Gijinkoku (技人国) can be used for employment under a worker-dispatch arrangement, but for applications filed from 9 March 2026 the requirements around fixing the host company, the undertakings required from both parties, and the period of stay have changed. This article sets out the key points for hiring managers.
![Can You Work Under Gijinkoku as a Dispatched Employee? Key Points on the Dispatch Arrangement Explained [2026 Edition]](/_next/image?url=%2Fcdn%2Fpost-attachments%2Finsights%2Fengineer-specialist-dispatch-employment%2Fhero.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
When accepting foreign white-collar talent under "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" (commonly known as Gijinkoku, 技人国), a good many companies also consider worker dispatch as a form of employment. In short, Gijinkoku can be used for employment under a worker-dispatch arrangement. However, for applications filed from 9 March 2026 (Reiwa 8), the documents to be submitted and the way applications are examined for those working under dispatch have changed, and there are points specific to dispatch that need to be kept in mind.
This page sets out, for hiring managers, the key points when using Gijinkoku under a worker-dispatch arrangement, based on information published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. For the full picture of the Gijinkoku system itself, please also see What Is Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Gijinkoku)?.
Gijinkoku can be obtained regardless of whether the employment is direct or through worker dispatch. What matters is whether the work the applicant will actually be engaged in meets the requirements of Gijinkoku (work that requires specialist technical skills or knowledge, or thought or sensitivity based on foreign culture). Where the duties at the host company amount to simple labour, for example, the role falls outside the scope of Gijinkoku regardless of the form of employment.
(Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services")
The Immigration Services Agency has set out its approach in "Handling Where a Person Works under Worker Dispatch while Holding the Status of Residence 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services'", and for applications filed from 9 March 2026 (Reiwa 8), the documents to be submitted have changed in line with the published checklist (Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "Handling of Employment under Dispatch for Gijinkoku" (PDF)).
Where foreign nationals holding Gijinkoku are accepted through worker dispatch, there are mainly four points that require attention.
① The host company must be fixed at the time of application
If the host company has not been fixed at the time the application is filed, residence-related applications cannot be granted. The host company must always be fixed before the application is submitted. That said, where a newly hired employee undergoes training immediately after joining and the host company cannot be decided until after that training is complete, examination takes these circumstances into account, and there is a practice under which — in place of the host company's undertaking — documents setting out the training content and the expected scope of duties may be accepted.
② Undertakings are required from both the dispatching agency and the host company
In addition to the undertaking concerning worker dispatch (for the dispatching agency), an undertaking concerning the determination of the host company (for the dispatching agency) and an undertaking for the host company, among others, are required. Where the host company could not be fixed at the time of application, these are to be drawn up promptly once the host company has been decided, and submitted by the time of the next application to extend the period of stay.
③ The period of stay is determined according to the dispatch contract period
Where employment is under a worker-dispatch arrangement, the period of stay is determined according to the dispatch contract period. Unlike with direct employment, care is needed because the length of the dispatch contract affects the period of stay.
④ The Immigration Services Agency may contact the host company directly
During residence examinations, direct confirmation may be sought not only from the dispatching agency, but also from the host company, regarding the applicant's duties and work activities. Host companies are also expected to have arrangements in place to cooperate in explaining the duties involved.
(Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services")
When accepting Gijinkoku talent through worker dispatch, it is important for both the dispatching agency and the host company to work together, keeping the following in mind from an early stage: ① fixing the host company and the content of the duties, ② preparing the necessary undertakings and contracts, and ③ aligning the dispatch contract period with the period of stay. In addition, for organisations classified as Category 3 or 4, a new requirement concerning language-related duties (CEFR B2 equivalent, or JLPT N2 equivalent for Japanese) has also applied since 15 April 2026, so it is worth checking whether this applies to your case.
The full requirements for Gijinkoku are explained in detail in What Is Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Gijinkoku)?.
While Gijinkoku can be used under a worker-dispatch arrangement, there are points to watch that do not arise with direct employment — fixing the host company, the undertakings required from both parties, and a period of stay that is linked to the dispatch contract period. Taking the rules that have applied since March 2026 into account, early preparation by both the dispatching agency and the host company will help ensure a smooth acceptance process.
For a decision on any individual application, or for the details of the required documents, please always consult a gyoseishoshi (immigration scrivener) or the Immigration Services Agency. We work alongside gyoseishoshi to support everything from confirming eligibility for a status of residence through to advice on employment arrangements, including worker dispatch.
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Whether the duties at the host company qualify for Gijinkoku, or how to prepare the necessary documents — where confirmation tailored to your specific circumstances is needed, please feel free to get in touch.
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