kitchen you worked in — at least 10 years in total 所属していた機関からの在職証明書chefRequired for Category 3 and 4 employers; Categories 1 and 2 in principle do not submit them, but ISA may ask. Each certificate gives the restaurant’s name, address and phone number, your position and the dates. Years of studying this cuisine at a school abroad count — add a certificate from the school. Each certificate needs a Japanese translation.
  8. Copy of an official chef’s certificate, if you have one 公的機関が発行する証明書の写しchefCategories 3 and 4. For Chinese cuisine ISA names the 戸口簿 and the 職業資格証明書.
  9. Thai chefs under the EPA: 5 years of experience, a certificate of at least the elementary level from Thailand’s Ministry of Labor, and proof of pay as a chef in Thailand for the last year タイ料理人としての技能水準に関する証明書chefCategories 3 and 4. Instead of the 10 years.
  10. Proof of experience in your trade 申請人の職歴を証明する文書other tradesCategories 3 and 4. Builders, product makers, jewelers, animal trainers, drilling and offshore survey — certificates for 10 years of experience (study abroad counts). Pilots — proof of at least 250 flight hours. Coaches — proof of 3 years of experience (study abroad and years as a professional athlete count) or of taking part in the Olympics, a world championship or another international competition. Sommeliers — always certificates for 5 years of experience plus one document: a high result at an international competition, taking part in one as your country’s only representative, or a qualification on the Ministry of Justice list.
  11. If you work through a staffing agency (派遣): a document on your work at the client company 派遣先での活動内容を明らかにする資料For example the terms of employment (労働条件通知書).
  12. Terms of employment — employment contract or notice of terms 労働条件通知書（雇用契約書）Categories 3 and 4. If you will be an executive of a Japanese company — the articles of incorporation or the shareholders’ resolution on your pay.
  13. About the employer: company profile or commercial register certificate, latest financial statements (a new business — a business plan) 会社案内・登記事項証明書・直近の決算文書の写しCategories 3 and 4.
  14. Declaration about the company’s representative 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書Categories 3 and 4, from 15 April 2026.template · PDF
  15. Why there is no tax summary: tax exemption, or the notice of opening a payroll office plus withholding-tax statements for 3 months 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書の写し・所得税徴収高計算書Category 4 only, for example a restaurant that opened this year. Instead of 3 months of statements, the approval to pay the tax less often (納期の特例) also works.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for the place of work (when the employer files). Not accepted by post.
Fee
Free
Standard processing period
1–3 months
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Change of status — you already live in Japan on another status

You file it yourself before your current status expires — or an approved staff member of the company (申請等取次者) or an administrative scrivener (行政書士) files for you. You may start working as a chef only after approval.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor all categories · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor categories 3 and 4 · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor all categories · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor categories 3 and 4 · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for change of status of residence 在留資格変更許可申請書
  2. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. Proof of the employer’s category カテゴリーを証明する文書Category 1 — for example a copy of the 四季報. Categories 2 and 3 — a copy of last year’s withholding-tax summary (法定調書合計表). No such document — Category 4.list of Category 1 organizations · PDF
  5. Employer’s document describing the work you will do 従事する業務の内容を証明する所属機関の文書Needed for every employer category.
  6. CV: where, as what and for how long you worked in this trade 申請に係る技能を要する業務に従事した機関及び内容並びに期間を明示した履歴書
  7. Employment certificates from every kitchen you worked in — at least 10 years in total 所属していた機関からの在職証明書chefCategories 3 and 4. Restaurant name, address and phone number, your position and dates; study of this cuisine abroad counts. Certificates in a foreign language need a Japanese translation.
  8. Copy of an official chef’s certificate, if you have one 公的機関が発行する証明書の写しchefCategories 3 and 4. For Chinese cuisine — the 戸口簿 and the 職業資格証明書.
  9. Thai chefs under the EPA: 5 years of experience, a certificate from Thailand’s Ministry of Labor, and proof of pay as a chef in Thailand for the last year タイ料理人としての技能水準に関する証明書chefCategories 3 and 4.
  10. Proof of experience in your trade 申請人の職歴を証明する文書other tradesCategories 3 and 4. The same as for the CoE: employment certificates, a pilot’s flight hours, a coach’s sports results, a sommelier’s competition result or qualification.
  11. If you work through a staffing agency (派遣): a document on your work at the client company 派遣先での活動内容を明らかにする資料
  12. Terms of employment — employment contract or notice of terms 労働条件通知書（雇用契約書）Categories 3 and 4.
  13. About the employer: company profile or commercial register certificate, latest financial statements (a new business — a business plan) 会社案内・登記事項証明書・直近の決算文書の写しCategories 3 and 4.
  14. Declaration about the company’s representative 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書Categories 3 and 4, from 15 April 2026.template · PDF
  15. Why there is no tax summary, plus withholding-tax statements for 3 months 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書の写し・所得税徴収高計算書Category 4 only. Instead of 3 months of statements, the approval to pay the tax less often (納期の特例) also works.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
1–2 months
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Extension of Skilled Labor status

