Japanese Work Visa Guide For Myanmar

You will need the right work visa before you can start your new job. This guide explains what Myanmar citizens need to know about getting a Japanese work visa, from understanding your options to successfully entering Japan.

Overview: What to Know Coming From Myanmar

Myanmar citizens cannot work in Japan without a proper work visa. Japan offers different work visa categories, with the most common being Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, covering IT engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, and designers.

Your employer in Japan must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for you, which takes one to three months. According to the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar, since March 2023, COEs are issued electronically by email. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, starting June 23, 2025, Myanmar nationals must submit a Certificate of Non-Tuberculosis (TB-Free Certificate) requiring a medical examination at a designated institution. The certificate is valid for 180 days.

According to immigration experts, Myanmar nationals receive an extended six-month COE validity period (instead of three months) due to delays in Myanmar’s Overseas Working Identity Card (OWIC) issuance. You’ll also need an OWIC from Myanmar’s Ministry of Labour before departure. Total timeline: two to four months from job offer to arrival. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, visa fee is approximately 3,000 yen (¥3,000), payable in Myanmar Kyat.

Japan and Myanmar: Comparing Life in the Countries

Currency conversion based on exchange rate of 1 JPY = 14.13 MMK as of October 21, 2025

Work Culture

Japanese work culture emphasizes group harmony, loyalty, and dedication. The legal workweek is 40 hours, though overtime is common, capped at 45 hours monthly. The concept of “ganbaru” (perseverance) is deeply valued. Traditional companies maintain hierarchy based on seniority and use consensus-building for decisions. However, modern and international firms increasingly adopt flexible approaches prioritizing productivity over hours spent at the office. After-work social gatherings remain important for career advancement, though younger generations are beginning to abstain from excessive social obligations.

Daily Life

Japan offers excellent infrastructure with renowned public transportation—trains, subways, and the Shinkansen bullet train connect all areas efficiently. The country is extremely safe with very low crime rates. Language can be a barrier, as English proficiency is limited outside major tourist areas and international companies. Japanese cuisine is diverse and healthy, with options from affordable convenience stores to high-end restaurants. Social customs emphasize politeness: bowing is common, removing shoes before entering homes is standard, and maintaining quiet on public transportation is expected.

Eligibility & Core Requirements

General Requirements

Most work visas require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, with your field generally relating to your job duties. Without a degree, ten years of relevant professional experience can substitute. Your job must be genuine employment with salary comparable to Japanese workers in similar roles. You must maintain a clean criminal record—those with arrest records must provide detailed documentation even for acquitted cases.

Language and Skills

Japanese language proficiency is NOT required for most standard work visas. However, most companies prefer JLPT N2 or N1 candidates. Without Japanese ability, you’re limited to international companies or English teaching positions. The Specified Skilled Worker visa requires JLPT N4 or equivalent.

Required Documents

When applying at the Japanese Embassy in Yangon, submit:

• Certificate of Eligibility (original, copy, or printed email)
• Valid passport (6+ months validity, blank pages)
• Completed visa application form with original signature
• Recent passport photo (45mm x 45mm, white background)
• Employment contract showing position, salary, duration
• Educational credentials (diplomas, transcripts)
• Resume and employment certificates
• TB-Free Certificate (mandatory since June 23, 2025)

All non-English/Japanese documents need certified translations. Submit originals with photocopies—do not staple or bind.

Myanmar-Specific Considerations

The TB-Free Certificate is mandatory, valid for 180 days from X-ray date. You must obtain an OWIC from Myanmar’s Ministry of Labour before departure. Due to OWIC delays, COE validity for Myanmar nationals is extended to six months. Visa fee is approximately 3,000 yen, payable in Myanmar Kyat (cash, money order, or cashier’s check only—no credit cards).

Opportunities for Myanmar Workers

Recent Trends

According to research on Myanmar migration to Japan, Myanmar’s population in Japan reached 211,390 as of October 2023, ranking 8th largest. Recent recruitment shows over 450 Japanese companies hiring approximately 1,600 Myanmar workers throughout 2025. According to Trading Economics, Japan’s job-to-application ratio was 1.22 as of July 2024, meaning more openings than applicants. Higher wages are the primary attraction—one skilled worker’s salary can support five families in rural Myanmar. Political instability since 2021 has motivated many to seek opportunities abroad.

Fields Where Workers Are Thriving

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program targets 14 industries with labor shortages. Myanmar nationals held 27,348 SSW visas as of end of 2024, ranking fourth after Vietnam (133,478), Indonesia (53,538), and the Philippines (28,234). IT and engineering sectors present strong opportunities for educated professionals. Construction, manufacturing, and nursing care remain high-demand sectors with stable long-term employment.

The Application Process for Workers from Myanmar

The Application Process

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer – Obtain confirmed employment from a Japanese employer willing to sponsor your visa.

Step 2: Employer Applies for COE – Your employer submits documentation to Japan’s regional immigration office. Processing takes 1-3 months. Myanmar nationals receive 6-month validity.

