Japan Medical Services Visa

The key to the Japan Medical Services Visa is that the applicant must be certified to carry on their profession in Japan. Thus, for example, being qualified to practice medicine in the United States or Australia does not constitute eligibility to obtain a Japan Medical Services Visa.

Description

This is a highly specific work visa category for applicants who possess medical professional qualifications recognized under Japanese law.

There are two broad classes of applicant who may use this visa category:

• Applicants who have studied in Japan and obtained a domestic Japanese qualification from the relevant Japanese professional body, and
• Applicants who have a foreign professional qualification and have additionally obtained recognition of that foreign qualification from the relevant professional body in Japan.

The list of acceptable qualifications includes:

• Physician
• Dentist
• Pharmacist
• Public health nurse
• Birthing assistant
• Registered nurse
• Assistant nurse
• Dental hygienist (shikaeiseishi)
• X-ray technician
• Physical therapist (rigakuryouhoushi)
• Occupational therapist (sagyouryouhoushi)
• Eye specialist (shinoukunrenshi)
• Clinical technician (rinshoukougakugishi)
• Artificial limb technician (gishisougushi)

Important categories that currently appear to be excluded from this SOR category include:

• Caregiver
• Social Welfare Worker
• Home Helper
• Acupuncturists

In some cases the Japan Medical Services Visa only allows the applicant to work as a Trainee in Japan. In such cases, it may also be a requirement that the traineeship occur within a stipulated period after the applicant has received their qualification in Japan.

SIX STEPS TO OBTAIN A JAPAN MEDICAL SERVICES VISA

In order to obtain a Japan Medical Services Visa to work in Japan, an applicant will need to complete the following six steps:

STEP 1 – Confirm the Proposed Work in Japan is Consistent with the Activities Permitted for the Holder of a Japan Medical Services Visa.

The activities permitted under a Japan Medical Services Visa are medical treatment services that are required to be undertaken by those with the following qualifications.

• Physician
• Dentist
• Pharmacist
• Public health nurse
• Birthing assistant
• Registered nurse
• Assistant nurse
• Dental hygienist (shikaeiseishi)
• X-ray technician
• Physical therapist (rigakuryouhoushi)
• Occupational therapist (sagyouryouhoushi)
• Eye specialist (shinoukunrenshi)
• Clinical technician (rinshoukougakugishi)
• Artificial limb technician (gishisougushi)

Note that, depending on the specific situation, there are a range of other requirements that may need to be met by some applicants. These additional requirements include:

• That the applicant will receive no less remuneration than would a Japanese national undertaking comparable work.
• That the activities in Japan must take place within a certain period of time after the applicant has received her qualifications (for example within four, six, or seven years).
• That the applicant will work in an area where it is difficult to secure certain medical services.

STEP 2 – Assemble the Documents Required to Support a Japan Medical Services Visa Application.

Once an applicant has confirmed that her proposed activities in Japan are consistent with those outlined above in Step 1, supporting documentation needs to be prepared.

In the case of a Japan Medical Services Visa, the authorities require the following documents:

1. Documents certifying that the applicant is qualified to undertake one of the activities described in Step 1 above.
2. Documents that certify:
   • The actual activity to be undertaken by the applicant,
   • The proposed duration of the activity,
   • The position to be held by the applicant, and
   • The applicant’s remuneration.

Although not technically required, our experience is that providing Japanese translations enhances the quality of an application. This may minimize delays in obtaining final approval.

JAPAN VISA™’s certified immigration specialists are able to assist in the preparation and translation of all documentation required for a Japan Medical Services Visa.

Note Regarding Japan Tax Planning Opportunities for Japan Medical Services Visa applicants.

Typically, there are quite limited tax planning opportunities for the holder of a Japan Medical Services Visa. But, items such as employer provided housing, commuting allowance, and employer funded home leave can result in significant individual tax savings. In some circumstances, off-shore payment of compensation can result in tax savings if the holder of the Japan Medical Services Visa will spend time outside Japan on business. All these matters should be negotiated with the employer prior to finalizing the documentation needed for the Japan Medical Services Visa COE application (see Step 4 below). The following article provides more information about this important issue Japan Taxes: Tax Planning for Foreigners Working in Japan.

STEP 3 – Submit an Application for a Japan Medical Services Visa Certificate of Eligibility (“COE”).

Once the applicant’s activities have been confirmed and the appropriate documents assembled per steps 1 and 2 above, the next step in most cases will be to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (abbreviated as “COE”).

A COE is a document issued by the Japanese immigration authorities. It certifies an applicant’s eligibility to undertake specific employment in Japan – in this case, the position associated with the Japan Medical Services Visa application.

An application for a Japan Medical Services Visa COE must be submitted in person at a regional immigration office in Japan. The COE application cannot be submitted by mail or at a Japanese embassy outside Japan.

Where the applicant is not personally available (for example because she is not in Japan or due to a busy schedule) Japanese law allows a certified immigration specialist to submit a Japan Medical Services Visa COE application on behalf of the applicant.

