Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa
Category: Work · Processing time: 1-3 months (COE issuance) + 1-2 weeks (visa processing).
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Apply through official authority
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-30.
Visa type
Work
Processing time
1-3 months (COE issuance) + 1-2 weeks (visa processing).
Fees
COE_Application: ¥0
Validity
Up to 5 years per renewal.
Stay duration
Long-term (renewable).
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
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Overview
Authorizes residence and professional work for a Japanese employer. Path to PR: Yes (10 years, or 1-3 years via HSP points).
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: Yes
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or higher (or 10 years of professional experience).
- Financial requirement: Salary must be competitive with Japanese nationals in equivalent roles.
- Accommodation proof: Yes (Registered address required within 14 days of arrival).
Estimated Costs
- - COE_Application: ¥0
- - SingleEntryVisa: ¥15,000 (Effective July 1, 2026)
- - MultipleEntryVisa: ¥30,000 (Effective July 1, 2026)
Required Documents
- - Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- - Signed employment contract
- - University degree / Academic transcripts
- - Professional resume / CV
- - Japanese language test results (if applicable: JLPT N2 or BJT 400+)
- - Compliance Pledge (required for dispatch/EOR arrangements as of March 2026)
Application Steps
- Secure a qualifying job offer and sign an employment contract.
- Employer files for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at a regional Immigration Services Agency (ISA) office in Japan.
- Receive the issued COE (typically 1-3 months).
- Apply for the final visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate abroad using the COE.
- Enter Japan and receive your Residence Card on arrival.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration Services Agency of Japan →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Browse foreign embassies in Japan (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Up to 5 years per renewal
- - Family Dependent visas
- - Path to PR after 10 years (or 1-3 with HSP)
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In Japan, obtaining the appropriate visa is important for anyone planning to work. Not all visas that allow entry into the country permit employment. For instance, a student visa allows limited work hours, while a work…
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
In Japan, tax residency is determined by your physical presence in the country. If you live in Japan for more than one year, you are considered a tax resident. This applies to various groups, including workers,…
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
In Japan, your right to stay is strictly tied to the type of visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa exemption you possess. You should understand that factors such as pending applications, job offers, or school…
Active scam alerts
In Japan, many newcomers, including visa applicants, families, students, and workers, may find themselves targeted by fraudulent agents who overcharge for services related to document translation, notarization, or…
In Japan, a common scam involves individuals impersonating airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents. These scammers may approach tourists, first-time travelers, workers, and students, claiming that a…
In Japan, prospective students and their families are increasingly targeted by fraudsters offering fake university admissions, scholarships, or student visa packages. These scams often originate from unofficial agents…
In Japan, newcomers sometimes hit housing scams where fake apartments are advertised to pressure them into paying a deposit before they have a chance to view the property or sign a legitimate contract. This scam is…
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Engineer / Specialist in Humanities. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Mismatch between degree/experience and job description.
- - Failure to meet new Japanese language requirements for specific roles.
- - Salary significantly lower than Japanese market standards.
- - Incomplete or inconsistent employer-submitted COE application.
Application Tips
- - Verify if your employer is classified as Category 1 (large/listed) or Category 4 (new/small), as this dictates documentation volume.
- - If your role involves dispatch or EOR, ensure your employer submits the new compliance pledge.
- - Do not pay fees to agents guaranteeing approval; always use official ISA channels.
- - Keep copies of all submitted documents in case of renewal or future PR applications.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for applicants matching Work pathway criteria.
Typical processing time is 1-3 months (COE issuance) + 1-2 weeks (visa processing)., subject to documentation quality and application volume.
Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.