Self-Sponsored Visa Japan: Everything You Need To Know

So, you want to have a self-sponsored visa in Japan?

Well, you’ve come to the right place where we go over everything you need to know about how to self-sponsor your visa in Japan.

Understanding the self-sponsored visa in Japan

What does immigration actually mean by "self-sponsorship" in Japan?

The term “self-sponsored visa” is not an official immigration category in Japan. Instead, it is a colloquial phrase used to describe a legal setup where a foreign resident:

• Holds a primary work status of residence sponsored by a Japanese organization or client, and

• Receives Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (資格外活動許可).

In practice, this structure allows individuals—such as freelancers, consultants, or part-time professionals—to earn income from multiple sources and engage in additional work activities while remaining compliant with Japan's immigration law.

Is there a self-sponsored visa for Japan?

Japan does not provide a "self-sponsored visa" as part of their 就労ビザ/work visa categories.

However, many will apply for permission to engage in other activities outside their visa. It will allow them to engage in additional work activities.

How does self-sponsoring work in Japan?

Despite it being known as a “self-sponsorship” visa, co-sponsoring is the more accurate term.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency evaluates status of residence, not employment type. This means:

• You must have one primary sponsoring organization that aligns with your visa category (for example, an employer or main client under an Engineer/Humanities/International Services visa).

• Additional work is only permitted after immigration approval via 資格外活動許可.

• All secondary activities must be clearly disclosed, contract-based, and consistent with your professional background.

For example, if you're on an engineer visa, you can not earn income from artistic activities as you need a Japanese artist visa.

So, while you will still need a main employer to sponsor your visa, you can apply to engage in other work activities to earn income from multiple professions.

What immigration actually evaluates

When reviewing applications commonly referred to as “self-sponsored,” immigration officers typically assess:

• Stability and continuity of income (not just total earnings)

• Relevance of all work activities to the visa category

• Length and credibility of contracts

• Whether the primary sponsor acknowledges and permits outside work

• Your ability to support yourself long-term in Japan

There is no published minimum income requirement for self-sponsorship. Immigration decisions are made case by case, based on overall sustainability rather than a fixed monthly number.

Misunderstanding the term “self-sponsored visa” is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected.

To be clear:

• ❌ You cannot sponsor yourself without a valid status of residence

• ❌ You cannot work outside your visa category without approval

• ✅ You can combine multiple income sources if immigration explicitly permits it

Visas that can act as self-sponsoring

While Japan does not offer a self-sponsored visa, it has three main visas that can be self-sponsored for you.

1. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa

In Japanese, it is 技術・人文知識・国際業務ビザ (gijutsu jinbun chishiki kokusai gyōmu biza). This visa is the most common working visa that foreigners have in Japan.

However, this visa is ideal for freelancers or part-time workers in Japan. For this visa, you will need a main employee to sponsor you. Additionally, you must apply for permission to engage in other work activities that are different from your main employment.

To obtain this visa, you must submit documents such as service contracts or income showing proof that you will have at least 200,000 yen per month as income.

2. Business Manager Visa

The business manager visa is a great way for self-sponsorship, as individuals starting their own businesses can act as their own sponsoring company.

To qualify for a business manager visa, you must prove 30 million yen capital for your business. 【2025 update】

This visa is a great option if you have a client base in Japan or are expanding your business into the Japanese market.

There is also a 4-month business manager visa for a more short-term business stay in Japan.

3. Artist Visa

The Artist Visa in Japan is for individuals in creative fields, such as illustration, painting, acting, etc. 

This visa allows for self-sponsorship if you can prove income from your artistic activities of at least 200,000 yen per month, making it perfect for any freelancer in the art industry. It's important to note, however, that this is not an official minimum. The immigration bureau looks at sustainability, not a published monthly figure.

Finding a main sponsor for this visa might be difficult, but it's a great option if you want to sell your art while earning additional income.

How can I sponsor myself for a visa in Japan?

Here are the steps to self-sponsorship for your visa to live in Japan. 

1. Secure a main employer for a sponsor

This main employer will act as your primary sponsor for your visa in Japan. 

They don't have to give you a full-time job, but they should be able to sign your visa application and provide financial documentation, such as their financial statements and tax information​.

Additionally, they must acknowledge that you will have additional work outside their employment.

2. Apply for the Permission to Engage in Other Activities document

The specific requirement for applying for a self-sponsored visa in Japan is called the “Permission to Engage in Other Activities .”

Submitting this paper allows you to earn additional income from activities normally outside your normal visa category. 

3. Gather necessary documents

Here is a list of the other documents needed for your self-sponsoring visa.

• Application form (partially filled by the main employer)

• Passport

• Residence card-sized photo

• Contracts from all current employers.

• Tax withholding slips (源泉徴収票)

• Previous tax returns

• Certificate of Employment, if applicable.

• Retirement certificate (退職証明書): a document to prove that you have left your previous work.

• National revenue stamps (収入印紙, shuunyuu inshi) of ¥4,000 for the application fee

• Letter from your primary employer acknowledging other work

In some cases, you will also need to fill out 個人事業主 (kojin jigyō nushi) or Sole Proprietorship document at your local tax office and bring it to the Immigration bureau. It will act as additional proof of your work and income, along with your contracts, payslips, or invoices.

How much do I need to prove for a self-sponsored visa for Japan?

