Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
技術・人文知識・国際業務
Japan's main work status for professionals who use knowledge in natural sciences or humanities, or skills rooted in foreign culture, under a contract with an organisation in Japan. Typical jobs include engineers, IT staff, interpreters, designers, language teachers at private companies and marketing staff. Most people enter with a Certificate of Eligibility obtained by the employer.
Life in Japan
Money
3
Currency
Japanese Yen
JPY
Japanese Yen
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5–45%
Income tax (national)
Consumption tax 10%
Plus 2.1% reconstruction surtax on national tax and about 10% local inhabitant tax; 45% applies above JPY 40 million.
Living
1
Happiness
#59 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Degree holders or experienced professionals hired by a Japanese company or public body for professional, technical or international-services work.
Eligibility
Contract with an organisation in Japan
The work must be under a contract with a public or private organisation in Japan.
Professional work
The job must need technology or knowledge in natural sciences or humanities, or thinking or sensibility based on foreign culture.
Education or experience
Applicants show a relevant degree or equivalent education, or documented relevant work history.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementIT qualification alternative
- Document checklistCOE application form
- FeesVisa fee, single entry (approx.)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 4 more requirements
- 13 documents
- 5 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Japan
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Japan
- Visit & tourismShort-term stay visa (tourism, business, visiting relatives), including the JAPAN eVISA for tourism
- StudyStudent (留学) status of residence
- Skilled migrationHighly Skilled Professional (i) (高度専門職1号) under the points-based system
- Permanent residencePermanent Resident (Eijuusha) - including Highly Skilled Professional fast track
- FamilySpouse or Child of Japanese National
- Work permitsSpecified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)
