Japan Work Visa for Bangladeshi: Requirements, Process, and 2025 Guide

Japan is recruiting 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over five years. You need Japanese language proficiency, specific job skills, and a Certificate of Eligibility from your employer. Minimum monthly salary starts at approximately 100,000 BDT.

Japan’s declining population has created significant employment opportunities. As of 2024, around 35,000 Bangladeshis work in Japan, primarily in caregiving and hospitality. This will grow dramatically as Japan faces an estimated labor shortage of 11 million workers by 2040. The government has established direct partnerships with BMET to streamline recruitment.

Who Qualifies for a Japan Work Visa from Bangladesh?

To qualify for a Japan work visa, you must meet several fundamental criteria established by Japanese immigration authorities.

Basic eligibility requirements:

• Permanent citizen of Bangladesh
• Japanese language proficiency (basic to intermediate depending on job)
• Specific skills or qualifications related to your intended work sector

Educational and Career Backgrounds That Fit Japan’s Hiring Needs

Japan values both formal education and practical skills. A bachelor’s degree demonstrates your ability to learn and adapt. If you lack a university degree, relevant work experience can substitute—construction workers with five years of experience and certifications may qualify without a degree.

Which Industries Offer the Best Opportunities for Bangladeshis

Based on the 2025 cooperation agreement between Bangladesh and Japan, several sectors actively seek Bangladeshi workers:

• Caregiving: Highest demand with 60,000 positions for Japan’s aging population
• Construction: 40,000 openings across various projects
• Manufacturing: Automobile parts and electronics roles
• Hospitality and food service: Growing sector with steady demand

These 14 designated sectors offer the most accessible pathways for Bangladeshi workers to enter the Japanese labor market.

Main Work Visa Options for Bangladeshi Citizens

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, there are multiple work visa categories available.

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (E/H/I)

This visa serves as Japan’s standard work visa for professional positions. It covers three main categories: engineers (software developers, IT professionals), specialists in humanities (marketing, sales, accounting), and international services (language teachers, translators).

Key requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field OR 10 years work experience (3 years for International Services)
• Minimum salary: 200,000-250,000 yen monthly (140,000-175,000 BDT)
• Duration: 1, 3, or 5 years, renewable indefinitely

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW): Japan’s Fastest-Growing Route

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the SSW program targets labor shortages in 16 industries with practical skill recognition rather than degree requirements.

Qualification process:

1. Be 18+ years old
2. Pass Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic)
3. Pass industry-specific skills evaluation

Alternatively, complete Technical Intern Training Program (no tests required). The 16 available industries include nursing care, construction, manufacturing, accommodation, agriculture, fisheries, food service, and more.

Working as a Dependent or Family Member in Japan

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spouses or children of work visa holders may qualify for Dependent visa. Dependents can work part-time up to 28 hours weekly after obtaining proper permission, though this typically covers basic expenses rather than full support.

Key Requirements You Must Prepare in Bangladesh

Essential Documents from Bangladesh (Passport, Police Certificate, etc.)

According to the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, you need several key documents. Organize these early as some require several weeks to obtain:

• Passport: Valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
• Photos: Two recent photos (2 inches × 1.4 inches, white background)
• Police clearance: Character certificate (2-4 weeks processing)
• Educational certificates: Originals with English translations
• Work experience letters: From previous employers

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and Japan-Side Documents

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the COE is issued by Immigration Services Agency as pre-approval. Your employer applies to Regional Immigration Bureau (1-3 months processing), then sends you the COE (valid 3 months). You then apply for visa at embassy (7 working days).

What your employer submits:

• Completed COE application with your information
• Your passport copy and credentials
• Employment contract with salary details
• Company financial statements

Japanese Language and Skill Tests (JLPT, JFT-Basic, SSW Exams)

According to the Japan Foundation, JFT-Basic measures Japanese proficiency for daily life. The JLPT offers five levels. SSW applicants must pass either JLPT N4 (twice yearly, results in 2 months) or JFT-Basic (six times yearly, same-day results), plus industry-specific skills tests.

Step-by-Step Japan Work Visa Process for Bangladeshis

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer or COE Sponsorship in Japan

You need a Japanese employer willing to sponsor you before starting the visa process. Find opportunities through several channels:

• BMET programs: Free government recruitment with language training
• Authorized agencies: Japan Bangla Bridge, Global Recruiting Agency (minimal fees)
• Online platforms: Daijob.com, Jobs in Japan
• Direct applications: Company career pages

The process from job offer to COE approval takes 1-3 months. Avoid agencies demanding large upfront payments or promising unrealistic salaries—these are red flags for potential fraud.

