What type of visa (residence status) should I apply for? (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Business Manager, Highly Skilled Professional, Spouse, Student, etc.)

Hey there! I totally get where you're coming from with this question – I remember being completely confused by all those "XX・XX・XX" visa names myself back in the day. Don't worry, it's actually not that complicated. Simply put, Japan's "Residence Status" (what we commonly call the visa type) is essentially a "permit" that specifies what you are allowed to do in Japan.

Think about this: What is your main purpose for going to Japan? Once you figure that out, which visa to apply for becomes much clearer.

Below, I'll break it down for the most common scenarios. I promise it'll be easy to understand.

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Scenario 1: I'm going to Japan to work as an "employee"

This is the most common situation. If you've already found a job in Japan and a company is willing to hire you, you'll most likely apply for this one:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)

  This name is super long, but break it down and it makes sense:

  • Engineer (Gijutsu): Mainly refers to science/engineering roles. E.g., programmers, engineers, system developers, mechanical designers. Basically, what IT guys and factory pros get.
  • Specialist in Humanities (Jinbun Chishiki): Mainly refers to humanities/business roles. E.g., marketing planners, HR, finance, clerical staff, project planning. Basically, what office workers get.
  • International Services (Kokusai Gyomu): Mainly refers to specialized work requiring foreign language skills. E.g., translators, interpreters, language teachers, overseas trade managers.

  In a nutshell: This is the most mainstream "work visa." The vast majority of foreigners working for Japanese companies hold this. Key Point: You must have a formal job offer (内定 - naitei) from a Japanese company. The company acts as your sponsor and applies for you. You cannot apply for this without a job offer.

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Scenario 2: I'm going to Japan to start my own business/become a boss

If you don't want to work for someone else and want to start your own business – like opening a restaurant, running a trading company, or founding an IT startup – you'll need this:

• Business Manager (経営・管理)

  This one is easier to understand; it's often called the "business owner visa" or "investor/business manager visa."

  In a nutshell: For people who want to be a corporate officer, business owner, or manager in Japan. Key Points:

  1. Capital: You need substantial capital (typically ¥5 million JPY or more).
  2. Office: You need to rent a dedicated office space in Japan (cannot be your home).
  3. Business Plan: You need a very specific, viable business plan to prove to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) that your company can survive and contribute to Japan through taxes and employment. This visa is significantly more difficult and complex to obtain than the work visa.

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Scenario 3: I'm a "Top Student" or "Industry Expert"

If you have a high level of education, extensive work experience, and a substantial annual income, you might qualify for this "premium" option:

• Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職)

  This isn't usually applied for directly; it's more like an "upgraded" work visa. It uses a points-based system scoring your education, work experience, annual income, age, Japanese language ability, research achievements, etc.

  • Score 70+ points: Eligible for "Highly Skilled Professional (i)".
  • Score 80+ points: Even better benefits.

  In a nutshell: Japan's "elite green card" designed to attract top global talent, offering excellent benefits. Key Points:

  • Attractive Benefits: E.g., eligibility to apply for permanent residency (Japanese green card) in as little as 1 year (vs. 10 years for standard work visas). Can bring parents; spouse can work without restrictions.
  • Often an Upgrade: Many people first come to Japan on the "Engineer/Specialist/International Services" visa. Once they meet the conditions (e.g., salary increase, pass JLPT N1) and score enough points, they upgrade to "Highly Skilled Professional" status at the ISA.

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Scenario 4: My family is in Japan

If your spouse or parent is in Japan, you should look into status-based visas, not work visas.

• Spouse of Japanese National

  As the name suggests, you are married to a Japanese citizen. This is considered one of the most stable visas. No restrictions on work; you can do any job.

• Spouse of Permanent Resident

  Your spouse isn't Japanese but holds Japanese Permanent Residency (green card). This visa is similar to the one above, with no work restrictions.

• Dependent (家族滞在)

  Your spouse (or parent) is working in Japan (e.g., on an "Engineer/Specialist/International Services" visa), and you are accompanying them as a family member. Key Point: This visa does not allow full-time work. If you want to work part-time, you need separate permission called "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted," and your working hours are limited to 28 hours per week.

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Scenario 5: I'm going to Japan to study

This one is the most straightforward.

• Student (留学)

  If you are going to study at a Japanese university, vocational school, or language school, you apply for a Student visa. Key Point: You must have a Letter of Admission from the school. Similarly, if you want to work part-time, you need "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted," limited to 28 hours per week.

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Quick Summary to Find Your Match

Here's a simple table to help you identify the right visa:

One last thing:

This guide provides a general direction to help you understand the options. Each visa has many specific requirements. The most authoritative source is always the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA - 入国管理局). If your situation is complex or you want peace of mind, consider consulting a professional Administrative Scrivener (equivalent to an immigration lawyer/agent in Japan).

Hope this helps, and best of luck!