Working conditions in Japan

We provide job search assistance in Japan, work visa services, and help you get settled in Japan.
You can also contact us after getting a job if you have any problems.

1. Necessary conditions for work in Japan.

To work in Japan, a work visa is a prerequisite.

The most common types of work visas are Specialist and Humanitarian and International Relations (they give the right to work in mechanical engineering, translators, designers, teachers, etc.)

The main requirement for obtaining these types of visas is the presence of higher education (bachelor’s degree).

For any additional questions, please contact VISHU.

2. Visa support

To read this section, please follow the link – Support

3. Working conditions in Japan

In Japan, there are various types of employment, which you can ask about at the interview.

3-1. Permanent and contract employees

Japan still has a lifetime employment program called “seishain”, a permanent employee who can work for the company until retirement age.

There are also employees under the contract ” keiyaku shain”who work during the period specified in the contract, at the end of the contract it can be extended or not.

3-2. Probationary period and official employment

The probationary period generally lasts about 3 months (may vary depending on the company), during this time the company and the employee decide whether they are suitable for each other, whether the employee is satisfied with the rules and work of the company, and whether the company is satisfied with the skills and abilities of the employee. At the end of the probationary period, official employment begins. There are also companies in which there is no practice of a probationary period.

4. Salary structure in Japan

The procedure for issuing salaries in Japan is described below. This structure differs depending on the company, the HR department will explain everything to you before employment

4-1. Base salary

Fixed amount, the same every month.

4-2. Overtime allowance

Regardless of the actual working time, an overtime supplement is paid.

In the case of work that exceeds 40 (forty) hours per month, an additional overtime allowance (surcharge) is accrued in accordance with the actual overtime hours. The amount of overtime allowed varies by company.

4-3. Bonuses

Depending on the company, Japan also provides bonuses and allowances in addition to the base salary. Basically, bonuses are paid 2 times a year – in June and December, in accordance with the company’s profit and the performance of employees.

4-4. Various benefits

In addition to the base salary, various benefits are also provided, which vary depending on the internal rules of the company.

Job allowance	There may be cases where a job allowance is issued if you are the head of a department, department, or director.
Qualification allowance	There are companies that issue benefits if the employee has certificates (training and language certificates).
Family allowance	An allowance that is issued in the presence of dependents (wife, minor children, etc.).
Housing allowance	There may be cases of granting a living allowance, that is, partial payment for housing.
Fare	Transport costs from the place of residence to the workplace are covered monthly. Travel expenses are also covered separately.

4-5. Payments deducted from wages

Under Japanese law, employers and employees are required to pay certain taxes to the government and local organizations.

Income tax	The amount of deductions depends on income. Income is taken into account in conjunction with benefits. Transport costs are not included.
Medical insurance	Health insurance provides a 70% discount on basic medical services.
Social pension	Payments that after the age of 65 will become your pension. Basically, the pension is withdrawn along with health insurance in some companies. Also, if you suddenly return back to your homeland, it is possible to return pension payments.
Industrial Accident Insurance	If you get hurt or have an accident on the way to work or while working, the government will bear the costs. Especially recently, accidents due to overwork and stress have become more frequent in Japan, and the government is keeping a close eye on this.
Residence tax	The taxes you pay to the city where you live.

5. Annual salary and profit on hand

As described above, the annual salary does not correspond to your total income on hand, due to the deduction of taxes. Therefore, below is a table that will help you calculate your profit.

View	Details
Monthly income	Base salary
	Overtime allowance
	Additional allowance
	Fare
Monthly deductions	Income tax
	Health insurance
	Social pension
	Industrial Accident Insurance
	Residence tax
Monthly profit on hand	Monthly income – Monthly payments
Бонусы	Bonuses Bonus (2 times a year)
	Income tax (part of the bonus 2 times a year)
Total annual income	Monthly income × 12 months + Bonus × 2 times
Total annual profit on hand	Monthly income × 12 months + Bonus × 2 times – Monthly payments × 12 months – Income tax (part of the bonus 2 times a year)