Engineer Visa for Newly Established Companies | Category 4 Strategy Guide

Newly established companies hiring foreign workers face the strictest screening as Category 4 applicants, requiring the most documents. However, with proper preparation, approval is achievable.

Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Document List

Why Is Screening Strict?

Immigration Concern	Reason
Business continuity	No revenue history
Salary payment ability	Unknown financial stability
Work reality	Uncertain if Engineer-level work actually exists
Fraud risk	Possible paper company

Business Plan — The Most Important Document

Section	Content	Key Point
Company overview	Establishment date, capital, location	Accurate information
Business description	What the company does	Tie specifically to Engineer visa work
Market analysis	Why the business is viable	Back up with data
Sales strategy	How revenue will be generated	Name specific clients/channels
Revenue projections	Years 1-3 forecasts	Provide evidence
Staffing plan	Why foreign talent is needed	Demonstrate irreplaceability
Funding plan	Capital and financing status	Show sufficient runway

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem	Solution
Virtual office only	Questions about business reality	Secure a physical office
Only CEO + applicant	Questionable work volume	Show other employees or clients
Vague business plan	Lacks credibility	Include numbers and evidence
Very low capital	Questions about sustainability	Ensure adequate capitalization

Tips for Success

Attach client contracts or purchase orders as revenue evidence
Start with 1 hire, then add more as business grows
Hire Japanese employees first if possible
Include office photos (exterior, interior, equipment)

Our Support

For Engineer visa applications from newly established companies, trust Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office.

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