How to Recruit Foreign Workers from Overseas | Engineer Visa COE Application Guide

To recruit a foreign worker residing overseas, a two-step process is required: first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan, then the worker applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in their country.

Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Certificate of Eligibility Application”

Overall Process

Step	Content	Duration	Location
1	Hiring decision & employment contract	—	Company
2	Document preparation	2-4 weeks	Company & applicant
3	COE application	1-3 months	Japanese immigration
4	Send COE to applicant overseas	1-2 weeks	Mail/EMS
5	Visa application at Japanese embassy	1-2 weeks	Embassy/Consulate
6	Arrival in Japan	—	Airport

Note: The COE is valid for 3 months from issuance. Entry must occur within this period.

Who Applies?

The overseas applicant cannot apply directly. A representative in Japan must file:

Company employee (most common)
Administrative scrivener (with filing authorization)
Attorney (with filing authorization)

Country-Specific Notes

China

CHSI academic verification may be required
Allow extra time for visa issuance

Vietnam

Credential re-issuance can be difficult — start early
Verify recruitment agency fees

Nepal/Bangladesh

Academic verification may take longer
Detailed reason letters recommended

Korea/Taiwan

Relatively smooth process
Standard document preparation sufficient

Schedule for April Start

Timing	Action
October (prior year)	Hiring decision, contract execution
November	Begin document preparation
December	Submit COE application
January-February	Screening period
February-March	COE issuance & overseas delivery
March	Visa application at local embassy
April	Arrival & employment start

Our Support

For overseas recruitment of foreign talent, trust Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office.

98% approval rate
Languages: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
Free initial consultation
Serving Chiba, Tokyo, and nationwide (online consultation available)