What Are The Basic Requirements To Teach English in Japan?

Is the land of the rising sun beckoning you to its shores? Do you dream of having a picnic under cherry blossoms by day and drinking sake at a karaoke bar by night?

The Asian market is one of the largest in the world for English teachers. Japan, in particular, has a rich tradition of employing foreign English instructors. The Japanese government initiated the official Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program in 1987 to bring native English speakers to public schools across the country. Additionally, thousands of teachers work in private language institutes (Eikaiwas) catering to children and adults.

Teach English in Japan: Requirements & Qualifications

To teach English in Japan, you generally need a Bachelor’s degree in any field, a clean criminal background check, and native-level English fluency. A TEFL certification is highly recommended for all positions and required by many schools. Average salaries range from $1,500 to $2,000 USD per month (approx. ¥235,000 – ¥315,000 JPY), with average living costs ranging from $800 to $2,000 USD per month (approx. ¥125,000 – ¥315,000 JPY).

1. University Degree Requirements

To qualify for a work visa to teach English in Japan, the Japanese government requires a Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university (4 years in North America/3 years in the UK). Your degree does not need to be in Education or English.

• Eikaiwas (Private Language Schools): Must hold a completed Bachelor's degree at the time of application.
• JET Program: Candidates who have not yet graduated can apply as long as they receive their degree before the JET start date.

2. Citizenship & English Fluency

Citizenship from primary English-speaking nations (the "Big 7": USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa) is highly sought after. Native English speakers from Caribbean countries such as Jamaica also find ample teaching opportunities.

Non-Native Speakers & Other Passport Holders: You can qualify for a work visa if you provide documented proof of at least 12 years of education in an English-medium school system OR have 3 years of ESL teaching experience. JET applicants must hold citizenship in a participating JET country and possess a functional command of English or Japanese.

3. TEFL Certification

Holding an accredited TEFL certification or teaching license is advantageous for all English teaching positions in Japan and is required by many private schools. While JET does not strictly mandate a TEFL certificate, having one gives applicants a distinct competitive edge.

Recommended TEFL options for teaching in Japan:

• 4-Week In-Person TEFL Course in Nagoya, Japan
• 11-Week 170-Hour Online TEFL Course

4. Criminal Background Check Requirements

While a 100% clean criminal history is not an absolute legal requirement for a Japanese work visa, most schools mandate a clean check during recruitment. Candidates convicted of DUIs, drug offenses, sex crimes, or offenses against children are typically disqualified.

• Eikaiwas: If you have a past conviction, schools will review it and may require court/arrest records to process your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• JET Program: Applications are reviewed case-by-case. Applicants with prior arrests or convictions must submit a national criminal record check during initial application.

Note: If you have a record, investigate whether it can be expunged prior to applying, or consider teaching in a country with alternative visa entry rules.

Official National Background Check Providers by Country:

• United States: FBI Identity History Summary Check or Approved Channeler
• United Kingdom: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• Canada: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• Australia: Australian Federal Police (AFP)
• Ireland: An Garda Síochána
• New Zealand: Ministry of Justice
• South Africa: Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO)

5. Medical & Health Screenings

Japan maintains strict regulations around drug use. Any history of drug charges or positive drug tests will lead to immediate disqualification.

• Eikaiwas: Employers often require standard health checks and drug screenings as part of onboarding.
• JET Program: Requires a self-report of medical conditions during initial application. Accepted participants must submit an official Statement of Physician signed by a licensed doctor.

6. Age Limits & Cultural Norms

The standard mandatory retirement age in Japan is 60. Most teachers hiring in private language schools are between 21 and 40 years old. While teachers over 60 can secure jobs, placement is significantly harder due to local labor laws and hiring preferences. JET lists no strict upper age limit, but notes that the program is structured as a youth exchange.

7. Start-Up Costs & Financial Preparation

English teachers in Japan typically earn between $1,500 to $2,000 USD per month (approx. ¥235,000 to ¥315,000 JPY), while average monthly living costs range from $800 to $2,000 USD per month (approx. ¥125,000 to ¥315,000 JPY) depending on your lifestyle and location (e.g., Tokyo vs. smaller suburban towns).

