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[Why Is It Needed?] The Purpose of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and What Happens After

Essential for Hiring from Abroad!
The Role & Process of a COE

COE = "Pre-Approval from the Ministry of Justice"

The first step in bringing foreign talent to Japan.
By completing the review in advance, the entry process becomes much smoother.

Benefits of Obtaining a COE

Process After Obtaining the COE
*The COE is not the finish line -- it's a "halfway point"!

Receiving the Residence Card at the airport is the true "Goal"!

"I want to hire excellent talent from abroad. I heard I need a 'COE' first, but does that mean they can start working right away?"

Hello! I'm Shizuka Wakabayashi, a certified Immigration Specialist.
When bringing a foreign national to Japan from overseas, the first step is applying for a "Certificate of Eligibility (COE)."

What Is a COE? A "Pre-Approval" from the Ministry of Justice

A COE (Certificate of Eligibility) is a document certifying that "this foreign national meets the conditions for a residence status in Japan," issued in advance by the Ministry of Justice as a "seal of approval."

[Purpose of the System]

Normally, entering Japan involves two hurdles: "review at the overseas embassy" and "inspection at the airport." The COE system completes the review within Japan first, thereby greatly simplifying and expediting both of these steps.

Benefits: Why Is This "Pre-Approval" So Important?

1. Greater certainty of approvalSince Immigration has essentially given its OK, you can proceed with travel preparations with confidence.
2. Faster visa issuanceA review that could take months without a COE is typically completed in about one week.
3. Smoother airport inspectionSince activities are already recognized as permitted, landing inspection proceeds smoothly.

[Important] The COE Is Not the Finish Line! The Steps That Follow

Send to the Applicant

Electronic issuance (mainstream): Simply forward by email.
Paper issuance: The original must be sent by international mail.

Apply for Visa at the Local Embassy

The applicant brings the COE to the Japanese embassy and receives a visa sticker in their passport.

Arrive in Japan and Receive the Residence Card

After passing the landing inspection at the airport, the "Residence Card" is issued -- this is the true finish line.

Summary

The COE is the "most critical halfway point" on the road to the goal. Obtaining this certificate significantly reduces uncertainty in your hiring plan.

Stay diligent until the final step
(arrival in Japan and Residence Card issuance).