Japanese language requirement for a work visa

Last checked: 2026-11-06

There is no single rule. It depends on your status and your job. Since April 15, 2026, people doing language-based work under the Engineer/Specialist status need B2-level ability, such as JLPT N2. Specified Skilled Worker (i) usually needs N4 or the JFT-Basic.

Japanese level by status

Status	Language rule	Accepted proof we read
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, language-based work	CEFR B2 in the language you use at work	See the list below
Business Manager	B2 or higher, for the applicant or a full-time employee	JLPT N2 or higher, BJT 400 or higher, or other routes such as 20 years of residence
Specified Skilled Worker (i), most fields	Basic test rule	JFT-Basic, or JLPT N4 or higher
Specified Skilled Worker (i), taxi, bus and railway staff	Higher rule	JLPT N3 or higher
Designated Activities for graduates of Japanese universities	Advanced Japanese	JLPT N1, BJT 480 or higher, or a Japanese major at a foreign university
Highly skilled professional points	Optional points, not a rule	N1 gives 15 points, N2 gives 10

Our own short summary of Japanese-language official pages. It is not legal advice. Rules change, and meeting a language rule does not guarantee a visa.

The April 2026 rule for language-based work

The agency says this covers people mainly doing work that uses language skills. Its examples are translation, interpreting and customer service, such as a hotel front desk.

Who must send proof: applicants whose employer is in Category 3 or 4, for applications from April 15, 2026. The categories are set out on the agency's page.
Category 1 or 2 employers: you may still be asked for proof during the review.
Changing jobs: if you move into this kind of work, you must send proof when you renew.
Renewing in the same work: proof is not required if you were already doing similar work, but you may be asked for it.

The agency says that without B2 ability, this work does not count as work of the required standard.

What counts as B2 Japanese

Any one of these counts under Annex 4:

JLPT N2 or higher
BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test: 400 or higher
EJU Japanese subject: 200 or higher, for reading, listening and listening-reading combined
JPT Japanese Proficiency Test: 525 or higher
20 years or more in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident
Graduating from a Japanese university, or completing a professional course at a Japanese college of technology or specialized training college, if your major relates to the job
Completing compulsory education in Japan and graduating from a Japanese high school

The rule also covers other languages. If the work uses English, for example, that can be your native or official language, or a test showing CEFR B2 or higher.

A trap with N2 and CEFR

This is our own reading of two official pages. The JLPT chart shows B1 for an N2 total of 90 to 111, and B2 from 112. But the agency's list counts any N2 pass as B2 for this rule. So a score report showing B1 at N2 can still meet the list. Check with the agency if your case is close.

Which test should you take?

This is our own decision rule.

You need proof soon: the BJT can be booked at a test center, and 400 counts for both rules above.
You have time and want one result for many uses: take JLPT N2. See how to register.
You are aiming for a Japanese university: the EJU may do both jobs, if you score 200 or more.
You hold a J.TEST or NAT result: neither was on the list we read. See our J.TEST guide.

Permanent residence

This is not a work visa, but it is a common next step. The permanent residence guidelines revised on October 1, 2026 say that B1-level Japanese will be a factor to consider. The guidelines apply to applications from April 1, 2027.

The agency says this does not apply to highly skilled professionals and their families, people with six or more years of primary or secondary schooling, and some children of permanent residents born in Japan. The guidelines we read do not list which test results show B1.

Other uses of the JLPT

For study, medical licenses and EPA nurses, see which JLPT level you need for Japan. To see where you stand, check the JLPT levels.