TEFL Requirements in Japan: Visa, Degree & Certification
Last updated: 2026-08-05 · Data source: aggregated live research (government/consular guidance, industry TEFL guides), see sources below
Bachelor's degree in any subject is a hard visa requirement; TEFL certification isn't legally mandated but is widely expected, especially by eikaiwa employers.
Visa / work permit route
Public-school roles (JET, Boards of Education) use the Instructor visa; eikaiwa, dispatch ALT companies and corporate trainers use the Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa. The employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on the teacher's behalf, which typically takes 4–8 weeks, for a total job-offer-to-arrival timeline of around 12–16 weeks.
Degree requirement
A bachelor's degree in any subject (or an equivalent teacher-training qualification for JET) is a hard, non-negotiable visa requirement — there's no experience-based exception.
Get the TEFL Hours You Need
Compare accredited 120-hour and 150-hour TEFL courses that meet Japan's visa and employer requirements — online or with an in-person practicum.
Get Started with TEFL Institute →TEFL certification hours
TEFL certification isn't a legal visa requirement in Japan, but it's widely preferred or required by employers — especially eikaiwa — with a 120-hour certificate as the common minimum some employers ask for, and a few preferring a 180-hour Level 5 Diploma.
Background checks & document legalisation
A clean criminal record check is required as part of the visa and employer vetting process, and some employers additionally ask for a health certificate. Non-native English speakers generally need to show 12+ years of English-medium education.
Recent rule changes to know about
No specific change to the Instructor or Specialist in Humanities visa categories was confirmed for teachers directly in this research pass. Visa-related government fees have been rising (for example, the renewal fee moving from ¥4,000 to ¥6,000, with further increases reportedly planned), and the deadline for new graduates to transition from a student to a work visa is 31 January 2026 — worth checking directly against Japan's Immigration Services Agency (isa.go.jp) before relying on exact dates or fees.
As an AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying sign-ups. Links on this page are affiliate links — see our affiliate disclosure.
This page is general information, not immigration or legal advice — always confirm current visa and work permit requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or a licensed immigration adviser before booking travel.
FAQs
Do I need a degree to teach English in Japan?
A bachelor's degree in any subject (or an equivalent teacher-training qualification for JET) is a hard, non-negotiable visa requirement — there's no experience-based exception.
How many TEFL certification hours do I need for Japan?
TEFL certification isn't a legal visa requirement in Japan, but it's widely preferred or required by employers — especially eikaiwa — with a 120-hour certificate as the common minimum some employers ask for, and a few preferring a 180-hour Level 5 Diploma.
What visa do I need to teach English in Japan?
Public-school roles (JET, Boards of Education) use the Instructor visa; eikaiwa, dispatch ALT companies and corporate trainers use the Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa. The employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on the teacher's behalf, which typically takes 4–8 weeks, for a total job-offer-to-arrival timeline of around 12–16 weeks.
Is a background check required to teach in Japan?
A clean criminal record check is required as part of the visa and employer vetting process, and some employers additionally ask for a health certificate. Non-native English speakers generally need to show 12+ years of English-medium education.