Explaining the jobs and occupations available under the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa" residence status, and application requirements

Updated: July 2025, 10

The "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa is an essential residence status for many foreign professionals working in Japan.
This visa is for people with knowledge and skills in a specific professional field.

This page provides a clear explanation of the visa, from an overview to the types of work eligible for the visa, as well as the detailed requirements for application.
We provide information to help foreigners who are looking to build a career in Japan, and companies who employ foreigners, to go through the procedures smoothly.

What is a work visa?

In order for foreigners to legally work in Japan, they must obtain a residence status known as a "work visa."
This status of residence is granted based on specific activities under Japanese law, and there are several types of work visas.
The scope and requirements vary depending on the job type and activities, so it is important to choose a visa that suits the activities you intend to undertake.

For example, "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" is one of the most common residence statuses for foreigners working in Japan, and is intended for work that requires a high level of expertise and knowledge.
This visa allows you to work in specialized jobs such as engineering, interpretation, and sales, and you may be required to receive support from your company depending on the job.

Furthermore, because foreigners are expected to contribute to Japanese society and the economy, a system has been put in place to support them in obtaining residence status.
However, if you wish to engage in activities outside of those permitted under the status of residence permitted under the visa, you must obtain a separate "permission to engage in activities outside of those permitted under the visa status ...

Types and scope of work visas

There are the following types of work visas:

Each of these work visas clearly defines the scope of work that can be done and the conditions for it.
It is important to check the requirements for each visa and prepare the appropriate application documents.
The period of stay for a "Specified Skilled Worker" visa is generally five years, and the conditions differ for Specified Skilled Worker No. 5 and No. 1.
On the other hand, for "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services", specific requirements are set, such as a salary equal to or higher than that of Japanese nationals.

"Permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by your status of residence" is required to engage in activities other than those permitted by your status of residence

In order to engage in activities outside of those permitted under the status of residence permitted under the visa, permission to engage in activities outside of those permitted under the visa status is required, and is strictly controlled by law.
To renew your work visa, you must apply to the Immigration Bureau before it expires, and at the time of renewal, your activities and salary will be reviewed.

It is especially important that international students have a relevant academic background when changing to a "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa after graduation.
The immigration bureau will conduct a detailed examination, so you will need to prove that you meet the requirements.

The main reasons for denial are when salary requirements are not met or activities are deemed outside the scope of the visa. Past violations of the "non-qualified activities" rule are also risk factors. In addition, spouses and children with "family stay" visas also need permission to engage in non-qualified activities if they want to work part-time.

Technology / Humanities Knowledge · What is International Business Visa?

The "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa" is one of the residence statuses recognized for foreigners working in Japan.
This visa is required for work that utilizes specialized knowledge or skills, or for international work.
Obtaining this qualification enables foreign nationals working for Japanese companies and organizations to demonstrate their expertise while staying in Japan legally and long-term.

Specifically, the main occupations covered are as follows:

Eligible applicants are those whose job is based primarily on knowledge of science and technology, culture, or social science, or who utilize language skills or intercultural understanding.
For example, the engineering field includes jobs that utilize cutting-edge technologies such as AI and data analytics.
In the cultural and social sciences field, many roles involve formulating marketing strategies and nurturing global human resources.
This visa also covers translation, interpretation, and trade-related work that utilizes language skills.
　
To obtain this visa, applicants must prove that the job they intend to do is of a specialized nature and that their educational and work experience correspond to that work.
In addition, an employment contract with the host company or organization in Japan is required.

