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Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
JapanJapan•Asia
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Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥45,000

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Employment in engineering, IT, sciences, humanities, foreign languages, business, law, or marketing.

Japan's Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is the main work status for white-collar foreign professionals in IT, engineering, accounting, marketing, legal services, and international trade. A Japanese employer sponsors the application via the Immigration Services Agency.

Applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree or 10 years of experience (3 years for some international roles). Salary must match a Japanese national in a comparable position. Stays are 1, 3, or 5 years, renewable, with a PR pathway after 10 years (3 if married to a citizen). Fees: ¥15,000 single-entry, ¥30,000 multiple.

This visa is ideal for foreign professionals with a Japanese employer sponsor in IT, engineering, or international services who want a renewable long-term work pathway.

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Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visa feeJPY ¥15,000
Multiple-entry visa feeJPY ¥30,000
TotalJPY ¥45,000

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Japan flagJapan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details
Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree or 10+ years experience

Relevant qualifications to the role

Employment contract

Salary comparable to Japanese nationals

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

2,400,000 JPY/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Certificate of qualification

Degree/credentials

Employment contract

Company documents

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

Receive employment contract from Japanese employer

2

Employer applies for COE

Company submits Certificate of qualification application

3

Receive COE

Immigration Services Agency issues COE

4

Apply for visa

Submit visa application at Japanese embassy with COE and employment contract

5

Pay visa fee

Pay 3,000 JPY for single-entry visa

6

Receive visa

Visa stamped in passport

Application Forms

Go to application portal
CoE application
Certificate of qualification Application (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
Fill online
Visa application at consulate
Visa Application Form (submitted at Japanese embassy/consulate with Certificate of qualification)
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