Visa Path Planner
Answer four questions to get a recommended route from today to permanent residency, plus an alternative — simplified from public rules; individual cases rest with immigration.
Recommended path
Alternative path
Why this route
Main risks
What would change the result
Next steps
The planner is a P2J simplification of public rules and cannot cover individual cases; open each step to verify conditions against official sources.
Japan visa routes — common questions
Which visa do I need to move to Japan?
It depends on why you are coming — work, study, family, or a specialty skill. The planner asks a few questions and points you to the likely route, but a licensed immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi) confirms your case.
Can I change my visa after arriving in Japan?
Often yes — for example from student to work, or from Technical Intern to Specified Skilled Worker. Each change has its own conditions; the planner shows the common paths and links to the detail page for each.
What is the easiest work visa for Japan?
There is no single easiest one — the right visa is the one that matches your job and qualifications. Engineer/Humanities/International Services covers many office roles; Specified Skilled Worker covers designated labor sectors through a skills test.