We recommend arriving in Japan with between $2,500 to $3,000 USD (approx. ¥395,000 to ¥475,000 JPY) in start-up savings (including flights) to cover initial living expenses, setup costs, and apartment deposits.

Japanese apartments often require "key money" (礼金, reikin)—a non-refundable customary gift to the landlord ranging from 1 to 3 months' rent. Because teaching salaries are competitive, most teachers easily recoup these initial expenses within their first contract term.

Required Documents for Teaching in Japan: Two-Step Visa Process

Obtaining your legal work status in Japan is a two-step process: first, your employer applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan, and second, you take that approved COE to your local Japanese Consulate to receive your Work Visa stamp.

Step 1: Documents Sent to Your Employer (For the COE Application)

Your employer submits these documents to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on your behalf:

• University Degree / Diploma: Photocopy or certified copy of your Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited university.
• Official University Transcripts: At least 2 sets of sealed, unopened official transcripts.
• Passport Information Page: Clear photocopy of your passport ID page (must have at least 6 months of validity remaining).
• Passport Photographs: 2 to 5 passport-style photographs taken within the last 6 months.
• Proof of 12 Years of English Education: Required for non-native English speakers applying for instructor status.
• National Criminal Background Check: (Required by JET and select Eikaiwa employers) Issued within 6 months of filing.
• Signed Employment Contract: Provided by your hiring school or program.

Step 2: Documents Submitted to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate (For the Visa Stamp)

Once your employer mails you the physical approved COE, you will present the following at your local Japanese Consulate or Embassy:

• Original Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Plus one clean photocopy. (Note: COEs are valid for 3 months from issuance; you must enter Japan within this timeframe).
• Valid Passport: Original passport signed by the bearer, with at least 2 blank visa pages.
• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed. (Nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia must submit 2 forms).
• Passport Photo: 1 recent color photo (2"x2" or 35mm x 45mm, taken within 6 months). Russia/CIS/Georgia nationals submit 2 photos.
• Visa Fee: Paid in exact cash or money order at the consulate counter.

Always consult your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General directory to confirm any regional jurisdiction guidelines before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Teach English in Japan Requirements

Can I teach English in Japan without a degree?

No. To obtain a legal work visa (Instructor or Humanities visa) to teach English in Japan, the Japanese government legally requires a Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university. If you do not have a degree, you cannot sponsor a work visa, though working holiday visas or spouse visas may provide alternative pathways for eligible nationalities. If you don't have a degree but are already living in Japan, you can teach English online and perhaps give informal private lessons in your community. 

Do I need to speak Japanese to teach English in Japan?

No, speaking Japanese is not required for most English teaching positions in Japan. Private language schools (Eikaiwas) and public school programs (like JET) utilize immersion-based teaching methods where classes are taught entirely in English. However, learning basic conversational Japanese is highly recommended for getting around in everyday life. Japanese people you encounter will definitely appreciate your efforts to speak their language.

Is a TEFL certificate required to teach in Japan?

While a TEFL certificate is not a strict legal requirement for a Japanese work visa, most reputable private language schools require one during the hiring process. For competitive programs like JET, holding an accredited 120-hour TEFL certification significantly increases your chances of acceptance.

Can non-native English speakers teach in Japan?

Yes. Non-native English speakers can qualify for a work visa in Japan if they can provide documented proof of at least 12 years of education conducted in an English-medium school system, or possess 3 years of formal ESL teaching experience.

What is the age limit for teaching English in Japan?

There is no official legal age limit to teach English in Japan, but the standard mandatory retirement age in Japan is 60. Most private school hires are between ages 21 and 40. Applicants over 60 may face greater scrutiny from employers due to local retirement norms.

Explore More Resources:

• Teaching English in Japan Country Profile
• Guaranteed Job Placement Program for Teaching English in Japan
• Japan is One of The Best TEFL Countries to Make Money
• Japan is One of The Best Countries for Teaching English Abroad
• What are The Basic Requirements for Teaching English Abroad?