Hey everyone,
I have an opportunity to ask my company for relocation and visa sponsorship to Japan. While this is not certain, I have good reason to believe it won't be an issue for the company.
Here’s my situation:
I currently work remotely in EU with a international team. The whole team will transfer to the new company. I will have to switch my contract to the new company. Since they don't have an office in my home country, they need to relocate me or get an EOR.
My team and direct manager are okay with me continuing to work remotely, but I’d like to grab the chance to try and live in Japan long term. (I've visited 4 times, mostly Tokyo, Naha and Fukuoka).
I'm intending to keep work remotely, with being optionally able to go to the office as a bonus. I understand that the company has a strong remote culture, and this shouldn't be a big ask. The new company will have a office in Yokohama if I'm not mistaken.
I’m trying to clear up my mind before I talk with HR:
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My understanding is that they can sponsor me from a visa. I think this is not the High skilled professional visa (which I would score a fair deal of points with), but I'm not sure on this point.
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What kind of documentation would my company need to provide to sponsor me?
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Would being mostly remote but having a registered office in Yokohama be acceptable for immigration purposes?
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Any pitfalls or common issues to watch out for when asking a company (that’s not based in Japan) to handle sponsorship via their Japanese branch?
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I like Okinawa a lot, but it would be probably not the best option to move there. Seeing the office location and my very basic understanding of Japanese, I'll probably need to stick around the Tokyo area (also to get in touch with the international community+live classes). What place in Tokyo would be smart? Minato-shi? I am also considering Yokohama itself, but I'm not completely sold (visited once). I loved Kamakura, but I also visited it only once.
Any insight or personal experience would really help.
by SpinnakerThei