Step 2: Apply at the Embassy or VFS in Bangladesh

According to the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, all visa applications must be submitted through VFS Global since November 2024.

VFS Global application steps:

1. Book online at visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/jpn (appointments open 15th monthly)
2. Prepare documents in specified order with A4 photocopies
3. Attend appointment at Delta Life Tower, Gulshan-2, Dhaka
4. Pay 1,900 BDT service charge in cash

Processing takes 7 working days for complete documents. Collect passport in person or via paid courier.

Step 3: Receive Your Visa and Prepare for Departure

Verify visa information is correct and note you must enter Japan within 3 months of COE issue date. Pack passport, visa, and COE in carry-on luggage.

Upon arrival in Japan:

• Undergo immigration inspection with photo and fingerprint collection
• Receive residence card at major airports
• Register address at municipal office within 14 days
• Carry residence card always (legally required)

Costs and Hidden Expenses You Should Expect

Official Visa Fees in Bangladesh

According to the Embassy of Japan, visa fees are free for Bangladeshi nationals.

Employer Support, Agency Fees, and Travel Costs

Many employers cover flights and initial accommodation through SSW program—verify coverage before assuming it. Budget 50,000-100,000 BDT for flight tickets and 100,000-200,000 BDT for initial settlement before first salary. Legitimate government-approved agencies charge minimal fees, so be cautious of agencies demanding large upfront payments.

Life After Arrival — Settling in Japan Smoothly

Getting the Residence Card and Registering Your Address

According to the Immigration Services Agency, your residence card is primary ID for banking and daily transactions. You must carry it always, register your address within 14 days at municipal office, and report any moves within 14 days to update both offices.

The card validity matches your stay period—apply for extension 3 months before expiration. If lost, report to police, obtain loss certificate, then visit Immigration Bureau within 14 days (1,300 yen reissue fee).

Bringing Your Family or Applying for a Dependent Visa

Work visa holders can sponsor spouses and children through Dependent visa system after securing stable employment and accommodation. Dependents receive part-time work permission up to 28 hours weekly, allowing them to study Japanese or search for full-time positions while supporting the family financially.

Everyday Tips for Bangladeshi Workers in Japan

Japanese workplaces value punctuality—arrive 10-15 minutes early as 5 minutes late is considered disrespectful. Learn basic Japanese greetings and understand hierarchy. Connect with 35,000+ Bangladeshi community members through social media groups for practical advice on finding halal groceries (available in major cities) and Muslim-friendly restaurants. Japan offers exceptional safety, excellent public transportation, and reliable infrastructure that makes daily life convenient once you learn the systems.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Visa Rejection

Top Reasons Bangladeshi Applications Get Rejected

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs FAQ, most rejections stem from preventable errors. Common causes include incomplete documentation, inconsistent information across documents, insufficient salary proof (minimum 200,000 yen/month required), fraudulent documents, and undisclosed past immigration violations.

Prevention strategies:

• Use checklist to verify each document
• Match details across all paperwork
• Never submit fake certificates
• Disclose past violations honestly with explanation
• Organize documents in specified order

How to Correct or Reapply After a Rejection

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you cannot reapply for same purpose within 6 months unless circumstances changed significantly. If nothing changed, wait the full 6 months. If circumstances changed (new employer, corrected documents), explain clearly with evidence. Review your application to identify issues, correct all problems, gather additional supporting evidence, and consider consulting an immigration lawyer for complex cases.

FAQs for Bangladeshi Applicants (2025 Edition)

Is Japan visa-free for Bangladeshi citizens?

No. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladeshi citizens need a visa for any purpose. Japan offers no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, though visa fees are waived—you only pay 1,900 BDT VFS service charge.

Can I apply without a job offer or COE?

No. According to the Immigration Services Agency, the COE is mandatory and only your Japanese employer can obtain it. You must secure employment first before starting the visa application process.

Does Japan provide visa sponsorship for workers?

Japan doesn’t directly sponsor workers—your specific employer sponsors you by applying for your COE. The government facilitates migration through SSW programs and BMET agreements, connecting workers with sponsoring employers through authorized agencies.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Japan work visa as a Bangladeshi citizen is achievable with proper preparation: securing employment with a reputable employer, gathering complete documentation, and following VFS Global procedures.

Japan’s commitment to recruiting 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over five years creates unprecedented opportunities. Assess your qualifications, improve Japanese language skills (N4 level minimum for SSW), connect with BMET or authorized agencies, budget 10,000-30,000 BDT for application costs, and allow 2-4 months processing time. Life in Japan offers competitive salaries (minimum 100,000 BDT monthly), exceptional safety, and professional growth for workers who prepare thoroughly and adapt culturally.