Many sources claim you must earn 200,000-300,000 yen monthly or between 2.4-3.6 million yen yearly. However, the immigration bureau evaluates whether your income is stable and sufficient to support independent living in Japan, not a specific amount.

Depending on your home country's tax treaty with Japan, you may not need or be unable to prove your proof of income because of tax withholding slips and contracts. If so, you may need to explain your situation to the tax office or talk with a tax professional.

Taxes when self-sponsoring your own visa

If you are self-sponsoring your visa in Japan as an American citizen, you need to understand your tax obligations between Japan and the US. As a US citizen, you are taxed on your worldwide income, even when living abroad. 

Japan and the US have a tax treaty that prevents double taxation on an individual. So, under this treaty, you can claim foreign tax credits on your US tax return when paying your taxes in Japan. 

However, your residency in Japan will affect your income taxes. Permanent residents living in Japan for more than 5 years will be taxed on their worldwide income. Non-permanent residents living in Japan for less than 5 years will be taxed on their Japanese income and any foreign income remitted to Japan.

Non-residents who have lived in Japan for less than a year will be taxed on their Japanese income only.

Always refer to a tax representative who can support your specific tax needs.

When "self-sponsorship" in Japan fails (common rejection & renewal risks)

While many foreigners successfully maintain a so-called “self-sponsored” visa in Japan, approval is not guaranteed—especially at renewal. Immigration decisions are discretionary, and applications commonly fail for predictable reasons.

Common reasons immigration rejects applications

Applications are often denied or delayed when the immigration office determines that the work arrangement lacks stability, clarity, or legal consistency.

Common red flags include:

• Income volatility Short-term contracts, inconsistent monthly earnings, or heavy reliance on a single unstable client.

• Activities outside the visa category For example, creative or artistic work performed under an Engineer/Humanities/International Services visa without proper authorization.

• Too many fragmented clients A large number of small contracts may signal instability rather than professional independence.

• Unclear primary sponsor relationship If immigration cannot clearly identify which organization is the main sponsor, the application may be rejected.

• Undisclosed or retroactive work Performing side work before receiving Permission to Engage in Other Activities is a serious violation.

Renewal is not automatic

One of the most common misconceptions is that approval once guarantees future renewals.

In reality:

• Immigration expects to see progression, not stagnation

• Contract quality matters more than contract quantity

• Income should show consistency or improvement, not decline

If income drops significantly or contracts become shorter or less relevant, renewal risk increases—even if the initial work visa was approved.

High-risk scenarios to be aware of

Self-sponsorship arrangements are more likely to fail in the following cases:

• Transitioning from full-time employment to freelance work without sufficient contracts

• Relying primarily on overseas clients without clear ties to Japan

• Repeatedly changing sponsors or industries

• Attempting to combine unrelated professions under one working visa

How to reduce rejection risk

If you want to reduce the possibility of rejection, you need to:

• Maintain longer-term contracts with clearly defined roles

• Keep income predictable and well documented

• Ensure all activities align with their working visa category

• Obtain written acknowledgment from their primary sponsor

• Renew Permission to Engage in Other Activities proactively

Immigration prioritizes sustainability and transparency over flexibility. The closer your work structure resembles a stable professional practice, the stronger your application becomes.

Frequently asked questions

Can you legally self-sponsor a visa in Japan?

Japan does not offer an official self-sponsored work visa. However, many foreigners legally work under a structure commonly called “self-sponsorship,” which involves holding a standard work visa with a primary sponsor and receiving Permission to Engage in Other Activities as a way to receive income from additional clients.

Do I need a Japanese company to sponsor my visa?

Yes. For most work visas, you must have at least one Japanese organization or Japan-based client acting as your primary sponsor. Overseas companies alone generally cannot sponsor a Japanese work visa unless they have a registered presence in Japan.

Can freelancers get a work visa in Japan?

Freelancers can legally work in Japan only if they hold a valid work status of residence and receive immigration approval to engage in multiple income-generating activities. Freelancing without sponsorship or permission is not permitted under Japanese immigration law.

Is there a minimum income requirement for a self-sponsored visa in Japan?

There is no officially published minimum income requirement. Immigration evaluates whether your income is stable and sufficient to support independent living in Japan. Many successful applicants demonstrate earnings in the range of ¥200,000–¥300,000 per month, but approval is based on sustainability rather than a fixed number.

What is Permission to Engage in Other Activities (資格外活動許可)?

Permission to Engage in Other Activities is an immigration authorization that allows you to perform work outside the scope of your primary visa category. This permission must be approved before starting additional work and is required for most self-sponsorship arrangements.

Is a self-sponsored visa suitable for digital nomads?

Japan’s work visas are not designed for location-independent digital nomads. While some professionals work with overseas clients, immigration prioritizes economic ties to Japan, which can make digital-nomad-style arrangements difficult to maintain long term.

Can I switch from full-time employment to self-sponsorship?

Yes, but it is considered higher risk. Immigration typically expects applicants to already have signed contracts and proven income before transitioning away from full-time employment.

In closing

Getting a self-sponsored visa for Japan is possible with proper planning and finding a reliable primary employer for that work sponsorship. Afterward, you are basically a freelance worker in Japan, where you will have control and flexibility to explore work opportunities while maintaining legal work status in Japan.