Question 1

How do I hire ESL teachers for positions in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Post a Japan ESL job on ESLGorilla from $69. Specify the position type (ALT, eikaiwa, international school) and visa sponsorship availability. You will receive direct applications from candidates already targeting Japan — many are Instructor-visa-ready with prior Japan experience.

Question 2

What work visa do I need to sponsor for ESL teachers in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Public school ALT roles use the Instructor visa. Eikaiwa and private school roles use the Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa. As the employer, you apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) through Japan Immigration — your teacher then collects the visa at a Japanese embassy. Processing takes 1–3 months.

Question 3

What salary should I offer to attract ESL teachers to Japan?

Accepted Answer

Eikaiwa chain positions typically offer JPY 220,000–310,000/month. Dispatch ALT roles pay JPY 210,000–260,000. Direct-hire Board of Education ALT contracts pay JPY 240,000–300,000+. International school teachers with credentials earn JPY 300,000–500,000+. All positions include commuting allowance and health insurance enrollment.

Question 4

What qualifications do ESL teachers need to work in Japan?

Accepted Answer

A bachelor's degree in any subject is required for the Instructor and Humanities visas. Most employers also require a TEFL or CELTA certificate. Native-level English proficiency is expected. Some eikaiwa chains provide in-house training and do not require prior teaching experience for entry-level positions.

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