Licensed Cook (Chourishi)
A national qualification proving culinary expertise. Useful for applying for the Skilled Labor (Engineer) residence status in the cook category. Foreign nationals with 10+ years of experience in foreign cuisine cooking can work on a Skilled Labor visa.
Applicable Visas
How It Helps
Recognized as foreign cuisine culinary skill; favorable for Skilled Labor visa applications. 10+ years of experience is also required.
How It Helps
The cook license itself is not a substitute for the food service SSW skills test, but strengthens evidence of work capability.
How to Obtain
Graduate from a culinary school (1–2 years) OR pass the prefectural exam after 2+ years of food service experience. Fee: approx. ¥6,300 (varies by prefecture).
Tips for Passing
The Skilled Labor (Cook) visa targets foreign cuisine cooking. Japanese cuisine cooks are excluded (treated as equivalent to Japanese nationals). Effective when serving your home country's cuisine in Japan.
Free Consultation with an Immigration Specialist
Residence status applications involve complex procedures including document preparation and communication with immigration authorities. Our specialized immigration consultants offer free consultations.