Immigration Services Agency of Japan: work statuses of residence

Japan does not issue one general work visa. Instead, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) grants a status of residence that matches what you will do. For most software engineers, that is Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. Many of ISA's detailed pages are in Japanese, with machine translation offered on its multilingual page, so use them alongside your employer's HR team.

Who it is for

A CS graduate or developer from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria or elsewhere with a job offer, or close to one, from a company in Japan.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

As of October 2026, ISA describes this status as covering work that needs knowledge of natural sciences or humanities, or that draws on a foreign cultural background. Engineers are a named example. Key points from the official page:

• Periods of stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months.
• Background: the supporting documents include proof of a university degree (or equivalent education) in a related field, or proof of relevant work experience.
• Employer documents: your employer supplies company documents, which vary by the employer's category, plus your contract or a description of your role.
• Incomplete applications may be delayed significantly or refused, so the full set matters.

The Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

If you are outside Japan, the usual route is a Certificate of Eligibility. It is filed in Japan at a regional immigration office. ISA allows the application to be submitted by someone other than you, which in practice usually means your employer. Once it is issued, you take it to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country to get the visa, then enter Japan.

Highly Skilled Professional

For strong candidates, ISA runs a points system. Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) covers advanced specialised or technical work, such as an engineer's. You need 70 points or more, counted from things like education, experience, salary and age. ISA lists preferential treatment, including a 5-year period of stay, permission for your spouse to work, and a path to permanent residence after 1 year with 80 points or 3 years with 70 points. ISA publishes a points calculation sheet, including an English version.

Common mistakes and scams

• Paying a broker to get you a job or a CoE. Your employer handles the CoE. Nobody can sell you one.
• Taking a job that does not match your status. Your actual duties must fit the status you hold.
• Assuming English-only is fine everywhere. Many roles still expect some Japanese. Check the job ad.
• Reading old blog posts. Rules and documents change. Check ISA's page when you apply.

Where to go next on Sefism

• Plan the move step by step with the Tech jobs abroad roadmap and keep its cheat sheet open while you apply.
• Read How to get an internship in Japan.
• Find English-friendly roles on Japan Dev.