A working permit (work visa) is required prior to working in Japan. For the most part, working visas are issued without too much trouble. Working visas are good for a period of one to three years, and are renewable before expiration.

The method for determining whether one will receive a one- or three-year visa is rather subjective. It appears the immigration office bases its decision on the strength of the application.

Dependents and students require a different type of visa than a working visa, and in most cases are prohibited from working or changing their visa status while in Japan.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete Japan guide.