Applicable job

Scope of work in [Humanities field]

Language, literature, philosophy, education (including physical education), psychology, sociology, history, area studies, basic law, public law, international relations law, civil law, criminal law, social law, political science, economic theory, economic policy, international economy, economic history, finance and monetary theory, commerce, business administration, accounting, economic statistics

Scope of work in [technical field]

Mathematical sciences, physical sciences, chemistry, biological sciences, anthropology, geological sciences, geography, geophysics, science education,
Statistics, informatics, nuclear science, basic engineering, applied physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering,
Civil engineering, architecture, metal engineering, applied chemistry, resource development engineering, naval architecture, measurement and control engineering, chemical engineering,
Aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, management engineering, agriculture, agricultural chemistry, forestry, fisheries science, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering,
Animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, sericulture, home economics, regional agriculture, general agricultural science, physiological science, pathological science, internal medicine science,
Surgical science, social medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical science

Scope of work in [International business field]

Services such as translation, interpretation, language instruction, public relations, advertising or overseas trading, design related to clothing and interior decoration, and product development.

Legal reforms in 2015

The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Business visa is a visa for people who work in Japanese public institutions or general companies.
Previously, there were two types of visas: "Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa" for liberal arts occupations, and "Technical Visa" for science-related occupations, but due to the 2015 law revision, the visa was unified into "Technical/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa". it was done.

What is "Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted by the Status of Residence Permitted"?

Activities permitted under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Work visa are limited to activities that take advantage of the applicant's abilities, and as a general rule, activities that involve other forms of income are not permitted.

However, by obtaining permission from the Minister of Justice and receiving permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted,Work for up to 28 hours per week other than the work stipulated by the technical/humanities/international work visaIt becomes possible to do this.

For example, in a situation where you first obtained an engineer/specialist in humanities/international work visa as an interpreter, but then decide to do another part-time job to make a living, you will need this permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted.

If you work without obtaining permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted, you will be working illegally and will be subject to deportation, so please be careful.
If you casually engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence without knowing the law, depending on the state of the violation, you may be immediately suspended from work and immediately consider applying for permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence granted. .

Incidentally,Entertainment businesses and entertainment businesses (cabarets, dance halls, bars that entertain customers and provide food and drinks,You cannot work at mahjong parlors, pachinko parlors, private massage rooms, etc.)Please be careful.

If you are caught doing these jobs,In principle, you will be forced to leave.

Visa application for systems engineers

Among technical visas, especially for system engineers, those who have passed an exam related to information processing technology specified by the Minister of Justice or have publicly announced qualifications are eligible.The condition that "more than 10 years of experience related to the job is required" is no longer required.

When renewing an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa

Points to note when living abroad for a long period of time

If you have a "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa, you are essentially expected to stay in Japan and carry out your activities.
However, there may be times throughout the year when work commitments, extended business trips or specific work reasons for a project require you to spend a lot of time abroad.

If your stay in Japan is shortened like this, the Immigration Bureau will ask you whether there is a need for you to continue your activities in Japan.
This can put you at a disadvantage during the visa renewal process.
During the renewal review, there is a high risk that it will be determined that activities are not substantially being carried out in Japan, and as a result, renewal permission may not be granted.

In order to avoid such situations, it is important to properly explain the circumstances for the shortened period of stay in Japan when applying for renewal, and in particular to submit supporting documents to show that it was not your own will but a work order, a long-term business trip, or an unavoidable work request.
For example, you need to provide a formal work order or travel order from your company, or a company-issued certificate stating a compelling business reason, to make it clear that your absence is for business reasons and not personal choice.

In addition, if possible, it is recommended that you prepare documents that record your work achievements during your stay in Japan.
For example, you can submit meeting minutes, progress reports, or project deliverables to show what specific work was done in-country.

Additionally, documents proving your continued employment relationship in Japan are also very useful.
Submitting an employment contract, pay slip, or social insurance payment records, etc. will help prove that your employment relationship has been maintained and will increase the credibility of your visa renewal.

Points to keep in mind when changing jobs

If you change jobs, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa that was granted to you before you changed jobs is a visa that allows you to "work at your previous company."
Therefore, the above visas do not guarantee you the opportunity to work at your new workplace.

In this case, we recommend that you apply for a Certificate of Authorized Employment before renewal.
Obtaining this certificate proves that you are suitable to work in your new workplace after changing jobs.
In addition, by obtaining the certificate in advance, you can expect the next renewal procedure to go smoothly.

