So you've landed a job at a Japanese company—or you hope to.
Before you can code in Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka, you'll need a work visa. The most common and suitable option for overseas software engineers is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務).
This guide is based on official government sources and the latest 2025 updates. It offers a clear, practical breakdown of requirements, timelines, tips, and FAQs—especially helpful for developers applying from overseas with company support.
What is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa?
This visa category covers a broad range of white-collar jobs requiring specialized skills. For software engineers, it's the default work visa. It is often simply called the "Engineer visa," and is valid for 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years—determined by immigration based on your job offer, employer, and other factors.
✅ Good news: As long as your company supports your application and you meet the requirements, approval is typically straightforward.
Basic Requirements
To qualify for the visa as a software engineer, you generally need to satisfy at least one of the following:
✅ A university degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, IT, engineering) ✅ At least 10 years of professional experience in a related role (including freelance or part-time) ✅ Passing a recognized IT skills exam (e.g., PhilNITS, ITPEC)
Your employer must also provide:
- A job offer aligned with your skills
- Salary equal to or higher than a Japanese national in the same role
Timeline: From Job Offer to Landing in Japan
Here's how the process usually works when your company sponsors your visa:
Job Offer (Week 0)
You sign an employment contract with a Japan-based company.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application (Weeks 1–4)
Your company applies for a COE through the Immigration Bureau in Japan. You'll need to submit documents such as your diploma, passport copy, and resume.
COE Issued (Around Week 5–8)
The COE is sent to you via mail or PDF. Processing time depends on region and immigration workload.
Visa Application at Japanese Embassy/Consulate (Week 9)
You bring the COE and required documents to the Japanese embassy in your home country.
Visa Issued (Usually within 5–10 business days)
Enter Japan and Start Working! Your Residence Card is issued at the airport.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Process
🔍 Triple-check documents: Mismatches between job description and your background can cause delays. 🧾 Degree translations: If your diploma isn't in English or Japanese, get an official translation. 📬 Plan for COE delays: Especially in spring and fall (peak hiring seasons). 💼 Keep records: Immigration may request proof of experience if applying without a degree.
FAQs
Q. What if my degree is unrelated to IT?
If you have 10+ years of relevant work experience, you can still qualify. Alternatively, consider passing a recognized IT exam like PhilNITS (available in English in the Philippines).
Q. Do I need to speak Japanese?
No—language ability isn't a visa requirement. But having some Japanese skills may help with job opportunities and life in Japan.
Q. Can I bring my family?
Yes. Spouses and children can join under a "Dependent Visa." Spouses can work part-time (up to 28 hours/week).
Q. How long is the visa valid?
Typically 1 or 3 years initially. Many engineers receive a 5-year renewal after demonstrating job stability.
Q. Can I change jobs later?
Yes—but your new job must fall under the same visa category. You must notify immigration after changing jobs.
Summary
🛂 This is the most common visa for software engineers in Japan 📄 Requires a degree, experience, or certified exam 🕒 Application takes 1–2 months, assuming no issues 👨👩👧 Dependents can accompany you
Related Resources
- Japan Immigration Bureau – COE Info (Japanese)
- Visa Application via Japanese Embassy (Global)
- ITPEC / PhilNITS Exam Overview
📌 Note: This article is based on publicly available government guidelines and interviews with 2025 applicants. Immigration rules are subject to change. Always confirm with your employer or local Japanese consulate for the latest updates.