Work & Jobs
Types of Work Visa in Japan: Engineer, Specified Skilled Worker & Business Manager — Complete Guide
The three most common work visas for foreigners living in Japan are the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Gijin-Koku), the Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1 and 2), and the Business Manager visa. This guide explains the requirements, eligible jobs, and length of stay for each.
① Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (Gijin-Koku)
This visa is for professionals who apply knowledge or skills gained at university in fields such as IT engineering, accounting, translation, or design. It is one of the most commonly held work visas in Japan.
Typical Eligible Occupations
- Systems engineer / programmer
- Accounting / finance / bookkeeping
- Translation / interpretation / language instruction
- Design / marketing / advertising
- International trade / overseas sales
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | University degree or above (Japanese or overseas) |
| Work experience | 10+ years (3+ years for translation, interpretation, or language instruction) can substitute for a degree |
| Job relevance | The job duties must relate to your field of study or work history |
| Employment | Must have an employment contract with a Japanese company or organization |
| Duration of stay | 5 years / 3 years / 1 year / 3 months (renewable) |
💡 Changing JobsSwitching to the same type of job is generally fine. If your job category changes significantly, it is advisable to obtain a Certificate of Authorized Employment (就労資格証明書) before your next renewal to reduce the risk of rejection.
② Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1 and Type 2)
Created in April 2019 to address labor shortages in specific industries. Because eligibility is based on passing designated exams rather than holding a degree, this visa is accessible even without higher education.
14 Designated Sectors and Main Job Examples
| Sector | Main job examples |
|---|---|
| Nursing care | Physical care and daily living assistance |
| Building cleaning | Cleaning of building interiors |
| Industrial manufacturing | Casting, industrial machinery, and electronic components |
| Construction | Scaffolding, formwork, reinforcing bars, earthwork |
| Shipbuilding / marine | Welding, painting, machining |
| Auto repair | Inspection, maintenance, body/paint work |
| Aviation | Ground handling, aircraft maintenance |
| Accommodation | Front desk, guest services, cooking assistance |
| Agriculture | Crop cultivation, livestock farming |
| Fishery | Fishing and aquaculture |
| Food and beverages manufacturing | Food processing and production |
| Restaurants | Cooking, service, store management |
Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2
| Type 1 | Type 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stay limit | Up to 5 years total | No limit (renewable) |
| Family accompaniment | Not permitted | Permitted |
| Eligible sectors | 12 sectors | Construction, shipbuilding, etc. |
Exams Required
- Japanese language exam: JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher
- Skills exam: Pass the Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Test for your sector
- Holders of Technical Intern Training Type 2 who completed their training successfully are exempt from both exams
⚠️ Job Change RestrictionsUnder Type 1, you may only change employers within the same sector. Switching to a different sector requires passing a new skills exam.
③ Business Manager
For foreigners who manage or operate a company in Japan, such as a startup founder, a representative director, or a branch manager of a foreign company's Japanese subsidiary.
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical office | A real office (address, phone, signage) must exist |
| Scale requirement | Capital of ¥5 million or more, OR at least 2 full-time Japanese or permanent-resident employees |
| Role | Must actually manage or administer the business (e.g., representative director, director, branch manager) |
| Business viability | A concrete and stable business plan is required |
| Duration of stay | 5 years / 3 years / 1 year / 6 months / 4 months (renewable) |
Application Process Overview
- Secure a physical office (lease agreement required)
- Incorporate the company if applicable (company registration)
- Apply to the Immigration Services Agency for the Business Manager status of residence
- Receive approval and enter Japan
💡 Important NoteA shell company with no real activity will not be approved. Reviewers look at actual business operations, revenue track record, and the concreteness of the business plan. Consulting a certified administrative scrivener (行政書士) is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take a side job on an Engineer/Specialist visa?
The Engineer/Specialist visa restricts the type of work you may perform. A side job outside your visa category generally requires a separate Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted. If the side job is the same type as your main job, it may be considered within your visa scope — but confirm with the Immigration Services Agency for your specific situation.
The Engineer/Specialist visa restricts the type of work you may perform. A side job outside your visa category generally requires a separate Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted. If the side job is the same type as your main job, it may be considered within your visa scope — but confirm with the Immigration Services Agency for your specific situation.
Q: Can I bring my family to Japan on a Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 visa?
Family accompaniment is not permitted under Type 1. Under Type 2, your spouse and children may accompany you.
Family accompaniment is not permitted under Type 1. Under Type 2, your spouse and children may accompany you.
Q: Is there a minimum salary for the Business Manager visa?
There is no legally mandated minimum, but the salary should be comparable to that of a Japanese national in a similar managerial role. In practice, ¥200,000 per month or more is commonly recommended.
There is no legally mandated minimum, but the salary should be comparable to that of a Japanese national in a similar managerial role. In practice, ¥200,000 per month or more is commonly recommended.
Sources & References
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- Specified Skilled Worker Program (ISA)
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
※ Regulations are subject to change. Always verify the latest information at official websites.
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