On the other hand, if you do not have a Certificate of Authorized Employment, your job change will be examined during the renewal procedure in the same way as when you applied for certification.
During this screening process, you may be asked to provide a detailed explanation of the job duties and employment conditions of your new employer, and you may need to prepare additional documents.
Please note that the procedure will take longer than regular updates.
Therefore, it is important to prepare in advance and ensure that you obtain the certificate.

Application requirements

①: Academic background or work experience

◆About academic background

For technical fields and humanities fields, applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements in the specialized field related to the work they plan to engage in.

Graduated from university (including junior college and graduate school)
After graduating from a Japanese vocational schoolSpecialisthave the qualifications of
Based on the Japanese School Education ActSchools in your home country that are equivalent to universities and junior collegeshave graduated from

◆About work experience

◆ Consider "specific skills" depending on the situation

When entrusting work to foreigners, especially when considering work that includes simple labor, there are cases in which a "specified skills" residence status is appropriate.
This qualification has the advantage of being able to cover a wider range of duties than the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" qualification, and since it does not require educational qualifications such as a university degree, it can be easily employed in a wider range of positions.
Although you will need to pass an exam, considering utilizing "specific skills" depending on the nature of the work will be an effective way to go.

②: Receive compensation equal to or higher than other Japanese people.

It is not allowed to lower compensation based on being a foreigner.

③: The stability of the company and the need to employ the visa applicant

Required documents

Required documents related to the person (example)

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility
• Photo (4cm x 3cm)
• Reply envelope
• Passport
• Reason for application
• Resume: Document that shows that you have engaged in work that requires the skills you are applying for.
• employment agreement
• Qualification certificate of specialist or highly skilled specialist
• Graduation certificate from university, etc. (if you were engaged in work, certificate of employment)

Required documents from the company (example)

• Materials that provide an overview of the company
• Financial documents for the most recent year (balance sheet, income statement, etc.)
• Total table of legal records such as withholding tax slips, etc.
• Corporate registration certificate (registration copy)
  *For documents written in your native language, such as a certificate of employment in your home country, you will also need translated documents.

Application case studies from our company

◆Case 1◆Can I renew my visa even if I stay abroad for a long time?

• A Chinese man who is an excellent IT engineer
• My workplace is an IT-related Japanese corporation.
• For the past few years, I have been involved in a large project in China as a person in charge, and I have been on long business trips to China.
• The period of stay in Japan has become very short.
• I am unsure whether I will be able to renew my technical visa this time.
• I am in a position with great responsibility, so if I cannot renew my visa, the company's operations will be delayed...

 

The main points regarding this visa renewal are:Accurately explain the circumstances that led to your long stay in ChinaThat's what I meant.

For medium- to long-term visas, it is of course assumed that you will be working in Japan.

However, in the case of talented foreigners, the period of travel abroad for work may be longer.

In a case like this, the content of the job, income/tax payment status, unavoidable circumstances, etc.Also, since it was a limited-time project, I would be able to stay in Japan stably from now on.The proof was the deciding factor.

 

If you are unable to renew your visa due to a long-term overseas business trip, you will not be able to work in Japan.

If I am unable to work in Japan, it will be a nuisance to the entire company. However, I am usually so busy with work that I don't have time to apply for a visa.

I was really relieved that permission was granted safely. They gave me proper instructions on the necessary documents and I was able to prepare them in a short period of time, which was very helpful.

◆Case 2◆My activities at my workplace have not been confirmed, but what kind of visa should I apply for?

• Chinese international student who graduated from the Department of Architecture at a Japanese university
• I was hired as a drawing production staff member using CAD at a construction company.
• I also plan to be in charge of interpreting when purchasing materials from China.

In this case, both interpreting and CAD drawing production fall under the visa of engineer/specialist in humanities/international services.
Therefore, I applied for a visa for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and listed both types of work.

  

I received a job offer from my employer and immediately went to the office for a consultation. If there was something I didn't understand, he would contact the company directly and always guide me, which was very reassuring.

