Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

Detailed explanation of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services based on official information from 出入国在留管理庁. Japan

Published: January 12, 2026

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Residence Status in Japan

1. Overview

The "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" (技術・人文知識・国際業務) is one of Japan's most common work-related residence statuses, designed for foreign professionals engaged in specialized technical, humanities-based, or international services work. This single status category consolidates three previously separate statuses, reflecting Japan's need for skilled international professionals in technical fields, business services, and roles requiring international perspective. It serves as the primary gateway for qualified foreign nationals to work in corporate Japan outside of highly specialized fields like medicine or academia.

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

This residence status applies to foreign nationals who will be employed in Japan in one of the following capacities:

  • Engineer: Professionals engaged in work requiring specialized knowledge in physical science, engineering, or other natural science fields (e.g., software developers, mechanical engineers, system architects).
  • Specialist in Humanities: Professionals engaged in work requiring specialized knowledge in law, economics, sociology, or other humanities fields (e.g., accountants, marketing specialists, business consultants, legal assistants).
  • International Services: Professionals engaged in work requiring specific cultural or linguistic background based on foreign culture (e.g., translators, interpreters, foreign language instructors, international relations coordinators).

Key Requirements:

  • The applicant must hold a relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience (typically 10+ years).
  • The job content must correspond to the relevant category and require such specialized knowledge.
  • The salary must be commensurate with a Japanese national in a similar position.

3. Core Conclusions

  • This status is employer-sponsored; individuals cannot apply for it without a specific job offer from a company in Japan.
  • The job duties must directly utilize the applicant's specialized technical knowledge, humanities expertise, or international cultural/linguistic background.
  • Educational background or equivalent professional experience is a fundamental requirement for eligibility.
  • The initial period of stay granted is typically 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, depending on the contract and applicant's profile.
  • Status renewal is required before expiration to continue working and residing in Japan.
  • Changing jobs is permitted but requires a notification to immigration authorities if the new job falls under the same status category.

4. Procedures & Steps

Step 1: Preparation (by Employer and Employee)

  • Employer's Role: Prepare a formal employment contract specifying job duties, salary, and duration. The job description must clearly align with one of the three categories.
  • Applicant's Role: Gather required personal documents, including:
    • Valid passport.
    • Recent photograph (4cm x 3cm).
    • University diploma(s) and official transcripts.
    • Detailed resume/CV.
    • If using professional experience instead of a degree: certificates of employment, detailed career history.
  • Joint Preparation: Complete the "Application for Certificate of Eligibility" (在留資格認定証明書交付申請). This is the core document submitted to Immigration.

Step 2: Application & Submission

  • The employer or an authorized immigration lawyer in Japan typically submits the application packet to the regional Immigration Services Bureau (出入国在留管理局) that has jurisdiction over the employer's location.
  • The application is for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This is a pre-screening done while the applicant is usually abroad.
  • Required application documents include the completed form, employer documents (company registration, financial statements, outline of business), and the applicant's documents listed in Step 1.
  • Processing Time: Usually takes 1 to 3 months. There is no official application fee for the COE.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

  • Immigration reviews the application to verify the company's legitimacy, the necessity of hiring a foreign national, the applicant's qualifications, and the appropriateness of the job content.
  • Upon approval, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is mailed to the employer/agent in Japan.
  • The applicant then takes the original COE, passport, visa application form, and photo to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their home country to apply for the work visa.
  • After receiving the visa in their passport, the applicant enters Japan. The actual Residence Card is issued at the port of entry (airport/seaport).
  • The employer must assist the employee with municipal registration (住民票) and any other post-arrival formalities.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I apply for this status if I am already in Japan on a different visa, like a Student visa? A: Yes, you can apply to "Change Status of Residence" from within Japan if you receive a qualified job offer. The application is submitted directly to the Immigration Services Bureau in Japan.

Q2: Is there a minimum salary requirement? A: There is no fixed nationwide minimum, but the salary must be comparable to what a Japanese national would earn for the same work. Significantly low salaries may lead to rejection on the grounds that the role does not truly require "specialized" knowledge.

Q3: Can a small company or a startup sponsor this visa? A: Yes, but the company must be stable and viable. Immigration may scrutinize the company's financial health (tax payments, capital, business activity) more closely for newer or smaller firms.

Q4: What is the difference between "Specialist in Humanities" and "International Services"? A: "Specialist in Humanities" typically involves applying knowledge of systems like law, economics, or business management (e.g., market analyst, business planner). "International Services" requires the use of a foreign cultural or linguistic background as the core skill (e.g., translation, language teaching, fashion design based on foreign culture).

Q5: Can I do part-time work (副業) on this status? A: You must apply for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence from Immigration beforehand. It is often granted for up to 28 hours per week if the side activity does not interfere with your main job, but approval is not automatic.

Q6: How early should I apply for a renewal? A: You can apply from 3 months before your current status expires. It is highly recommended to apply well in advance, as processing can take 1-2 months.

Q7: What happens if I lose my job? A: Your status remains valid, but you must notify Immigration within 14 days of leaving the job. You have 3 months to find a new job under the same status category, or you must change to another eligible status or depart Japan.

6. Risks & Compliance

  • Strict Adherence to Job Scope: Engaging in work activities not covered by your status (e.g., an Engineer working as a restaurant manager) is a violation of immigration law and can result in deportation and re-entry bans.
  • Timely Notifications: Failure to report changes in employer, workplace address, or other key details within 14 days can lead to fines and negatively impact future visa applications.
  • Validity Period: Overstaying your period of stay is a serious offense. Always check the expiration date on your Residence Card.
  • Accuracy of Documents: Providing false documents or information is grounds for immediate revocation of status and deportation.
  • Disclaimer: Immigration policies and interpretation of requirements can change. The information here is a general guide. Always consult with the official Immigration Services Agency website or a licensed immigration attorney for your specific case.

7. References & Sources

8. Related Topics

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Change of Status of Residence
  • Dependent Visa
  • Permanent Residence
  • Highly Skilled Professional (高度人材) Visa
  • Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa
  • Re-entry Permits
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