Introduction
According to “Indian AI talent moving to Japan, interested in small and medium-sized enterprises – corporate culture attractive despite weak yen” (Bloomberg 2024/8/9), 1,272 people have Indian nationality as of December 2023 among foreigners residing in Japan as “highly skilled professionals” including AI talent, and it has increased 2.4 times in five years.
Japan is facing the problem of a labor shortage due to a declining birthrate and aging population, and is particularly active in accepting foreigners with advanced skills and knowledge, including IT engineers. For foreigners who wish to work as IT engineers in Japan, there are two main residence status options: “Highly Skilled Professional” and “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.”
Each of these statuses of residence has different characteristics and benefits, and the choice must be made according to the applicant’s situation and career plans. In this article, we will compare the characteristics of the two and explain in detail which status of residence you should consider.
1.What is the residence status “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”?
“Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” is one of the most common residence statuses for foreign workers in Japan. This status of residence is mainly divided into three categories:
- Technology: Targeted at people with specialized knowledge and skills in science fields, such as IT technicians and engineers. This includes programmers and system engineers.
- Humanities: Intended for people with specialized knowledge in humanities fields such as law, economics, and sociology.
- International work: This applies to people who perform work related to business and communication with foreign countries, such as translation, interpretation, marketing, and overseas business work.
In the case of IT engineers, they often fall under the category of “Technology,” and by obtaining this status of residence, they will be able to engage in IT work in Japan.
Application requirements:
Educational or work history:
Normally, applicants are required to have at least a university degree, but in the case of IT engineers, if you have extensive work experience, you may be able to apply without having an academic background.
Employment contract:
Applicants must have an employment contract with a Japanese company. The contract must include specific details of the work.
Advantage:
The procedure is relatively simple:
If you have the necessary documents in place, your application will often go relatively smoothly.
Flexibility:
If your work falls under “Technology” or “Specialist in Humanities/International Affairs”, you can work in a wide range of occupations.
Family companion:
You may bring your spouse and children with you.
2.What is the residence status of “Highly Skilled Professional”?
“Highly-skilled professional” is a status of residence issued to foreigners with particularly advanced specialized knowledge and skills. The purpose of this is to attract excellent foreign human resources and encourage them to settle in Japan, and applicants are evaluated using a point system based on their academic background, work history, annual income, Japanese language ability, etc. Target IT engineers include system architects, project managers, and engineers with advanced programming skills.
Point system:
Educational background:
Earn points if you have a master’s degree or higher. In particular, science and engineering degrees are highly regarded.
Work history:
You will get more points if you have more than 10 years of work experience. Experience in the IT industry is particularly highly valued.
Annual income:
If your annual income is 8 million yen or more, you will receive additional points.
Age:
Young people up to their 30s are highly valued.
Japanese ability:
Points will be added if you have obtained Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1.
Advantage:
Preferential treatment:
Once you are certified as a highly skilled professional, you can obtain permanent residency in just one or three years instead of the usual 10 years.
Wide range of activities:
It is possible to work at multiple companies or start your own business. Engagement in research and educational activities will also be recognized.
Family preferential treatment:
Your spouse will be able to obtain a “Designated Activities” visa and work full-time. Furthermore, it is possible for parents or domestic servants to accompany the child if the conditions are met.
3.Comparison of “Technology/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” and “Highly Skilled Professional”
Educational/work history requirements
“Technology/Specialist in Humanities/International Affairs” basically requires an academic background of a university graduate or higher, but if you have extensive work experience, you may be accepted without an academic background. On the other hand, “Highly Skilled Professional” are required to have a graduate school master’s degree or higher and extensive work experience, which are evaluated using a point system.
Annual income requirements
There are no specific annual income requirements for “Engineers/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” but annual income is an important factor in point evaluation for “Highly Skilled Professionals.” Therefore, if your annual income is high, it will be advantageous to become a “highly skilled professional”.
Period until obtaining permanent residence
In the case of “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”, a stay of 10 years is normally required to obtain permanent residence. However, “highly skilled professionals” can obtain permanent residency in one or three years, which is a great advantage if you aim to build a long-term career in Japan.
Accompanying family
Both types of jobs allow family members to come along, but in the case of “highly skilled professionals,” more extensive family support is provided in that the spouse can work full-time and parents can come along.
Scope of employment
“Engineers/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” are required to engage in specific work, and work in other fields is not permitted. On the other hand, “highly skilled professionals” can engage in a wide range of work, and can even start a business or work at another company.
4.Which one should you choose?
Which status of residence an IT engineer should choose depends on individual circumstances and career plans.
If you want to work in Japan for a short period of time:
“Technology/Specialist in Humanities/International Affairs” is suitable. The procedures are relatively simple and you can engage in a wide range of tasks, so you can start working immediately.
If you want to settle down in Japan for the long term and build your career:
“Highly skilled professionals” are advantageous. You can obtain permanent residency quickly, have plenty of family support, and have a flexible scope of work, which expands your future career options.
If you have a high annual income or educational background:
There is a high possibility that “highly skilled professional” would be more suitable. By utilizing the point system, you will be able to obtain a more advantageous status of residence.
If your annual income and educational background are standard:
“Technology/Humanities/International Affairs” is realistic. This status of residence is easier for more IT engineers to obtain.
Conclusion
When an IT engineer aims to work in Japan, whether to choose “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Highly Skilled Professional” depends largely on the applicant’s academic background, work history, annual income, and future career plans.
If you are looking for short-term employment or have no problem with a relatively low annual income, “Technology/Specialist in Humanities/International Affairs” is suitable. On the other hand, if you are looking to build a long-term career in Japan and consider permanent residence, or if you are earning a high annual income, the “highly skilled professional” position may be a more advantageous choice.
Regardless of which status of residence you choose, it is important to have clear goals for your life and career in Japan and to choose the status of residence that best suits your situation.