Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services - Required Documents
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services is the most commonly applied-for work-related residence status in Japan. It is obtained by individuals engaged in work requiring specialized knowledge or skills, such as IT engineers, interpreters, translators, marketing, and trade operations.
| Applicable Activities | Activities of engaging in work requiring technology or knowledge in the fields of science, engineering, or other natural sciences, or law, economics, sociology, or other humanities, based on a contract with a public or private organization in Japan, or work requiring thinking or sensitivity based on foreign culture |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months |
Category Classification of Affiliated Organization
The required documents vary depending on the category of the affiliated organization. Please first confirm the applicable category.
Category 1: Listed companies, mutual companies engaged in insurance business, national/local public entities, independent administrative agencies, special corporations/authorized corporations, companies eligible for bonus points under the Highly Skilled Professional point system, etc.
Category 2: Organizations or individuals whose total withholding tax amount on employees’ salary income for the previous year is 10 million yen or more, or organizations approved to use the online residence application system
Category 3: Organizations or individuals that have submitted the statutory report summary of withholding tax records for the previous year’s employee salary income (excluding Category 2)
Category 4: Organizations or individuals not falling under Categories 1 to 3
Required Documents by Application Type
- Certificate of Eligibility Application (New)
- Change of Status of Residence Application
- Extension of Period of Stay Application
Important Notes Before Applying
- Required documents vary depending on the category of your affiliated organization. Please first confirm the Category Classification of Affiliated Organization above.
- For questions about how to fill out the application form and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- If the application is submitted with incomplete documents, the examination may be significantly delayed or the application may be denied.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months from the date of issuance.
- Documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
- Submitted materials will not be returned in principle. If you wish to have them returned, please inform the office at the time of application.
- You may be asked to submit additional materials during the examination.
Certificate of Eligibility Application (New)
This is the application for those who wish to enter Japan with the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services residence status for the first time.
Common Required Documents (All Categories)
1. Certificate of Eligibility Application Form - 1 copy
2. Photo - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background.
3. Return Envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and affix postage stamps for simplified registered mail (404 yen).
4. Documents Proving Category Classification
- Category 1: Copy of Shikiho (quarterly corporate report) or listing certificate from a stock exchange, certificate of establishment approval from the competent authority, etc.
- Category 2: Copy of the statutory report summary of withholding tax records for the previous year’s employee salary income (showing total withholding tax of 10 million yen or more), or proof of approval to use the online system
- Category 3: Copy of the statutory report summary of withholding tax records for the previous year’s employee salary income
- Category 4: No applicable documents (automatically classified as Category 4)
5. Diploma/Advanced Diploma Certificate (if applicable)
Submit this if you graduated from a vocational school (senmon gakko) and obtained the title of Diploma or Advanced Diploma. If you completed an accredited Vocational Practice Course, also submit a certificate of completion of the accredited course.
6. Dispatched Worker Related Documents (if applicable)
If the applicant is a dispatched worker, submit the following documents:
- Written oath regarding dispatched work (one from the dispatching agency, one from the receiving company) - 1 copy each
- Copy of employment conditions - 1 copy
- Copy of individual dispatch contract - 1 copy
Additional Documents for Categories 1 & 2
Only the common documents listed above need to be submitted. Additional documents are not required in principle.
Additional Documents for Categories 3 & 4
Categories 3 and 4 must submit the following documents in addition to the common documents above.
7. Documents Proving the Content of Activities (1 copy of whichever applies)
- When concluding a labor contract: Copy of Notice of Working Conditions based on Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of the Enforcement Regulations
- When becoming a company officer: Copy of Articles of Incorporation if officer compensation is stipulated therein, or copy of Minutes of General Shareholders’ Meeting if not
- When transferring to a Japan branch of a foreign corporation or becoming an officer of an unincorporated organization: Document issued by the affiliated organization certifying position, period, and compensation
8. Documents Proving Educational Background and Work History
- Resume (clearly stating educational background, work history, and periods) - 1 copy
- 1 copy of whichever applies:
- (a) University graduation certificate or document proving equivalent or higher education. Holders of DOEACC qualifications should submit a copy of their DOEACC certificate (Levels A, B, or C only)
- (b) Certificate of employment proving work experience in related fields (may include periods of study in related subjects at universities, colleges of technology, high schools, vocational schools, etc.)
