Mode Four of GATS may cover a wide range of persons, from high-level engineers to unskilled workers. In the FTA, Japan mainly commits with respect to highly qualified professionals. Those commitments go substantially beyond Japan’s commitments under the GATS. Japan also has a number of other economic partnership treaties granting access to foreign professionals of various categories.

Access for business visitors for investment purposes (BVIP) is outlined in the treaty for those employed by firms doing business in Japan and the European Union. No quotas for business visitors from the European Union entering Japan for investment purposes. Professionals of the EU covered by 8-B Annex III are generally tied to EU-based employers.

To read the factsheet, please click here.

The complete text of the EPA, and Annexes can be found on the following website of the European Commission: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1684.