🇯🇵 Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa
Also known as: Gijinkoku visa, Japan work visa
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa?
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 overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $0–$30 |
| Processing time | 6–16 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians, Indonesians, Filipinos, and Vietnamese citizens.
Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $0 | 8–16 weeks | — | — |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesians | $30 | 6–14 weeks | — | — |
| 🇵🇭 Filipinos | $20 | 8–16 weeks | — | — |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnamese citizens | $30 | 6–14 weeks | — | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa
- Job offer from a Japan-based employer
- Send documents for the CoE application
- Employer obtains the Certificate of Eligibility
- Receive the CoE (valid 3 months)
- Apply for the visa at the embassy/VFS in India
- Travel — residence card issued at the airport
- Register your address within 14 days
- Bank account, phone, and inkan
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in Japan; a relevant degree. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians, Indonesians, Filipinos, and Vietnamese citizens; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $0 for Indians, $30 for Indonesians and Vietnamese citizens, and $20 for Filipinos (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 8–16 weeks for Indians and Filipinos and 6–14 weeks for Indonesians and Vietnamese citizens after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Do I need a job offer for the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Japan is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the Gijinkoku visa the same as the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa?
- Yes. Gijinkoku visa and Japan work visa are other names people use for the Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa.
Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa guides by nationality
Other Japan visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government sources: mofa.go.jp, moj.go.jp. This guide is general information, not legal advice.