You file it yourself from 3 months before your period of stay ends. If you changed restaurants or companies and did not notify immigration within 14 days, file that notification first.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistPDF · moj.go.jp
Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistPDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for extension of period of stay 在留期間更新許可申請書
  2. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真Not needed for an extension of up to 3 months.
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. Proof of the employer’s category カテゴリーを証明する文書Category 1 — for example a copy of the 四季報. Categories 2 and 3 — a copy of last year’s withholding-tax summary. No such document — Category 4.
  5. If you work through a staffing agency (派遣): a document on your work at the client company 派遣先での活動内容を明らかにする資料
  6. Declaration about the company’s representative 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書Categories 3 and 4.template · PDF
  7. Resident tax certificates for the year: tax assessed and tax paid 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書・納税証明書Categories 3 and 4. From the city office where you lived on 1 January.
  8. After a job change (first extension with a new Category 3 or 4 employer): terms of employment, company profile or register certificate, financial statements 労働条件通知書・会社案内・登記事項証明書・決算文書Category 3 needs only part of these — see the ISA checklist.
  9. Why there is no tax summary, plus withholding-tax statements for 3 months 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書の写し・所得税徴収高計算書Category 4 only.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
2 weeks – 1 month
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

What comes next

Family and life on Skilled Labor

Family

Spouse and children — on the Dependent visa

Your spouse and the children you support get the Dependent visa (家族滞在): a CoE if they are abroad, or a change of status if they are already in Japan. With permission they may work up to 28 hours a week.

14 days

Changing jobs and notifications

Left or moved to another restaurant — notify immigration within 14 days (契約機関に関する届出): online, in person or by post. The new job must use your skill too. More than 3 months without such work, without a good reason, is grounds to cancel the status.

Trips abroad

Leaving and coming back

With a valid passport and residence card you can leave for up to 1 year without a separate permit (special re-entry, みなし再入国) — tick the box on the embarkation card. If your status ends earlier, come back before it ends.

Next step

Extensions and permanent residence

The status is granted for 5, 3 or 1 year or 3 months, with no legal limit on extensions. Skilled Labor is a work status, so its years count toward permanent residency: usually 10 years in Japan, at least 5 of them on a work status.

If you are refused

Common reasons for refusal

The grounds are in the law, the landing criteria (上陸基準省令) and ISA’s guidelines. Most often the problem is the proof of experience or the job itself.

  • Less than 10 years, or not proven: certificates without address and phone, dates that do not match the CV
  • Experience in a different cuisine from the one you will cook in Japan
  • The job does not need your skill: Japanese cuisine, simple kitchen work
  • Pay below what a Japanese employee gets for the same work
  • An incomplete document set — ISA warns that this can delay the decision a lot or end in refusal
  • False certificates — not only a refusal but also grounds to cancel a status already granted (Immigration Control Act, article 22-4)

At extension immigration also looks at paid taxes, social insurance and notifications. After a refusal you can apply again once the reason is fixed; in practice the bureau that decided explains the reason if you ask.

FAQ

Chef visa questions

Can’t find your question? Write to us — a real person replies.

Ask us a question

Can I get a chef visa without a diploma?

Yes. You need experience, not a diploma: 10 years in the cuisine you will cook in Japan. Years of studying that cuisine at a college or school abroad count toward the 10. Under the landing criteria (上陸基準省令) Thai chefs under the Japan–Thailand agreement need 5 years and a certificate.

Employment certificates (在職証明書) from every workplace with the restaurant’s name, address and phone number, your position and dates; a certificate of your cooking studies, if any; and a copy of a chef’s certificate, if you have one. Documents in a foreign language need a Japanese translation.

No. The status is for the skills of a cuisine that comes from abroad and is considered special in Japan. Japanese cuisine and simple kitchen work are not allowed on it. Food service under Specified Skilled Worker needs no experience, but from 13 April 2026 no new CoEs are granted in that field, and changes from other statuses are, in principle, not granted.

The rules set no Japanese test for Skilled Labor. The employer decides what Japanese you need in the kitchen.

Yes. A spouse and children you support get the Dependent visa (家族滞在). With permission they may work up to 28 hours a week.

The status is granted for 5, 3 or 1 year or 3 months, and the law sets no limit on extensions. Skilled Labor years count toward permanent residence: usually 10 years in Japan, at least 5 of them on a work status.

Yes, if you also work as a chef of your cuisine there. Notify immigration within 14 days (契約機関に関する届出) — online, in person or by post. To check in advance that the new job fits your status, you can apply for a Certificate of Authorized Employment (就労資格証明書).

On the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA); chefs and other trades have separate pages. The buttons on this page open the ISA files directly: the form, the filled-in example and the checklists.

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