What is an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa (status of residence “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”)? A thorough explanation of the basics of working for foreigners!
One of the residence statuses required for foreigners to work in Japan is the ” Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (Visa Status: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)”. This article explains the characteristics of this visa, the types of jobs it is eligible for, the conditions for obtaining it, and points to note in an easy-to-understand manner. It covers useful information for companies considering hiring foreigners and foreigners who want to work in Japan.
目次
- 1. What is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa?
- 2. Three categories of visa and eligible occupations
- 3. Requirements for obtaining a Technical/Humanities Specialist/International Services visa
- 4. Period of stay and renewal
- 5. What you can and cannot do with this visa
- 6. Procedure for obtaining a Technical and Humanities International Services Visa (simplified)
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 8. Summary: Understand the visa system and work appropriately!
1. What is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa?
The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa” is one of the work-related residence statuses recognized by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. This visa is intended for foreigners to use their specialized knowledge and skills to work for a Japanese company .
This status of residence covers work in the following three fields:
2. Three categories of visa and eligible occupations
(1) Technology (Engineering field)
This program is aimed at careers based on science and engineering studies.
Examples of main occupations:
- Systems Engineer
- programmer
- mechanical design
- Electrical Engineer
Work based on liberal arts disciplines such as law, economics, and business administration.
Examples of main occupations:
- Planning and Marketing
- Accounting and Finance
- Human Resources and General Affairs
- Legal
This program is for jobs that require language skills and cross-cultural understanding.
Examples of main occupations:
- Interpretation and Translation
- Language teachers (English, Chinese, etc.)
- Trade affairs
- Overseas Sales
3. Requirements for obtaining a Technical/Humanities Specialist/International Services visa
To be granted this visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Graduated from a university or vocational school in a related field
- Or 10+ years of work experience
- Have an employment contract (must have a company that has already decided to hire)
- Salary level equal to or higher than Japanese
4. Period of stay and renewal
- The initial period of stay will be one, three or five years.
- After the period of stay expires, it can be extended by applying for renewal .
5. What you can and cannot do with this visa
✅ What you can do
- Working as a full-time employee (job content must be in line with the visa)
- If you meet the conditions, you can change jobs (procedures required)
❌ What you can’t do
- Simple labor such as serving customers and cleaning at restaurants
- Part-time work whose job content is unrelated to residence status
- Side job (permission required for activities outside the scope of status of residence)
6. Procedure for obtaining a Technical and Humanities International Services Visa (simplified)
- Employment contract with a Japanese company
- Preparation of necessary documents
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Company or Agent)
- Obtain a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate overseas (if coming from overseas)
- Enter Japan → Start working
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply if I graduated from a university outside of Japan?
A: Yes, you can apply even if you graduated from a university overseas. However, it is important that your major and job content are relevant.
Q: What should I do if I want to change jobs?
A: If you plan to work in the same occupation at your new job, we recommend that you obtain a **Certificate of Authorized Employment**.
Q: Can I work part-time?
A: In principle, no. However, it may be possible if you obtain permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence permitted .
8. Summary: Understand the visa system and work appropriately!
The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa” is an important residence status that allows foreigners to utilize their expertise in working in Japan. To obtain a visa, it is necessary to thoroughly meet the requirements for educational background, job content, salary level, etc.
When hiring foreign nationals, companies are also required to correctly understand how this visa system works and take the appropriate procedures.
![]() “Article supervision” Kano Administrative Scrivener Office Operation HP: Visa Application Support Navi https://visasupportnavi.net/ Specific administrative scrivener :Hiroyuki Kano “Educational background” Completed the first semester of the doctoral program majoring in public law, Graduate School of Law, Doshisha University (Master’s degree (Law)) Graduated from Meiji University School of Law “Qualification” Administrative scrivener (specific note), TOEIC 805 points “Specialization” Immigration, visa application, status of residence, permanent residence, naturalization, foreign affairs, international public law |
Free consultation
Our office provides free consultation. First of all, please feel free to apply for a free consultation. We accept applications for consultation from the “Inquiry Page” |