Step 3: Complete TB Screening – Undergo tuberculosis screening at a government-designated institution. Certificate valid 180 days.

Step 4: Receive COE – Employer sends COE via courier or email.

Step 5: Gather Documents – Collect passport, application form, photos, employment contract, certificates, COE, and TB certificate.

Step 6: Obtain OWIC – Apply through Myanmar’s Ministry of Labour. Note: Significant delays and restrictions currently exist.

Step 7: Apply for Visa – Submit complete application at Japanese Embassy in Yangon. Processing takes 5-10 working days.

Step 8: Receive Visa – Collect passport with visa. Enter Japan within 3 months of COE date.

Step 9: Enter Japan – Receive Landing Permit and Residence Card at airport immigration.

The Timeline: From Myanmar to Japan

Complete process takes 2-4 months. COE processing requires 1-3 months. Visa processing takes 5-10 working days. TB screening results available within days to 2 weeks. OWIC processing varies but can add weeks. Fresh graduates have easier paths than mid-career applicants. Applications become more difficult after age 30.

Costs: What’s the Price?

Currency conversion based on exchange rate of 1 JPY = 14.13 MMK as of October 21, 2025

Many employers cover some agency costs when recruiting Myanmar workers. Applying independently avoids agency charges entirely.

Issues Specific to Myanmar

Obtaining OWIC: Quotas and Pauses

OWIC issuance experienced major suspension from January 31 to March 20, 2025. During this period, workers with approved Japanese visas could not depart, causing job offer losses and visa expirations. Even when operational, the Ministry processes only ~100 applications weekly while ~10,000 workers wait. Applications now must be mailed to Nay Pyi Taw with no status tracking—applicants learn of problems only through irregular Telegram channel updates. Japan’s 6-month COE extension for Myanmar nationals specifically addresses these delays.

Restrictions on Freedom

Myanmar’s military conscription law makes men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 eligible for mandatory service (2-5 years). Starting January 31, 2025, the government banned conscription-eligible men from obtaining new OWICs, effectively blocking legal overseas employment. Those summoned for service or granted postponements cannot travel abroad without permission, which is rarely granted. Workers already abroad face recall risks—employment contracts now include clauses requiring return if conscripted. These restrictions create impossible situations where qualified professionals receive Japanese job offers but cannot legally exit Myanmar.

Similarly, the recent travel restrictions for those living abroad from Myanmar shows that even when you’ve left the country, the laws can negatively impact you. Previously, those who converted their Certificates of Identity (temporary ID abroad) to a PJ (Passport for Jobs), were able to travel to neighbouring countries.

However, with recent changes the government has restricted them to only being in Thailand. While this does not impact one’s ability to come and work in Japan by itself, it does show that even abroad you may face an impact from your home government.

Extra Processes

Additional requirements include: online permission applications 5 days before departure; mandatory remittance of 25% monthly salary through official banking; embassy registration in Tokyo; specialized pre-departure training (30,000-100,000 kyat); and widespread unofficial “facilitation fees” (500,000-5,000,000 kyat or ¥35,385-353,850 kyat) to pass airport immigration.

Resources for Myanmar Citizens

Embassy of Japan in Myanmar

Embassy located at 100 Natmauk Road, Bahan Township, Yangon. Visit www.mm.emb-japan.go.jp for requirements, forms, and announcements. Contact consular section for visa inquiries during operating hours.

Applying From Another Country

If residing outside Myanmar with legal status (work permit, student visa, permanent residence), you may apply at the Japanese embassy in your current location. Confirm they accept Myanmar nationals and check additional document requirements. You’ll still need your COE and must prove legal status.

MOFA Help Desks

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) and Japan Visa Information Hotline. For Myanmar-specific questions about COE extensions or TB requirements, contact the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar directly.

FAQ

Q. Do I need Japanese language ability to get a work visa? A. No, Japanese language proficiency is not required for most work visas. However, JLPT N2 or N1 significantly improves employment prospects. The Specified Skilled Worker visa requires JLPT N4.

Q. What happens if my COE expires before I get my OWIC? A. Myanmar nationals have 6-month COE validity addressing OWIC delays. If it still expires, your employer must reapply for a new COE.

Q. Can I bring my family? A. Yes, your spouse and children can join you on Dependent visas after you establish yourself in Japan. They can work part-time with permission.

Q. What is the current OWIC situation for men aged 18-35? A. Military conscription law creates severe restrictions. Men 18-35 face difficult barriers obtaining OWIC approval. Restrictions change frequently. Even with approved Japanese visas, men within conscription age may be unable to depart Myanmar legally.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Japanese work visa as a Myanmar citizen requires careful preparation and patience. Success depends on securing a job offer, navigating Japanese immigration requirements, and overcoming Myanmar-specific challenges like OWIC processing and conscription restrictions. Despite obstacles, thousands of Myanmar workers successfully build careers in Japan each year. The significantly higher salaries, professional development opportunities, and stable work environment make the effort worthwhile for qualified candidates. Start early, maintain close communication with your employer, stay informed about policy changes, and consider Japanese language study to maximize opportunities.