Introduction to the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa
The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務) is one of the most common work visas in Japan. It allows foreign professionals to work in technical, academic, or internationally oriented roles for Japanese companies and organizations.
This visa is designed for skilled employees, not business owners, and covers a wide range of white-collar occupations such as IT engineers, designers, marketers, translators, analysts, and consultants.
Why Choose This Visa?
- Work legally for a Japanese company or Japan-based organization
- Covers a broad range of professional roles
- Renewable long-term residence in Japan
- Pathway to Permanent Residence
- Eligible to bring spouse and children to Japan
- Compatible with Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system
Key Benefits of This Visa
- Wide job coverage: One visa category covers many professions
- Long-term stay: Visa validity of 1, 3, or 5 years (renewable)
- Employer-sponsored: No company capital requirements
- Family residence: Sponsor spouse and children under Dependent visas
- Career flexibility: Possible to change employers (with notification)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, both the job role and the applicant must meet specific criteria.
Job / Employer Requirements
- The role must require professional knowledge or skills
- Duties must be directly related to engineering/IT, humanities/social sciences, or international business/cross-cultural work
- Salary must be equal to or higher than a Japanese national in a similar role
- The employing company must be properly registered in Japan, financially stable, and able to clearly explain the job duties
Applicant Requirements
- Relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience
- Clean immigration and criminal record
- Qualifications must match the job description
- Ability to support oneself financially in Japan
Covered Job Categories
This visa includes, but is not limited to:
Engineer (技術)
- Software engineer / developer
- IT systems engineer
- Network or infrastructure engineer
- Mechanical or electrical engineer
- Data analyst / AI engineer
Specialist in Humanities (人文知識)
- Marketing and sales professionals
- Business analysts
- Financial analysts
- HR and recruitment specialists
- Legal and compliance roles (non-attorney)
International Services (国際業務)
- Translator / interpreter
- Language teacher (corporate or private sector)
- Overseas sales and trade roles
- International PR and communications
- Design and creative roles with international focus
Educational and Experience Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- University degree related to the job
- Japanese degree or recognized foreign equivalent
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience (some roles allow 3+ years)
Note: Immigration authorities look closely at whether your education or experience directly matches the job duties.
Application Process
- Job offer secured from a Japan-based employer
- Document preparation by applicant and employer
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application submitted in Japan
- COE issuance (typically 1-3 months)
- Visa application at Japanese embassy or consulate
- Entry to Japan and residence registration
Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Certificate of Eligibility application form
- Employment contract or offer letter
- Company registration documents
- Company financial statements
- Job description (detailed)
- Applicant CV / resume
- Degree certificates or proof of experience
- Passport copy and photo
Additional documents may be required depending on the role and employer.
Common Pitfalls
- Job duties not matching academic background
- Vague or generic job descriptions
- Salary below market level
- Small or newly established companies without sufficient explanation
- Misclassification of roles better suited to other visa categories
Our Services
Oak Admin Office provides end-to-end support for Engineer / Humanities / International Services visa applications:
- Visa eligibility assessment
- Job role and document review
- Employer guidance and compliance checks
- Certificate of Eligibility application
- Change of status and renewal applications
- Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) pathway advice
Who This Visa Is Best For
- Foreign professionals hired by Japanese companies
- IT and tech workers relocating to Japan
- International staff at startups or global firms
- Professionals seeking long-term residence in Japan
If you are unsure whether your role qualifies, Oak Admin Office can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate visa strategy.