Introduction
When you want to bring an employee of an overseas group company to Japan, it is not uncommon to be unsure whether to apply under the “Intra-company Transferee” status or the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Gijinkoku)” status. The work performed in Japan is the same white-collar job in both cases, but the requirements and practical usability differ significantly.
In this article, we compare the two and explain how to choose depending on your situation.
This article is based on Appended Table I (2) of the Immigration Control Act, the Ministerial Ordinance on Criteria for Landing, and information published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Conclusion: “Intra-company Transferee” is advantageous if the employee has worked within the same group for one year or more
To state the conclusion first, when transferring to Japan an employee who has worked for one year or more at an overseas group company, the Intra-company Transferee status is often easier to qualify for. This is because it eliminates the need to prove the educational background and the job relevance required for Gijinkoku.
On the other hand, for newly hired personnel or when freedom to change jobs is a priority, Gijinkoku is more suitable.
Requirement Comparison Table
| Comparison Item | Intra-company Transferee | Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services |
|---|---|---|
| Educational requirement | In principle not required | University degree or practical experience required (e.g., 10 years, depending on the work) |
| Relevance to the job | Relevance to education is not examined | Relevance between the major and the work is examined |
| Immediately preceding work record | Continuous employment within the group for one year or more immediately prior is mandatory | Not required |
| Form of employment | Limited to transfers within the same corporate group | Employment contract with a Japanese company (new hires also permitted) |
| Changing jobs | In principle not possible (a change of status of residence is required) | Possible for work of the same kind (notification required) |
| Remuneration | Equal to or higher than that of a Japanese national | Equal to or higher than that of a Japanese national |
| Period of stay | 5 years / 3 years / 1 year / 3 months | 5 years / 3 years / 1 year / 3 months |
Consider Intra-company Transferee when education is a sticking point
Gijinkoku requires a graduation record from a university or the like, or practical experience matching the job content. For example, in the case of an employee who “worked as an engineer for five years at an overseas subsidiary but dropped out of university,” proving the educational background and career history for Gijinkoku can become difficult.
Even in such cases, the Intra-company Transferee status does not examine educational background; an application is possible as long as you can prove that the person has “engaged in work equivalent to Gijinkoku within the group for one year or more.” This becomes a strong option when Gijinkoku is difficult due to a mismatch between the major and the job.
Choose Gijinkoku if you anticipate changing jobs
The Intra-company Transferee status is a status of residence premised on “transfers within the same corporate group.” Therefore, if the person leaves the Japanese corporation to which they were transferred and moves to another company, a change of status of residence to Gijinkoku or the like becomes necessary again.
For employees who wish to work in Japan over the long term and secure freedom in their career, obtaining Gijinkoku from the outset can sometimes be smoother. For more on how to use the two appropriately, please also see “Options for Renewal, Changing Jobs, and After Expiration of the Intra-company Transferee Status.”
Impact on Permanent Residence Applications
A permanent residence application requires a certain period of stay under a work-related status. Both Intra-company Transferee and Gijinkoku count toward the period of stay as work-related statuses, but the history of job changes or changes of status of residence is checked during the examination. Which one to choose within a long-term career plan is best considered with permanent residence also in view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. After coming to Japan as an Intra-company Transferee, can I change to Gijinkoku? A. If the work performed in Japan meets the requirements for Gijinkoku (educational background, job relevance, etc.), a change of status of residence is possible.
Q. Which one grants a longer period of stay? A. The period-of-stay categories (5 years / 3 years / 1 year / 3 months) are common to both. They are determined based on the company’s size and stability.
Q. It is a secondment from an overseas affiliated company, but what happens if the capital relationship is weak? A. Depending on the degree of the capital relationship, the Intra-company Transferee status may not be granted. For details, please see “The One-Year Continuous Employment Requirement and Capital Relationship for Intra-company Transferees.”
Our Office’s Support
Which status of residence is optimal varies depending on the employee’s career history, the group’s capital relationship, and future career plans. Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office carefully listens to your company’s situation and proposes the best choice.
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