Sponsoring Personal Help in Japan

Background

In many countries, expatriate families—particularly those with children—employ a nanny, maid or housekeeper. Some households may also rely on a driver, cook or other personal assistance.

The position in Japan is different. Domestic support can be more expensive than in some other parts of Asia, and immigration permission for a domestic worker is restricted. A person cannot ordinarily obtain a work status simply because a household wishes to employ them.

The central issue is sponsorship. Anyone seeking to work in Japan as a housekeeper or similar domestic employee needs an appropriate immigration basis, and only limited categories of foreign residents may be eligible to sponsor that arrangement.

Key points at a glance

Domestic work is not a general-purpose route open to every household.
The sponsor's status of residence and household circumstances matter.
Employment conditions and minimum compensation requirements may apply.
Approval may lead to permission under the Designated Activities category.

Basic requirements

Eligibility depends on the facts and the immigration rules in force when an application is made. The main considerations commonly include the following:

The proposed sponsor's status of residence. Relevant categories may include Business Manager and Legal or Accounting Services.
Additional household conditions. Depending on the applicable route, these may include:
1. having a child below the specified age threshold; or
2. having a spouse who cannot assist with household responsibilities because of illness or incapacity.
Employment conditions. Minimum compensation and other requirements may apply to the proposed domestic worker's employment.

If the application is approved, the domestic worker may receive permission under a Designated Activities visa. The precise activities permitted should be checked against the individual's status and supporting documentation.

Other sponsorship circumstances

Separate arrangements may be available to some people holding a Diplomat visa or Official visa. Certain members of the United States military may also fall under distinct rules. These situations should not be assumed to follow the same requirements as applications connected with other residence categories.

Before proceeding

Start by checking the proposed sponsor's exact status of residence, the household circumstances and the intended employee's background. Employment terms, accommodation, duties and supporting evidence should be consistent throughout the application.

Because eligibility is narrow and case-specific, consider obtaining advice from a qualified Japanese immigration professional before making commitments or submitting an application.

Information notice: This article provides general educational information and does not constitute immigration, legal or tax advice. Requirements can change, and only appropriately qualified Japanese professionals can advise on individual circumstances.

Build the assessment in the right order

A careful review should establish sponsorship eligibility before the household commits to travel or employment arrangements.

Confirm status

Identify the proposed sponsor's exact status of residence.

Check conditions

Review household circumstances and route-specific criteria.

Define employment

Set out duties, compensation and supporting documentation.

Seek case advice

Confirm current requirements before filing or making commitments.

Common sponsorship questions

Can any foreign resident sponsor a nanny or housekeeper?

No. Sponsorship is restricted and depends on the proposed sponsor's residence category and additional personal or household conditions.

Does a job offer by itself create visa eligibility?

No. An offer of domestic employment does not by itself establish an immigration route. Both the sponsor and proposed worker must fit the relevant requirements.

Which immigration category may apply to the worker?

Where an eligible application is approved, permission may be granted under Designated Activities. The authorized activities depend on the individual approval.

Are there salary requirements?

Minimum compensation and employment conditions may apply. Current requirements should be verified before employment terms are finalized.

Can a domestic worker enter as a visitor and begin working?

No. Visitor status does not authorize paid domestic work. Appropriate permission must be obtained before work begins.

Do diplomat and official visa holders follow the same rules?

Not necessarily. Separate arrangements may apply, so those cases should be assessed under their own rules rather than the general route outlined here.

Sponsoring personal help in Japan