Intra-company Transferee: Extension, Job Change, and Options After the Transfer Period｜Changing to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Introduction
For employees who came to Japan under the Intra-company Transferee status, we often receive questions such as “my period of stay is about to expire,” “I want to transfer permanently to the Japanese company,” or “my transfer period is ending but I want to stay in Japan.” Because the Intra-company Transferee status is premised on a “transfer within the same corporate group,” it is necessary to choose the appropriate procedure according to changes in circumstances.
This article outlines the options for extension, job change, and after the period expires.
This article is prepared based on the Immigration Control Act and information published by the Immigration Services Agency.
Extension of Period of Stay
Before the period of stay for the Intra-company Transferee status (5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months) expires, if you continue the same transfer, you file an application for an Extension of Period of Stay.
The main points checked at extension are as follows.
| Item checked | Content |
|---|---|
| Continuity of the transfer | Whether the transfer relationship within the same group continues |
| Job content | Whether the employee continues to engage in work equivalent to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services |
| Remuneration | Whether an amount equal to or higher than that of a Japanese national is maintained |
| Tax payment and public obligations | Whether public obligations such as payment of resident tax are fulfilled |
The extension application can be filed from roughly 3 months before the period of stay expires. Please prepare well in advance.
When You Want to Change Jobs or Transfer Permanently
Because the Intra-company Transferee status is premised on a “transfer within the group,” if you change jobs to a different company outside the group, a Change of Status of Residence is required. In many cases, a change to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services is considered.
However, to change to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, you must satisfy the inherent requirements of that status (academic background or practical experience, relevance to the duties, etc.). Note that an employee who was not asked about academic background under the Intra-company Transferee status may be unable to meet the requirements when attempting to change to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.
Note: If you start working at the new company before the Change of Status of Residence is approved, there is a risk of it being treated as unauthorized activity outside your status. Be sure to obtain the change permission before starting work.
When Transferring Permanently to a Japanese Entity Within the Group
There are cases where, within the same corporate group, you switch from a secondment to a formal permanent transfer (direct employment with the Japanese entity). In this case, because the employment relationship changes from a “transfer” to “employment by the Japanese entity,” a Change of Status of Residence to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or similar may be appropriate. We assess on a case-by-case basis which status of residence is appropriate according to the change in the form of employment.
Options After the Transfer Period Ends
When the initially planned transfer period ends, the main options are as follows.
| Option | Content |
|---|---|
| Return home | Return to the overseas office as planned. The status of residence ends upon departure |
| Continued work in Japan | Switch to direct employment with the Japanese entity and change to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, etc. |
| Move to another group company | Continue the Intra-company Transferee status under a different relationship within the group |
For employees who wish to stay in Japan long-term and build a career, it is advisable to propose an early switch to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or a plan with permanent residence in view. In a permanent residence application, the period of stay under a work-related status is counted.
Family Members’ Status of Residence
When the employee themselves carries out an extension or change, the status of residence of the spouse and children residing under Dependent status may also require linked procedures. Generally, even if the employee’s own status of residence changes, the family can continue to reside under Dependent status, but aligning the timing of the extensions makes the procedures smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I change from Intra-company Transferee to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, will I be free to change jobs? A. After changing to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, you can change jobs as long as the work is of the same kind (a notification is required when changing jobs). However, the change is premised on satisfying the requirements of that status.
Q. Is there an upper limit on the transfer period? A. There is no uniform statutory upper limit, but the actual reality of the transfer is examined at each extension. Prolonged duration that does not reflect actual reality may not be approved for extension.
Q. After returning home, can I come to Japan again as an Intra-company Transferee? A. It is possible if you again satisfy the requirements (such as at least 1 year of continuous employment immediately beforehand).
Our Office’s Support
The choice of extension, job change, or what to do after returning home involves both the employee’s own career and the company’s HR policy. The Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office proposes the optimal status-of-residence strategy according to your situation.
- A 98% approval rate track record
- Languages supported: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, English
- First consultation free