⚠ New language requirement — effective April 15, 2026
For applications filed by Category 3 or 4 employers (i.e. smaller companies, not large publicly-listed corporations), if the applicant's role primarily involves language-using customer-facing duties (interpretation/translation, hotel front desk, customer service, sales requiring communication, etc.), the applicant must submit evidence of CEFR B2-equivalent language ability for the working language.
For Japanese as the working language, B2 can be proven by ANY ONE of:
- JLPT N2 or higher
- BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) 400+ points
- 20+ years of mid/long-term residence in Japan
- Graduation from a Japanese university
- Japanese compulsory education + Japanese high school graduation
Categories 1 and 2 (large/listed firms) are exempt. The rule is part of MOJ ISA's "Clarification of the 技術・人文知識・国際業務 Status of Residence" (latest revision: April 2026).
Source: MOJ ISA notice · PDF
The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務) visa is one of the most commonly held work visas in Japan. It covers a broad range of professional roles requiring specialized academic knowledge or technical expertise, making it the primary pathway for white-collar foreign professionals entering the Japanese workforce.
Eligible roles span two main domains: technical positions (software development, engineering, scientific research, data analysis) and humanities/international services positions (translation, interpretation, foreign language instruction, international marketing, and overseas business liaison). The unifying requirement is that the work must draw on knowledge acquired through higher education or extensive professional experience — routine clerical or manual labor does not qualify.
The visa is typically issued for 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years depending on the applicant's qualifications and the employer's track record. Renewal is possible as long as the employment relationship and qualifying conditions continue. This visa can eventually lead to permanent residency after sufficient years of continuous residence in Japan.
Who Is This For
- ✓Software engineers, IT professionals, and system analysts
- ✓Professionals in natural sciences (chemistry, biology, physics, etc.)
- ✓Humanities professionals (translators, interpreters, foreign language teachers)
- ✓International sales and marketing professionals
- ✓Foreign nationals working in international business services
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Up to 5 years
Requirements
- •University degree (bachelor's or higher) in a field relevant to the job, OR 10 years of professional experience in the relevant field
- •A job offer from a Japanese company or organization
- •The job duties must require specialized knowledge in engineering, humanities, or international services
- •The employer must be a legitimate Japanese legal entity
- •Salary must be equivalent to or higher than that of Japanese nationals in equivalent positions
- •Valid passport with no serious immigration violations
Costs & Fees
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- University diploma or transcript (relevant to the job field)
- Employment contract or offer letter from Japanese employer
- Company registration documents (登記事項証明書) of the Japanese employer
- Company overview, annual report, or financial statements
- Explanation of job duties and how they relate to specialized knowledge
- Professional experience certificates (if claiming work experience in lieu of degree)
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Secure a job offer from a Japanese employer whose work falls within the eligible categories
- 2Have the employer (or yourself, if already in Japan) apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at the regional Immigration Services Agency office
- 3Wait for COE approval (typically 1–3 months)
- 4Submit the COE with your passport to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country
- 5Receive your visa and enter Japan
- 6Register your address at the local municipality within 14 days of arrival
- 7Receive your Residence Card (在留カード) at the airport or municipal office
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.
Residence Status (COE) Review Time
Average processing days as of Jun 2026, based on official Ministry of Justice statistics.
Figures include waiting time for supplementary documents. Denied and withdrawn applications are excluded.
Renewal and change-of-status 'notice' figures include the wait between review completion and pickup at Immigration Bureau.
Work Restrictions
Family & Dependents
Renewal & Extension
Common Visa Transition Paths
These are the most common paths — many other transitions are possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for another residence status.
Important Notices
- ⚠The field of study must be related to the job — studying literature in college but working as a programmer may result in rejection
- ⚠Small companies or newly established companies face stricter scrutiny
- ⚠Long-term leave of absence or unemployment may affect renewal
- ⚠Side income exceeding a certain proportion requires Permission for Activities Outside Status
Practical Tips
- →The relevance between university major and job position is the core of the review; prepare explanatory materials in advance
- →Confirm before joining a company that they are willing to cooperate in providing required documents
- →File taxes and pay pension on time every year — this is the foundation for renewal and permanent residence
- →Can start preparing for permanent residence application after 3+ years of work