Engineer/Specialist Visa Jobs in Japan

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, often shortened to gijinkoku, is the most common work status for professional roles in Japan. It covers three broad areas: technical work such as software development, machine design or production engineering; humanities work such as sales planning, marketing, accounting and HR; and international services such as translation, interpreting, language teaching at private schools and overseas trade. Most office, IT and specialist listings for foreign residents fall under it.

The status generally requires a university degree, or a qualifying diploma from a Japanese vocational school, in a field related to the job. Without one, long practical experience can qualify, usually ten years for technical or humanities work and three years for international services, although university graduates doing translation, interpreting or language teaching are exempt from that. Pay must be at least equal to what a Japanese employee would receive for the same work. Hands-on labour such as line work, cleaning or serving cannot be the main duty. The final decision rests with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

A practical tip: what matters to immigration is what you will do each day, not the job title. Ask the employer for a clear description of your duties and check that it connects to your studies or experience. If you want a side job while on this status, you need separate permission unless the work also falls within your status.