- (c) For IT engineers: IT examination pass certificate designated by the Minister of Justice through public notice (not required if Diploma/Advanced Diploma certificate has been submitted)
- (d) For those engaged in work requiring thinking or sensitivity based on foreign culture (excluding those engaged in translation, interpretation, or language instruction after graduating from university): Certificate proving 3 or more years of practical experience
9. Certificate of Registered Matters - 1 copy
Submit the certificate of registered matters (corporate registry) of the affiliated organization.
10. Documents Proving Business Content (1 of the following)
- Company brochure describing company history, officers, organization, and business content (including major clients and transaction records)
- Other equivalent documents
11. Copy of Financial Statements for the Most Recent Fiscal Year - 1 copy
For new businesses, submit a copy of the business plan instead of financial statements.
Additional Documents for Category 4 Only
Category 4 must submit the following documents in addition to the documents required for Categories 3 & 4 above.
12. Documents Proving the Reason for Being Unable to Submit the Statutory Report Summary (whichever applies)
- If exempt from withholding tax: Copy of Exemption Certificate
- Otherwise:
- Copy of Notification of Opening of Salary Payment Office - 1 copy
- One of the following: Copy of Income Tax Withholding Statement for the most recent 3 months (with tax office receipt stamp), or copy of Notification of Approval for Special Payment Deadline
Change of Status of Residence Application
This is the application for those who are already residing in Japan with a different residence status and wish to change to the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status.
Common Required Documents (All Categories)
1. Change of Status of Residence Application Form - 1 copy
2. Photo - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present them (if unable to present a passport, submit a written explanation of the reason).
4. Documents Proving Category Classification
Same as No. 4 of the new application. However, when changing from “Student” status, the Category 2 requirements are as follows:
- (a) Graduates (including expected graduates) of a graduate school, university, or junior college in Japan
- (b) Graduates of an overseas university ranked within the top 300 in world university rankings (within top 300 in at least 2 out of 3 rankings)
- (c) Organizations currently employing individuals who changed from “Student” status to a work-related residence status and whose period of stay has been renewed
5. Diploma/Advanced Diploma Certificate (if applicable)
Same as No. 5 of the new application.
6. Dispatched Worker Related Documents (if applicable)
Same as No. 6 of the new application.
Additional Documents for Categories 1 & 2
Only the common documents listed above need to be submitted. Additional documents are not required in principle.
Additional Documents for Categories 3 & 4
Categories 3 and 4 must submit the following documents in addition to the common documents above.
7. Documents Proving the Content of Activities (1 copy of whichever applies)
- When concluding a labor contract: Copy of Notice of Working Conditions based on Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of the Enforcement Regulations
- When becoming a company officer: Copy of Articles of Incorporation if officer compensation is stipulated therein, or copy of Minutes of General Shareholders’ Meeting if not
- When transferring to a Japan branch of a foreign corporation or becoming an officer of an unincorporated organization: Document issued by the affiliated organization certifying position, period, and compensation
8. Documents Proving Educational Background and Work History
- Resume (clearly stating educational background, work history, and periods) - 1 copy
- 1 copy of whichever applies:
- (a) University graduation certificate or document proving equivalent or higher education. Holders of DOEACC qualifications should submit a copy of their DOEACC certificate (Levels A, B, or C only)
- (b) Certificate of employment proving work experience in related fields (may include periods of study in related subjects at universities, colleges of technology, high schools, vocational schools, etc.)
