If you are considering working in Japan as an engineer, programmer, specialist in a specific field, foreign language instructor, translator, or interpreter, the most common work visa is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa.
What is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa?
This visa, commonly referred to as the “GIJINKOKU Visa” (技人国ビザ), is an acronym for:
- 技術 (Gijutsu) – Engineering
- 人文知識 (Jinbunchishiki) – Specialist in Humanities
- 国際業務 (Kokusai Gyoumu) – International Services
The Immigration Bureau of Japan grants this visa for periods of 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and employer.
As of June 2019, there were 256,414 GIJINKOKU Visa holders in Japan, and the number is steadily increasing.
Key Points About This Visa
- This visa does not allow for simple labor jobs.
- Your job must fit into one of the three categories listed below.
- Examples of prohibited jobs include restaurant staff (cook, waiter, waitress) and hotel cleaners.
- The Immigration Bureau carefully examines both the applicant and the hiring organization to ensure compliance.
Eligible Job Categories
The GIJINKOKU Visa covers three main types of professional activities:
1. Engineer (Gijutsu)
This category includes jobs that require scientific, technological, or natural science expertise:
- Software Engineer
- System Engineer
- Project Manager (IT Field)
- Mechanical Engineer
- Architect
2. Specialist in Humanities (Jinbunchishiki)
This category applies to fields requiring knowledge in humanities, business, or social sciences:
- Accountant
- Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Legal Officer
- Business Manager
3. International Services (Kokusai Gyoumu)
This category includes roles requiring cultural knowledge and language skills:
- Foreign Language Teacher
- Translator & Interpreter
- Public Relations & Advertising Specialist
- Fashion & Interior Designer
- International Business Specialist
Requirements for Application
Engineer & Specialist in Humanities
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
- Educational Background: A university degree (from Japan or abroad) or a Japanese technical school diploma in a field related to the job.
- Work Experience: If you do not meet the academic requirement, you must have at least 10 years of experience in the field. Education (including university and vocational school) can count toward this period, but high school education is generally not included.
- Salary Requirement: The salary must be equal to or higher than what a Japanese national in the same position earns.
- Highly Skilled Professional Pathway: If you have 70 points or more under the Highly Skilled Professional visa system, you may qualify for an upgraded visa with extra benefits.
International Services
- Work Experience: Applicants need at least 3 years of experience in the relevant field.
- Exception for Translators, Interpreters, and Foreign Language Teachers: University graduates do not need the 3-year experience requirement, but this exception applies only to these specific professions.
- Salary Requirement: The salary must be comparable to Japanese workers in the same role.
Additional Important Information
Visa Renewal & Extension
- Visa renewal can be applied for up to 3 months before expiration.
- Applicants must have a clean immigration record (tax payments, no legal violations, etc.).
- If you switch employers, you must report it to immigration and apply for an extension if needed.
Changing Employers
- GIJINKOKU Visa holders can change jobs, but the new job must fit within the same visa category.
- Within 14 days of changing jobs, you must report the change to the Immigration Bureau.
Common Reasons for Visa Denial
- Job duties do not fit within the approved visa category.
- Salary does not meet the required threshold.
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
- Past visa violations or unpaid taxes.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
- Typically, 10 years of continuous residence in Japan is required for a permanent residency application.
- If you obtain a Highly Skilled Professional Visa, you may qualify for PR in as little as 1–3 years.
Spouse & Family Visa Options
- Family members (spouse and children) can apply for a Dependent Visa (家族滞在ビザ).
- To work under this visa, spouses must obtain a Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence (資格外活動許可).
- With this permission, spouses can work part-time (up to 28 hours per week).
- Full-time work requires a separate work visa, such as the GIJINKOKU Visa or another suitable status.
Application Process & Required Documents
For official application procedures, refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan:
- Certificate of Eligibility Application: Check here
- Change of Status Application: Check here
- Visa Renewal Application: Check here
If you need assistance, consider consulting an immigration lawyer who specializes in Japanese work visas.
This guide provides a clear and optimized explanation of the GIJINKOKU Visa to help foreign professionals understand their eligibility and application process. If you need further details, feel free to contact a legal professional or visit the Japanese Immigration Bureau’s official website.
DISCLAIMER: The article has been written on October 2020. Immigration law changes quickly. So it is vitally important to be aware of the current situation.
