Self-Sponsored Visa Japan: Everything You Need To Know 2024

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 is a self-sponsored visa for Japan?

A self-sponsored visa for Japan allows freelancers and part-time workers to secure a work visa without a traditional full-time job sponsorship.

Instead, the main employer or client will sponsor a visa for Japan. At the same time, the applicant applies for permission to engage in additional work activities. It will allow them to earn income from various sources while having a legal work status in Japan.

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 for a visa?

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

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.

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 5 million yen capital for your business.

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.

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. So your total income from your work must meet this threshold in order for you to self-sponsor your visa.

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.

Frequently asked question

Can you self-sponsor a visa in Japan?

Yes, you can self-sponsor your visa in Japan. Think of it as co-sponsoring, where your main employer will provide the sponsorship; however, you will take on various freelance work to meet the financial requirements to live comfortably in Japan.

How do I get a self-employed visa for Japan?

The main requirement is that you provide income proof of 200,000 yen per month or 2.4 million yen per year after securing a main employer sponsorship in Japan.

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.