JAPAN VISA™’s certified immigration specialists are able to handle all the procedures associated with preparing and submitting an application for a Japan Medical Services Visa COE.

STEP 4 – Await Approval of the Japan Medical Services Visa COE.

The processing time for a Japan Medical Services Visa COE is generally four to six weeks.

Once approved, a notice is sent to an address in Japan advising that the COE is ready for collection at the regional immigration office where the COE application was originally submitted.

Where JAPAN VISA™ is handling the Japan Medical Services Visa application, the notification from the immigration authorities is sent to our office. JAPAN VISA™’s certified immigration specialist then collects the COE from the regional immigration office and either forwards it to the applicant or prepares a change of status application (see Step 5 below).

STEP 5 – Obtain Legal / Accounting Services Status of Residence (SOR).

Once an applicant has the Japan Medical Services Visa COE in hand, the next step is for her to exchange the COE for Japan Medical Services “Status of Residence” (usually abbreviated as “SOR”).

Technically speaking, it is the Japan Medical Services SOR that will form the basis of the applicant actually living and working in Japan.

There are two methods for converting the COE to Japan Medical Services SOR:

Method 1: Exchange the Japan Medical Services COE at a Japanese embassy or Consul outside Japan.

This is the traditional route for obtaining Japan Medical Services SOR.

The applicant first exchanges the Japan Medical Services Visa COE for a Japan Medical Services Visa at a Japanese embassy or consul outside Japan. The process generally takes two to three business days.

The applicant then travels to Japan and is granted Japan Medical Services SOR at the port of entry.

Method 2: Undertake a Change of Status to Japan Medical Services SOR in Japan.

In some cases, an alternative may be for the holder of a Japan Medical Services COE to enter Japan under the Japan Visa Waiver Program or some other form of short-term entry. The applicant then applies for Japan Medical Services SOR via a change of status at a regional immigration office in Japan.

A change of status takes approximately two weeks. During that time, it is not possible for the applicant to travel outside Japan.

Where the change of status route is utilized, JAPAN VISA™’s certified immigration specialists can undertake the necessary procedures at the regional immigration office in Japan.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS AFTER RECEIVING YOUR JAPAN MEDICAL SERVICES VISA

Once an applicant has their Japan Medical Services Visa in hand, there are a number of very important issues that need to be considered in order to avoid possible future problems.

• Japan Residence Card
  

Whether you receive your Japan Medical Services SOR at the airport upon entering Japan or via a change of status application filed at a regional immigration office in Japan (see Step 5 above), you will receive a Japan Residence Card.

This is an official identification card that includes an IC chip. The Residence Card contains personal information such as your name, address, birth date, residence status (in this case, Investor SOR), period of stay, etc.

You are required to carry your Residence Card at all times.

• Consider Applying for a Japan Re-Entry Permit.

Up until July 2012, if you held Japan Medical Services SOR and wished to temporarily leave Japan (e.g., for vacation, business, etc.) it was necessary to obtain a Re-entry Permit for Japan in advance of travelling.

However, it is now possible to leave Japan for up to 12 months without a Re-Entry Permit.

If there is any possibility that a trip outside Japan will last for more than 12 months, an individual holding Japan Medical Services SOR should ensure that they have a Re-entry Permit.

This can be obtained at regional immigration office in Japan.

• Understand Your Tax Obligations

There are at least three important tax issues that need to be considered by anyone holding a Japan Medical Services Visa.

(i) Japanese Tax for holders of Japan Medical Services Visa

People living in Japan under Japan Medical Services Visa SOR will typically be working for an institution that handles at least part of their Japan tax matters on their behalf. This is done by way of withholding tax deducted each month and a year-end adjustment as part of the December payroll.

However, if some income is being paid outside Japan, you may need to submit a Japanese individual tax return by 15 March each year. It is very important that you understand your Japan tax obligations since no extensions are available.

Complying with your Japanese tax obligations is essential in order to renew your visa.

This article explains the basics of Tax Planning for Foreigners Working in Japan.

(ii) United States Tax for Holders of Japan Medical Services Visa

If the holder of Japan Medical Services Visa is a US citizen or green card holder, they will usually continue to have US tax obligations even while living in Japan.

The US rules applicable to Americans living overseas are complex and constantly changing. In order to avoid possible penalties, anyone with a US tax filing obligation should seek specialist advice to ensure that they fulfill their US tax obligations.

(iii) Taxes when the Holder of Japan Medical Services Visa Leaves Japan

Prior to leaving Japan, the holder of Japan Medical Services Visa is required to fully settle her taxes or appoint a tax agent.

It should also be noted that Japanese local tax is assessed based on where you live on 1 January each year. As a result, departing Japan prior to 1 January may result in significant tax savings.

Contact JAPAN VISA™ to learn how we can assist you to obtain a Japan Medical Services Visa.