Insights

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.

A clear breakdown of the differences between Specified Skilled Worker and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (技人国), with a comparison table and recruitment scenarios. Reflects the latest information as of 2026.

A guide for hiring managers to the three categories and requirements of Gijinkoku (技人国), Japan's leading white-collar work visa, including the new CEFR B2 language requirement effective 15 April 2026.

From the differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii), through eligible fields and the 10 mandatory support duties, to the move to annual notification, our gyoseishoshi explains it all clearly for hiring managers.

From managing periods of stay to the statutory support and notification duties for Specified Skilled Workers, we set out the company's role that continues after onboarding.

We explain the notification of foreign employment status, social insurance enrolment and residence card checks that begin on day one, along with practical points for supporting new employees as they settle in.

We set out the differences and process for the three status of residence procedures involved in hiring foreign nationals, along with the notification obligation that applies when they change jobs

There is no formal definition of a "work visa". This article explains Japan's activity-based system for determining the status of residence from a job's duties, and outlines the main work statuses.

Alongside assessing skills and character, checking status of residence eligibility from the screening stage can help prevent problems after a job offer is made.

The recruitment step in foreign national hiring. Procedures and lead times differ substantially depending on whether the candidate is already in Japan or being sponsored from overseas.

Status of residence is determined by the nature of the work. Defining the role at the hiring-plan stage is what determines whether a foreign national hire succeeds.

Hiring a foreign national is a single, connected process — from drawing up your hiring plan through to post-arrival settlement support. We walk through each step from a practical standpoint, including where status-of-residence procedures fit in: everything a company hiring for the first time needs to understand.