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Required Documents and Application Flow for the Intra-company Transferee Visa｜Adapting to the April 2026 Document Changes
A category-by-category guide to the documents required for the Intra-company Transferee visa. A gyoseishoshi lawyer outlines the flow of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application and key points on the document changes taking effect on April 1, 2026.
Complete Guide to the Intra-company Transferee Visa｜Requirements, Eligible Companies, and Period of Stay Explained
An administrative scrivener explains the requirements of the 'Intra-company Transferee' status of residence, the scope of eligible companies, the period of stay, and how it differs from Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. A comprehensive overview of the basics when transferring employees from overseas locations to Japan.
Intra-company Transferee: Extension, Job Change, and Options After the Transfer Period｜Changing to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
An administrative scrivener explains the Extension of Period of Stay for the Intra-company Transferee visa, procedures when changing jobs, and how to handle the status of residence after the transfer period ends. We outline cases of changing to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and returning home.
The "One Year or More of Continuous Employment" Requirement and Capital Relationship for Intra-company Transferee｜Scope of Overseas Subsidiaries and Affiliates
An administrative lawyer explains the core requirements of the Intra-company Transferee visa: "one year or more of continuous employment immediately prior to the transfer" and the capital relationship of the overseas subsidiaries and affiliates that qualify. Summary of key points for proof and cautions.
Intra-company Transferee vs. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: Which Status of Residence Should You Choose?
A thorough comparison of the Intra-company Transferee visa and the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Gijinkoku) visa. An administrative scrivener explains which to choose when bringing overseas employees to Japan, from the perspectives of requirements, education, period of stay, and freedom to change jobs.
How to Bring Your Overseas Spouse to Japan｜A Guide to the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application
A certified administrative scrivener explains the steps for applying for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to bring a spouse living overseas to Japan. We summarize the required documents, examination period, the process up to arrival, and key points to note.
Spouse Visa Required Documents｜Checklist by 3 Types: COE, Change, and Extension
An explanation of the documents required for a spouse visa (Spouse or Child of Japanese National), organized by three types: Certificate of Eligibility application, Change of Status of Residence, and Extension of Period of Stay. A gyoseishoshi lawyer summarizes income-proving documents and key points.
Avoiding Suspicion of a Sham Marriage: How Spouse Visa Screening Examines a Genuine Marriage and Key Points of Proof
An administrative scrivener explains how spouse visa screening examines the substance of a marriage. We summarize cases that tend to raise suspicion of a sham marriage, trustworthy methods of proof, and the documents you should prepare.
Complete Guide to the Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa (Spouse Visa)｜Requirements, Period of Stay, Eligibility
An administrative scrivener explains the eligible persons, requirements, and period of stay for the Spouse or Child of Japanese National status of residence. A comprehensive overview of the differences between spouses, biological children, and special adoptees, and the basics of obtaining a marriage visa.
How to Write the Questionnaire for a Spouse Visa｜Conveying Your Path from Meeting to Marriage Accurately
An administrative scrivener explains how to write the questionnaire (Statement of relationship) for a spouse visa application. We cover the path from meeting to marriage, evidence of the relationship, and points to watch when writing, and introduce how to create a questionnaire that earns trust during screening.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa for Interpreters and Translators｜Qualifying Work and the CEFR B2 Requirement for Customer-Facing Roles (2026 Update)
An administrative scrivener explains the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa for interpretation, translation, and other international-services work. Covers the scope of qualifying work and the target and countermeasures for the CEFR B2 language requirement for customer-facing roles taking effect in April 2026.
How the Period of Stay for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa Is Decided (5 Years, 3 Years, 1 Year)
An administrative scrivener explains how the period of stay for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is determined. Covers the differences between 5 years, 3 years, 1 year and 3 months, the conditions that make a longer period of stay more likely, and key points at renewal.
Complete Guide to Required Documents for the Gijinkoku Visa｜Checklist by Category 1-4
A gyoseishoshi explains the required documents for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, broken down by company Category 1-4. Covers the documents to prepare for certification, change, and renewal, plus the 2026 language requirement.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa for Sales and Marketing｜Eligibility Under International Services and Tips for Proof
An administrative scrivener explains how to obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa for sales and marketing roles. Covers eligibility under Specialist in Humanities and International Services, the link between education and duties, tips for proof, and how to avoid denial.
