The Medical Services visa (医療) is the designated residence status for foreign nationals who are licensed to practice medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, or other regulated healthcare professions in Japan. It reflects Japan's recognition of the essential role of qualified medical professionals in the healthcare system.
A critical prerequisite is obtaining the relevant Japanese professional license. Unlike many countries that offer reciprocal recognition of foreign medical credentials, Japan requires most foreign healthcare professionals to pass Japanese national licensing examinations — conducted in Japanese — before they are legally permitted to practice. This makes preparation, including Japanese language proficiency, essential for those seeking to work in clinical roles.
The Medical Services visa is typically issued for 1 to 5 years and is renewable as long as the professional license remains valid and employment continues. As Japan faces a growing aging population and regional healthcare shortages, qualified foreign medical professionals are increasingly welcomed, particularly those willing to serve in rural or underserved communities.
Who Is This For
- ✓Licensed physicians and surgeons working at Japanese hospitals or clinics
- ✓Dentists practicing at Japanese dental facilities
- ✓Pharmacists employed at Japanese pharmacies or hospitals
- ✓Midwives and medical technologists
- ✓Other licensed healthcare professionals providing medical services
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Up to 5 years
Requirements
- •A valid Japanese medical license (or relevant professional license) issued under Japanese law
- •Employment at or operation of a recognized medical institution in Japan
- •Relevant professional qualifications recognized in Japan
- •Employment contract or practice agreement with a Japanese healthcare facility
- •Clean professional and immigration record
- •Valid passport
Costs & Fees
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Copy of Japanese medical or professional license
- Employment contract or appointment letter from hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility
- Proof of professional qualifications from home country
- Medical institution's registration or accreditation documents
- Resume or CV detailing medical education and practice history
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Obtain the relevant Japanese professional license (this typically requires passing Japanese national examinations)
- 2Secure an employment offer from a recognized Japanese medical institution
- 3Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility through the Immigration Services Agency
- 4Receive the COE and submit your visa application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
- 5Travel to Japan and register your address at the local municipality within 14 days
- 6Begin practicing at the designated healthcare facility
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.
Residence Status (COE) Review Time
Average processing days as of Jun 2026, based on official Ministry of Justice statistics.
Figures include waiting time for supplementary documents. Denied and withdrawn applications are excluded.
Renewal and change-of-status 'notice' figures include the wait between review completion and pickup at Immigration Bureau.
Work Restrictions
Family & Dependents
Renewal & Extension
Common Visa Transition Paths
These are the most common paths — many other transitions are possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for another residence status.
Important Notices
- ⚠Must pass Japans national examination for physicians/nurses/etc.
- ⚠Overseas medical qualifications cannot be used directly in Japan
- ⚠Japanese language proficiency requirements are extremely high (must reach professional medical communication level)
Practical Tips
- →Some countries have mutual recognition agreements with Japan for medical qualifications; check if applicable
- →Japan faces medical personnel shortages; job prospects are good after obtaining qualifications
- →Can come to Japan on a Student visa first to prepare for the national examination