My university classmates are also currently job hunting, so I would definitely like to introduce them to your company once they find employment. Thank you very much.
 

◆Case 3◆A small company wants to bring in multiple engineers in a short period of time.

• A person in charge of a company (6 employees) that imports and sells system machinery made in China.
• Since we will also be doing installation and maintenance at our business partner, we would like to urgently hire four engineers from China.

The problem in this case is
1. Isn't there any suspicion of simple labor, etc.?
2. Is a small company allowed to hire up to four people at once?
There were two points.

Foreign nationals with an engineer/specialist in humanities/international work visa are required to constantly engage in work that requires advanced knowledge.
When a small business hires a foreigner, first of all,There are cases where people suspect that they are forced to work as unskilled laborers.

For example, it is not acceptable to work as an engineer two days a week and do sales the other days.
In this case, four engineers are required, all of whomExplain and prove that you perform work that requires advanced knowledge as an engineer on a daily basis.What I did was the key to getting permission.

 

Due to our relationship with our business partners, we wanted to bring four engineers to Japan as soon as possible. When applying, the company also advised us on things to be careful about when hiring foreigners.
Even when I had questions about visas or other things that weren't directly related to the application process I requested, they readily answered them.
I am satisfied with the generous support.

◆Case 4◆We want to attract excellent engineers from China.

• General affairs manager at a machine parts factory with 40 years of history
• Almost every year, the company accepts trainees from China on "technical intern training" visas.
• We would like to newly hire an excellent Chinese engineer (male in his 20s) from China who will be able to work immediately.

First,
"Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa→Available for highly specialized work
“Technical Intern Training” Visa→The difference is that they are expected to learn advanced technology in Japan and bring it back to their home country to make use of it.
Although these two visas have completely different purposes, they often work in the same workplace.

In the case of a company that accepts both, as in this case,It is necessary to clearly explain that the duties of both parties are different.
In particular, in the case of work related to technical/humanities/international work visas, a large amount of scientific terminology will be used, so in order to ensure a smooth examination, it is helpful to use visual documents that are easy to understand at a glance.I was able to obtain a 3-year Certificate of Eligibility (the longest period at the time) in just under a month's application period.

 

The company was doing well, expanding its business, and was constantly facing a shortage of manpower, so it would be in great trouble if it was unable to attract new personnel.

I'm glad I managed to get permission.

Leave your visa application to Support Administrative Scriveners Corporation!

Please leave your application for an engineer/humanities specialist/international work visa to Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation.

Our company has offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, and our experienced and highly qualified "work visa application specialists" are available to assist each and every client with their inquiries.

Even if it is difficult for you to obtain, renew, or change an engineer, humanities specialist, or international business visa on your own, we will work with you to find a solution and provide support.
If you applied for an engineer/specialist in humanities/international work visa yourself at the Immigration Bureau and your visa was rejected, we will also take care of re-applying for you.
We also have staff who can speak foreign languages, so even those who find it difficult to consult in Japanese can feel at ease.
By making preparations tailored to each individual's circumstances, we can avoid problems later on and provide advice on creating an environment that will make it easier for you to stay in Japan.

■Those who have applied for an engineer/humanities specialist/international work visa and have received an "additional materials submission notice" from the Immigration Bureau.
A request for additional documents does not mean your application has been denied.
The submission of additional documents is time-sensitive.
In many cases, documents must be submitted within 1-2 weeks from the date of the notice, so prompt action is crucial.
We also provide support for submitting additional documents, so please contact us.



■Those who have applied for an engineer/humanities/international work visa and have been denied the visa, or those who wish to reapply
There is no need to give up on obtaining a visa just because you receive a notification of denial.
By identifying and addressing the reasons for the denial and reapplying, there is a possibility of approval.
At our company, we accompany applicants to the Immigration Bureau to confirm the reasons for refusal and provide support for re-applications.
Click here for details[Confirmation of reasons for visa refusal/re-application]

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