Changing from an Engineer/Specialist Visa to a Business Manager Visa｜Procedures for Foreign Nationals to Go Independent and Start a Business
An administrative scrivener explains the procedures for foreign nationals to change from an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa to a Business Manager visa and start a business in Japan, covering requirements, necessary preparation, timing, and key points.
What Not to Do While Your Naturalization Application Is Pending: Moving, Changing Jobs, Travel, and Traffic Violations
An administrative scrivener explains key points to watch during a pending naturalization application. We cover how moving, changing jobs, extended travel abroad, and traffic violations affect the review, how to respond when circumstances change, and points to note under the 2026 tightening.
Naturalization for Filipino Nationals｜Loss of Nationality Certificates and Features of Required Documents
An administrative scrivener explains naturalization for Filipino nationals. We summarize how to gather home-country documents (birth and marriage certificates), the handling of nationality, points to note regarding dual nationality, and the procedures and documents specific to the Philippines.
Naturalization Interview Tips｜Questions at the Legal Affairs Bureau and How to Prepare
An administrative scrivener explains what you will be asked in the naturalization application interview. We summarize common questions, what to prepare, and points to note on the day, with tips for staying calm.
Naturalization for Minor Children: Applying Together With Parents and Required Documents
An administrative scrivener explains naturalization for minor children. We summarize how to apply together with parents, documents specific to children, and points to note when a child is born in Japan or naturalizes alone.
How to Choose Your Name After Naturalization｜Rules for Your New Family Register and Name
An administrative scrivener explains how to decide the name you will use after naturalization. Covers the rules for Japanese characters, how to keep your commonly used name, the creation of a new family register, and how surnames for spouses and children are handled.
Will Naturalization Screening Become Stricter from April 2026? The Gap Between Media Reports and Reality
An administrative scrivener explains the discrepancy between media reports and the actual situation at Legal Affairs Bureaus regarding the tightening of naturalization screening from April 2026.
Good Conduct Requirement for Naturalization｜How Traffic Violations, Criminal Records, and Tax Arrears Affect Your Application
An administrative scrivener explains how traffic violations, criminal records, and tax/social insurance arrears specifically affect the good conduct requirement (Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 3 of the Nationality Act).
Naturalization Livelihood Requirement | How Much Income and Assets Do You Need? Assessed on a Household Basis
A certified administrative scrivener explains the livelihood requirement for naturalization applications (Article 5, Paragraph 1, Item 4 of the Nationality Act), including income and asset benchmarks, key points for the self-employed, and how the household is assessed as a whole.
Naturalization for Business Owners and Corporate Officers｜Corporate Tax Requirements and Additional Documents
A licensed administrative scrivener explains the additional documents, corporate tax checkpoints, and post-approval registration changes that apply when company owners and corporate officers apply for naturalization in Japan.
Naturalization for Korean Nationals｜Family Register and Loss of Nationality in Practice
A guide to the unique considerations for Korean nationals applying for Japanese naturalization. A gyosei-shoshi explains how to obtain the Korean family register, the nationality renunciation process, and key record-keeping points.
Japanese Language Requirements for Naturalization｜What Level Is Needed for the Test and Interview
A certified administrative scrivener explains the Japanese language level required for naturalization applications, what to expect in interviews and written tests, and how to prepare if you're concerned about your Japanese proficiency.
How to Write a Naturalization Statement of Motivation｜Key Points Evaluated During the Review
A certified administrative scrivener explains how to write the statement of motivation for a naturalization application, covering what reviewers value, expressions to avoid, and tips for structuring your statement effectively.
Japan Naturalization Statistics｜70-Year Analysis of Approval Rates and Application Trends
A licensed administrative scrivener analyzes 70 years of Japan's naturalization data published by the Ministry of Justice, covering application numbers, approval rates, rejection rates, nationality trends, and the 2026 outlook.
Naturalization Residence Requirement | How to Handle Excessive Absence Days Due to Business Travel or Home Country Visits
A certified administrative scrivener explains the residence requirement for naturalization applications (continuous residence in Japan for 5 or more years), including the impact of frequent overseas business trips or home country visits and practical countermeasures.
Naturalization for Vietnamese Nationals｜Loss of Nationality and Key Document Requirements
A guide to the unique considerations for Vietnamese nationals applying for Japanese naturalization. A gyosei-shoshi covers the nationality renunciation process, document acquisition, and translation requirements.
April 2026 Engineer Visa Reform | New CEFR B2, Declaration Form & Dispatch Rules
Explaining the key changes to the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa effective April 15, 2026. Covers CEFR B2 language requirements, representative declaration forms, and new dispatch worker rules.