- (c) For IT engineers: IT examination pass certificate designated by the Minister of Justice through public notice (not required if Diploma/Advanced Diploma certificate has been submitted)
- (d) For those engaged in work requiring thinking or sensitivity based on foreign culture (excluding those engaged in translation, interpretation, or language instruction after graduating from university): Certificate proving 3 or more years of practical experience
9. Certificate of Registered Matters - 1 copy
Submit the certificate of registered matters (corporate registry) of the affiliated organization.
10. Documents Proving Business Content (1 of the following)
- Company brochure describing company history, officers, organization, and business content (including major clients and transaction records)
- Other equivalent documents
11. Copy of Financial Statements for the Most Recent Fiscal Year - 1 copy
For new businesses, submit a copy of the business plan instead of financial statements.
Additional Documents for Category 4 Only
12. Documents Proving the Reason for Being Unable to Submit the Statutory Report Summary (whichever applies)
- If exempt from withholding tax: Copy of Exemption Certificate
- Otherwise:
- Copy of Notification of Opening of Salary Payment Office - 1 copy
- One of the following: Copy of Income Tax Withholding Statement for the most recent 3 months (with tax office receipt stamp), or copy of Notification of Approval for Special Payment Deadline
Extension of Period of Stay Application
This is the application for those who are already residing in Japan with the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services residence status and wish to extend their period of stay.
Common Required Documents (All Categories)
1. Extension of Period of Stay Application Form - 1 copy
2. Photo - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Passport and Residence Card
4. Documents Proving Category Classification
Same as No. 4 of the new application.
5. Dispatched Worker Related Documents (if applicable)
In addition to No. 6 of the new application, the following documents are also required for extension:
- Copy of Dispatching Agency Management Ledger - 1 copy
- Copy of Receiving Company Management Ledger - 1 copy
- Employment Status Report - 1 copy
Additional Documents for Categories 1 & 2
Only the common documents listed above need to be submitted. Additional documents are not required in principle.
Additional Documents for Categories 3 & 4
6. Residence Tax Taxation/Non-Taxation Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate
Submit 1 copy each of certificates showing total income and tax payment status for the most recent 1 year.
Additional Documents for First Extension After Changing Jobs
When extending for the first time after changing jobs to a Category 3 or 4 organization, the following documents must also be submitted in addition to the residence tax documents above.
7. Documents Proving the Content of Activities (1 copy of whichever applies)
- When concluding a labor contract: Copy of Notice of Working Conditions based on Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of the Enforcement Regulations
- When becoming a company officer: Copy of Articles of Incorporation if officer compensation is stipulated therein, or copy of Minutes of General Shareholders’ Meeting if not
- When transferring to a Japan branch of a foreign corporation or becoming an officer of an unincorporated organization: Document issued by the affiliated organization certifying position, period, and compensation
8. Certificate of Registered Matters - 1 copy
Submit the certificate of registered matters (corporate registry) of the affiliated organization.
9. Documents Proving Business Content (1 of the following)
- Company brochure describing company history, officers, organization, and business content (including major clients and transaction records)
- Other equivalent documents
10. Copy of Financial Statements for the Most Recent Fiscal Year (Category 4 only. Not required for Category 3)
For new businesses, submit a copy of the business plan instead of financial statements.
Additional Documents for Category 4 Only
11. Documents Proving the Reason for Being Unable to Submit the Statutory Report Summary (whichever applies)
- If exempt from withholding tax: Copy of Exemption Certificate
- Otherwise:
- Copy of Notification of Opening of Salary Payment Office - 1 copy
- One of the following: Copy of Income Tax Withholding Statement for the most recent 3 months (with tax office receipt stamp), or copy of Notification of Approval for Special Payment Deadline
Accredited Course Graduates
If you have completed an accredited course for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, submit the following documents:
📋 Accredited Course Completion Certificate Form (PDF)
Reference Links
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