Japan Work Visa Types: Engineer, Specified Skilled Worker & Business Manager [2026]

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To work legally in Japan, you need a residence status that allows employment. Requirements, eligible occupations and procedures vary greatly by type. This guide compares the three most common types.

① Comparison of main work visas

② Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (Gijin-Koku)

This is the most common work visa. It covers STEM engineers (Engineer), translators and planning/marketing staff (Humanities), and those using a foreign language at work (International Services).

Key requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree or above (Japanese or foreign university) or a Japanese vocational school diploma in a related field
• Work experience: 10+ years (3+ for Humanities) can substitute for a degree
• Relevance: your field of study must relate to the job duties
• A employment contract with a Japanese company is required

Key documents (applicant)

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility
• Passport copy, photo
• Degree certificate / academic transcript or work-experience certificate
• Copy of employment contract
• Company registration certificate, financial statements, company overview

If you are an IT engineer looking to change jobs, see Job Change for Foreign IT Engineers for a detailed guide on updating your residence status and the Certificate of Authorized Employment.

③ Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1 & 2)

Created in 2019, this visa lets workers in 14 specified industries with labour shortages work in Japan (nursing care, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, accommodation, food service, etc.).

Type 1 vs Type 2

• Type 1: up to 5 years total; family members generally cannot accompany; requires both a skills test and a Japanese-language test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic); Technical Intern Training completers may be exempt
• Type 2: renewable with no upper limit, can lead to permanent residence; family can accompany; only an advanced skills test (no language test); currently available in 11 industries

Process

1. Pass the skills evaluation test for your industry (testing bodies vary)
2. Pass the Japanese-language test (Type 1 only — JFT-Basic or JLPT N4)
3. Sign an employment contract with an accepting company
4. Apply to the Immigration Services Agency for a Certificate of Eligibility (or change of status)

④ Business Manager

For foreign nationals who set up and run a company in Japan, or work as a senior manager.

Key requirements

• A physical office in Japan (a genuine base of operations)
• One of the following:
  • Capital / investment of at least ¥5 million
  • At least 2 full-time employees who are Japanese nationals or permanent residents
• The applicant must actually engage in business management or administration
• Stability and continuity of the business (reviewed via business plan)

If you want to set up and run a company in Japan to obtain a Business Manager visa, see our guide to starting a company and obtaining a Business Manager visa.

⑤ Other work-related residence statuses

• Skilled Labour (Gino): for chefs, jewellery craftspeople, animal trainers and others with specialised skills (years of experience required per field)
• Highly Skilled Professional (Type 1 & 2): points-based; for high-level talent in research, technology or business; benefits include broader activity scope and unlimited residence period
• Specified Activities (No. 46): for Japanese-university graduates using Japanese in their work — not limited to a specific occupation
• Permanent Resident, Long-Term Resident, Spouse of a Japanese national, etc.: no employment restrictions

For job-hunting and the Employment Service Center for Foreigners, see our guide to job-seeking at Hello Work.

FAQ

How long does the gijin-koku visa application take?The standard processing time for a Certificate of Eligibility is about 1–3 months. A status change or renewal typically takes 1–2 months, but can vary depending on timing, content and individual circumstances.

Where can I take the Specified Skilled Worker test?Test bodies differ by industry. For nursing care it is the OTAFF (Organisation for Technical Intern Training); for food manufacturing it is the OTFF (Organisation for Technical Intern Training in the Food Industry), and so on. Check the Immigration Services Agency website for the current list by industry.

What is the difference between gijin-koku and Specified Skilled Worker?Gijin-koku is mainly for university graduates in professional or technical roles. Specified Skilled Worker does not require a degree and is based on passing tests; it covers specific labour-shortage industries such as nursing care, manufacturing and agriculture.

Can I bring my family on a Business Manager visa?Yes — your spouse and children can come on a Dependent (Family Stay) residence status, which allows up to 28 hours of part-time work per week.