CEFR B2 Language Requirement for Engineer Visa | New Rule from April 2026
Thorough explanation of the new CEFR B2 language proficiency requirement for Engineer visa applications from April 2026. Covers the relationship with JLPT N2, target work types, exemption conditions, and equivalent tests for various languages.
Engineer Visa for Dispatch Workers | 2026 New Rules and Application Tips
Requirements and procedures for obtaining an Engineer visa as a dispatch worker. Covers the 2026 new rules, required documents, differences from SES contracts, and obligations of dispatch and client companies.
Complete Guide to Engineer Visa Categories 1-4 | Which Category is Your Company?
Complete guide to company categories 1-4 for Engineer visa applications. Covers how to determine your category, differences in required documents, and the impact of the 2026 reform.
Engineer Visa Guide for Chinese Nationals | Education Credentials & Key Points
Key points specific to Chinese nationals applying for an Engineer visa. Covers academic credential verification, degree certification, employment history documentation, common denial patterns and solutions.
Engineer Visa Guide for Vietnamese Nationals | Education Proof & Practical Tips
Key points specific to Vietnamese nationals applying for an Engineer visa. Covers education credential verification, switching from Technical Intern Training, recruitment agencies, and common pitfalls.
Changing Jobs on an Engineer Visa | Notifications, Certificates & Renewal
Required procedures when changing jobs on an Engineer visa. Covers notification obligations, Certificate of Authorized Employment, renewal considerations, and the risk of long employment gaps.
Bringing Family to Japan on an Engineer Visa | Dependent Visa Guide
How Engineer visa holders can bring their spouse and children to Japan using the Dependent visa. Covers requirements, documents, financial capacity proof, and practical tips.
Online Application for Engineer Visa | How to Use the Immigration Online System
How to use the Immigration Online Application System for Engineer visa applications. Covers eligibility, application steps, advantages and disadvantages, and tips for document preparation.
Engineer Visa Processing Times | How Long and Tips for Faster Approval
Processing times for Engineer visa applications by type and category. Covers reasons for delays and 7 practical tips for faster approval.
How to Write a Reason for Employment Letter | 5 Tips for Engineer Visa Approval
How to write a compelling reason for employment letter for Engineer visa applications. Covers what examiners look for, 5 key elements, and examples of explaining the connection between education and work.
Engineer Visa in the Hotel & Hospitality Industry | Approved vs. Denied Work
Which hotel and hospitality jobs qualify for an Engineer visa and which don't. Covers front desk, interpretation, marketing, training periods, and the comparison with Specified Skilled Worker visa.
Engineer Visa for Cool Japan & Content Industries | Anime, Games & Fashion
How to obtain an Engineer visa in anime, game, manga, music, and fashion industries. Covers approved work types, education requirements, portfolios, and freelance considerations.
Engineer Visa for Designers & Fashion Industry | Creative Professionals Guide
How graphic designers, web designers, UI/UX designers, and fashion designers can obtain an Engineer visa. Covers education evaluation, portfolio preparation, and salary standards.
How to Recruit Foreign Workers from Overseas | Engineer Visa COE Application Guide
Step-by-step guide to recruiting foreign workers from overseas using the Certificate of Eligibility. Covers the full process, required documents, scheduling, and country-specific tips.
Engineer Visa Through 10 Years of Work Experience | No Degree Required
How to obtain an Engineer visa with 10+ years of work experience instead of a university degree. Covers counting methods, proof documentation, the 3-year route for international services, and common pitfalls.
Switching from Technical Intern Training to Engineer Visa | Requirements & Process
Requirements and procedures for changing from Technical Intern Training to an Engineer visa. Covers education requirements, job restrictions, comparison with Specified Skilled Worker, and success tips.
Engineer Visa for Newly Established Companies | Category 4 Strategy Guide
How newly established companies can successfully obtain Engineer visas despite strict Category 4 screening. Covers business plan writing, supplementary documents, and common mistakes to avoid.
Can You Have a Side Job on an Engineer Visa? | Rules for Multiple Employment
Rules and procedures for Engineer visa holders who want to work side jobs. Covers when permission is needed, allowed and prohibited side work, notification duties, and tax implications.
Engineer Visa Revocation Risks | How to Avoid Losing Your Status
7 cases where an Engineer visa can be revoked and how to prevent them. Covers the revocation system, process, consequences, and daily prevention measures.