Is repeated 3-month contract + 3-month visa renewal in Japan a red flag?
I’m in discussion for a software engineering role in Japan through a recruiter.
The setup described to me is not a fixed 3-month probation leading automatically to permanent employment.
Instead, the employment may start with a 3-month contract, and if things go well it can be renewed (3/6/12 months possible) until they eventually decide on permanent conversion. At the same time, the visa situation was explained as potentially being renewed in short periods rather than having a clear long-term status from the beginning.
Salary is strong and the client seems reputable, but I’m relocating internationally, so stability matters a lot.
I’m trying to understand from people already working in Japan:
- Is repeated 3-month contract renewal normal in tech?
- How common is short-duration visa renewal tied to contract renewals?
- Is this just a normal contractor/dispatch pathway, or should this be viewed as a warning sign?
- What questions should I ask before proceeding?
Would appreciate experiences from engineers, foreign workers, recruiters, or anyone familiar with Japanese hiring practices.