Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa for Filipinos
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 8–16 weeks
- Government fee
- about $20
- Start preparing
- about 9 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 7
- 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 degree-holding professionals in IT, engineering, and business roles. The employer obtains a Certificate of Eligibility first (1–3 months, no fee); pay must be at parity with Japanese nationals. Visa fee about ¥3,000.
This page covers Filipinos. For every nationality we track, see the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa overview.
Requirements for Filipinos
| 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 $20. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Job offer from a Japan-based employerSalary at parity with Japanese nationals; a bachelor's degree or 10 years' experience is required.
- Send documents for the CoE applicationDegree certificate, CV, photo and passport copy; no fee.
- Employer obtains the Certificate of Eligibility
- Visa at the Japanese embassy in ManilaPassport, CoE, photo and form; fee about ¥3,000, usually about a week.
- DMW registration & Overseas Employment CertificateDirect-hire clearance or agency processing, then the OEC that Philippine immigration checks.
- Travel — residence card at the airportMajor airports issue the zairyu card on landing.
- Register your address within 14 daysMunicipal registration activates health insurance and pension enrolment.
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 Filipinos?
- 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 $20. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Filipinos 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 Filipinos
Other destinations for Filipinos
Japan visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.