Designated Activities Visa (Various Types) — Strategic Guide
Explaining the diverse Designated Activities visas including No. 46, diplomatic family, and highly skilled professional families
Designated Activities is a residence status for activities individually designated by the Minister of Justice, and there are dozens of categories depending on purpose. The main ones are: ① Designated Activities No. 46 (employment for Japanese university graduates), ② Working Holiday, ③ Job Hunting, ④ Family of diplomatic/official visa holders, ⑤ Spouse of Highly Skilled Professional allowed to work, etc. Permitted activities and stay periods differ significantly between each.
Who this is for: Foreign nationals engaging in special activities that do not fall under other residence statuses. Particularly: ① foreign nationals who graduated from a Japanese 4-year university (Designated Activities No. 46), ② family members of Highly Skilled Professionals, diplomats, etc.
Case-by-Case Review Points & Strategies
Case 1: Designated Activities No. 46 (Broad Work for Japanese University Graduates)
Low RiskSituation
Graduated from a Japanese 4-year university (humanities). Wants to work in a field unrelated to the major (retail, service industry, etc.) that does not fall within Engineer/Humanities activities
Strategy
Designated Activities No. 46 was established in 2019 and allows Japanese 4-year university graduates to use their Japanese language ability (JLPT N1 equivalent) to work across a wide range of industries (retail, service, manufacturing, etc.). Apply by preparing a graduation certificate, JLPT N1 certificate, and job offer letter.
Key Point: The core requirements for Designated Activities No. 46 are 'JLPT N1 or BJT J1+ pass' and 'graduation from a Japanese 4-year university.' The range of industries and job types is broader than Engineer/Humanities (excluding unskilled labor). Work premised on using Japanese language ability — work consisting only of simple tasks is not permitted.
Case 2: Spouse of Highly Skilled Professional (Designated Activities with Work Permission)
Low RiskSituation
Came to Japan as the spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional visa holder. Wants to work in Japan, but the dependent family visa has limited work options
Strategy
By applying for 'Designated Activities (work permission),' the spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional can work full-time without the 28-hour/week limit. The HSP visa holder can simultaneously apply for the spouse's work permission (as an accompanying activity of HSP). Unlike a regular dependent family visa, work content restrictions are also relaxed.
Key Point: This work permission is linked to the stay period of the 'Highly Skilled Professional visa' held by the spouse. If the HSP visa is renewed, work permission is often automatically extended. If the spouse themselves meets the HSP points requirement, changing to an independent HSP visa is also possible.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
The Designated Activities visa has many types, and it can be difficult to accurately determine which category applies. Online information is often outdated or limited to specific cases. When applying under Designated Activities, always check the latest immigration authority's announcements or consult a specialist. In particular, Designated Activities No. 46 presupposes employment at a legally incorporated company — self-employed work or outsourcing contracts are not covered.
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