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Hiring Foreign Professionals from Overseas: COE Process for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

  • career
  • Sep 16
  • 3 min read
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Written by Atsuhisa Okamoto, Certified Immigration Lawyer, Okamoto Gyoseishoshi Office


In this article, I will explain the step-by-step process of how overseas professionals can enter Japan and start working, from visa application to arrival. This information is particularly relevant for companies hiring foreign nationals under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.


1. Hiring Overseas Professionals in Japan

When hiring foreign talent from abroad, the first thing to understand is that they must obtain a valid visa (status of residence) to work in Japan.

Among the various visa categories, the most common one for professional employment in Japanese companies is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務) visa.


2. What is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa?

  • A general work visa for professionals in Japan

  • Covers a wide range of roles such as IT engineers, researchers, translators, planners, managers, sales, and marketing professionals

  • One of the most commonly used visas by both multinational and domestic companies for professional hiring


3. How to Obtain a Visa for Candidates Overseas

Candidates living overseas cannot apply directly to the Immigration Services Agency in Japan.

Instead, the hiring company in Japan must apply on their behalf for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).


4. Example of Documents Required for COE Application

  • Application form

  • Copy of passport

  • Resume / CV

  • Employment contract or offer letter

  • Diploma / qualification certificates

  • Company information (overview, business activities, working conditions, etc.)

Required documents may vary depending on the country, job type, or company size.


5. Application Method and Key Considerations

While companies may submit applications directly, the immigration office is often crowded, resulting in long wait times. Document preparation can also be complex.


A typical submission process includes:① Document pre-check by an officer② Formal submission③ Receipt of application

On busy days, step ① alone may take more than two hours. Even if you arrive at 9 AM, you might not finish until evening.

By contrast, certified immigration lawyers (gyoseishoshi) can submit applications online 24/7 directly from the office, ensuring a much smoother process.


At our office, we prepare and submit all documents on behalf of the company, minimizing mistakes or delays and allowing applications to proceed efficiently.


6. From COE Issuance to Arrival in Japan

  1. Company (or immigration lawyer on behalf of the company) applies for COE at immigration office

  2. COE is issued in approximately 2 weeks to 3 months

  3. COE is sent to the candidate overseas

  4. Candidate applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in their country

  5. Visa is issued → candidate enters Japan

  6. Employment officially begins in Japan


Final Notes

For many hiring managers, the idea of recruiting talent from overseas may initially seem complicated.

However, in practice, the immigration paperwork is handled by us, and all the company needs to do is prepare the required documents. After that, it’s simply a matter of waiting for the candidate to arrive in Japan.

From my experience supporting overseas hires over the past five years, most employers have remarked that the process was “much easier than expected.” In fact, many companies that successfully hire from overseas go on to make repeat international hires.

At JMD Career Japan, our in-house certified immigration lawyer provides end-to-end support from candidate introduction to visa application, ensuring a smooth and reliable process.


JMD CAREER JAPAN CO.,LTD

3F JMD Building,

2-8-9, Shibaura, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-0023 Japan

 
 
 

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