Can a foreigner be a taxi driver in Japan?

However, becoming a taxi or bus driver in Japan requires a special class 2 driver's license, in addition to an ordinary class 1 license. This can be challenging to obtain for foreign nationals. It remains unclear whether expanding the specified skilled worker visa will be effective at addressing the driver shortage.



Yes, in 2026, a foreigner can work as a taxi driver in Japan, but the requirements are stringent. A major policy shift in April 2024 added the "automobile transport industry" to the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa category, specifically allowing foreign nationals to drive taxis to combat Japan's chronic driver shortage. To qualify in 2026, you must hold a Japanese Type 2 Driver's License, which requires at least three years of driving experience (including time in your home country) and passing a rigorous practical and written exam in Japanese. Furthermore, taxi drivers are required to have a Japanese language proficiency of at least N3 level on the JLPT, as they must be able to navigate complex directions and handle emergency situations with passengers. Many Japanese taxi companies in 2026 now offer "Foreign Driver Training Programs" that assist with license conversion and cultural etiquette to help non-Japanese speakers succeed in this highly regulated profession.

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