Inviting Foreign Employees from Overseas
- We would like to invite a foreign employee from overseas. Should we apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)? Also, what exactly is a Certificate of Eligibility?
- A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document that certifies that the activities of a foreign national seeking entry into Japan fall under a specific status of residence and that none of the grounds for denial of landing apply.
Strictly speaking, it is not always mandatory to apply for a COE when entering Japan. In principle, an application for a status of residence can also be examined at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. However, since the authority to grant a status of residence rests with the Ministry of Justice, embassies and consulates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot conduct this examination themselves. Instead, they must request the Ministry of Justice to review the case in order to determine whether a visa may be issued. When immigration authorities in Japan handle such requests from embassies, additional documentation may be required, and the exchange of documents and communication across borders often takes considerable time.
Due to the inefficiency and delays involved, this method is rarely used today. The standard and more efficient practice is to apply in advance in Japan for a Certificate of Eligibility, which will then be presented at the embassy or consulate when applying for a visa.
Related Service Page:
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application
The Certificate of Eligibility is a document confirming in advance to the Minister of Justice that the intended activities of the applicant meet the requirements for a status of residence in Japan.
Free Consultation on Hiring Foreign Employees
Since our establishment in 1986, we have provided nearly 40 years of consulting services specializing in visa applications for companies employing foreign nationals.
Consultations are available by phone, email, online, or in person at our office. English support is also available.
