Most foreign professionals working in Japan hold this status. It combines three categories: engineering and science work, work requiring knowledge of law, economics, business or the humanities, and work drawing on a foreign culture or language, such as translation, overseas sales or language teaching in a company. It does not cover manual or routine service work.
The applicant normally needs a degree, from Japan or abroad, related to the job, or ten years of relevant experience; for the international services category, three years of experience can be enough. Pay must be at least what a Japanese employee in the same role would receive. Permission is granted for periods of up to five years, and renewals depend on continuing in qualifying work. Changing jobs within the category does not require a new visa, but the employee must notify the immigration authorities within 14 days.
Screening became stricter in 2026. Since March 2026, the immigration authorities have required pledges from both sides when a holder is placed through a staffing agency, to stop professionals being used for simple labour. Since April 2026, mid-sized and smaller employers must submit proof of language ability, at around CEFR B2 or JLPT N2 for Japanese, when the role mainly involves dealing with people in that language.
What it means for a foreign employer
- Match the degree to the job. The most common reason for refusal is a weak link between the applicant's studies or experience and the actual duties. Write the job description with that in mind.
- Your company category matters. Listed companies and large taxpayers submit fewer documents and are processed faster than new subsidiaries.
- Hiring a holder already in Japan is simpler. Holders of this status can change employer without a new application, though applying for a certificate confirming the new job is eligible is prudent.
- It is a step to longer statuses. Many senior hires can qualify as Highly Skilled Professionals instead, which brings faster permanent residency.
Sources
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Appended Table I(2), and Ministry of Justice landing permission criteria.
- Immigration Services Agency, operating guidance on staffing-agency placements (March 2026) and additional documents for applications from 15 April 2026.
- Immigration Services Agency, foreign resident statistics as at end of 2025.