Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa for Indians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 8–16 weeks
- Government fee
- about $0
- Start preparing
- about 9 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 8
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 8–16 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
The main work visa for IT, engineering, and business roles. The employer obtains a Certificate of Eligibility first (1–3 months; recent average ~7 weeks). No statutory minimum salary, but pay must match what a Japanese national would earn in the role; a degree or 10 years' experience is required. Both the CoE and the visa are free for Indian nationals.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | Yes |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 8–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $0. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Job offer from a Japan-based employerThe employer sponsors the process, with salary at parity with Japanese nationals in the role.
- Send documents for the CoE applicationDegree or 10+ years' experience, CV, photo and passport copy; the CoE has no fee.
- Employer obtains the Certificate of EligibilityStandard processing is 1-3 months, with a recent average of about 7 weeks.
- Receive the CoE (valid 3 months)Sent by courier or electronically, and you must enter Japan within its 3-month validity.
- Apply for the visa at the embassy/VFS in IndiaPassport, CoE, photo and form; free for Indian nationals and usually issued in about 5 working days.
- Travel — residence card issued at the airportNarita, Haneda, Kansai and Chubu airports issue the zairyu card on landing.
- Register your address within 14 daysDone at the municipal office; it activates the residence card and enrols you in health insurance and pension.
- Bank account, phone, and inkanA bank account usually needs the residence card and local phone number; some banks want an inkan seal.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa takes about 9 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 8–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $0. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Japan is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Japan visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Japan visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.