Understanding Japan’s Work Visa (ESHIS)

The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESHIS) Visa—commonly referred to as the Engineer Visa, Humanities Visa, or GIJINKOKU Visa—is the most widely used work visa for foreign professionals employed by companies in Japan. When discussing Work Visas in Japan, most references pertain to the ESHIS Visa.

However, securing a Work Visa involves strict compliance with educational qualifications, job descriptions, salary standards, and employer stability. The visa does not permit manual labor or roles that do not require specialized knowledge.

Who Qualifies for an ESHIS Work Visa?

The ESHIS Work Visa applies to foreigners who meet the following criteria: ✅ University Degree or Higher: Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. ✅ White-Collar Professions: The job must require specialized knowledge or foreign expertise. ✅ Excludes Physical & Unskilled Labor: Jobs involving manual labor (e.g., factory work, construction, hospitality) are not eligible, except in managerial roles.

Eligible Job Roles for ESHIS Work Visa

Under Japanese Immigration Law, the ESHIS Visa is granted to roles that require:

1. Academic Expertise in Technology (Engineering & Science) or Humanities (Finance, Research, Marketing, Law, etc.).
2. Specialized Skills Based on Foreign Perspective (e.g., Translators, Bilingual Specialists, International Marketing, Overseas Business Development).

✅ Examples of Qualified Professions

• IT Engineers & Software Developers
• Researchers & Financial Specialists
• International Sales & Marketing Experts
• Language Specialists (Translators, Interpreters, Teachers in Accredited Institutions)
• Consultants & Analysts in Global Business Development

🚫 Jobs That Do NOT Qualify for ESHIS Visa

• Blue-collar roles in hospitality, retail, sales, factory work, and construction.
• Convenience store staff, waiters, cleaners, hotel service staff (unless in an executive or planning role).
• Entry-level customer service jobs (unless tied to international business operations).

➡️ Some industries, such as restaurants and retail, may be eligible if the role involves headquarters-level planning, product development, or international market expansion.

Eligibility Requirements for an ESHIS Work Visa

To qualify for an ESHIS Visa, applicants must meet the following six key criteria:

1. Job Must Require Academic Expertise or Foreign Sensitivity

The role must involve specialized knowledge or a foreign professional’s unique skills. The workload must be substantial and directly related to the applicant’s expertise.

Example: If hiring a finance graduate in a company’s accounting department, there must be a consistent workload justifying their employment. Part-time or marginal roles are not eligible.

2. Educational or Professional Experience Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• University Degree (Domestic or International): Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.
• Japanese SENMON GAKKO (Technical College) Degree: Subject to stricter review.
• Professional Work Experience:
  • Engineering & Humanities: 10+ years of professional experience.
  • International Services: 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Approved IT Certifications: Recognized by the Japanese government.

➡️ Immigration authorities evaluate degrees based on transcripts, certifications, and institutional accreditation. Some foreign universities may not be recognized.

3. Salary Must Be Competitive

• The applicant’s salary must be equal to or higher than a Japanese national in a similar role.
• Compensation includes base salary, bonuses, and taxable allowances.

💡 Employers must ensure salary structures meet industry norms, and provide salary tables if necessary.

4. Employment Contract With a Japan-Based Employer

• A formal contract must exist between the applicant and a Japan-based company.
• Freelance or one-off contracts with foreign companies are NOT eligible.
• Dispatch contracts may be accepted if continuous and with a specific company.

➡️ Direct contracts with overseas companies are covered by a Business Manager Visa, not an ESHIS Visa.

5. Employer’s Financial Stability

• The sponsoring company must demonstrate stable financial standing.
• Immigration authorities assess company tax records, financial statements, and business performance.
• Employers fall into four categories based on their financial status:
  • Category 1: Listed companies
  • Category 2: Large private corporations (paying 100M+ JPY annually in wages)
  • Category 3: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Category 4: Newly established companies (subject to strict scrutiny)

➡️ Startups & newly established companies must submit a detailed business plan proving financial viability.

6. Applicant Must Have a Clean Legal Record

• No history of criminal convictions, visa violations, or illegal employment in Japan or abroad.
• Foreign students applying for a work visa must have adhered to part-time work limits and reporting obligations.

🚨 Illegal employment is strictly prohibited under Japanese law (Article 73-2 of the Immigration Law). Employers violating immigration laws risk fines, imprisonment, and visa blacklisting.

Additional Benefits: Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa

Applicants with: ✅ A Master’s Degree or higher ✅ Annual income of 10M+ JPY ✅ JLPT N1 certification

➡️ May qualify for a Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa with benefits including:

• 5-Year Visa Approval
• Eligibility for Permanent Residency in 1 Year
• Permission to Sponsor Parents for Childcare

📢 HR Managers: If your company employs foreign professionals, we offer corporate visa sponsorship guidance. Contact us for a tailored strategy.

Need Help With an ESHIS Work Visa?

At Continental Consulting, we specialize in:

• Work Visa Applications & Renewals
• Corporate Sponsorship & Compliance
• Visa Rejections & Appeals
• Permanent Residency & HSP Upgrades

📢 Contact us today for expert guidance!

About Our Expert

Masakazu Murai – Immigration Consultant & Financial Advisor

📌 18+ years in Investment Banking (Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley)
📌 Certified Immigration Lawyer (Gyoseishoshi)
📌 CMA (Certified Financial Analyst, Japan)
📌 CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
📌 MBA in Entrepreneurship

🔹 Expertise in Business & Work Visas, Corporate Immigration, and Financial Advisory.
🔹 Specialist in Visa Strategy for Startups & HR Teams.

📢 Need expert visa guidance? Contact us today!