Complete Guide to Renewing "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" Visa [2026 Edition]
The "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa (commonly known as the "Gijinkoku visa") is a work-related status of residence obtained by approximately 75% of foreign workers in Japan. When your period of stay is approaching its end, you need to apply for a renewal as soon as possible.
This page provides a comprehensive guide based on the latest information for 2026, covering renewal timing, required documents, application procedures, key review points, and common reasons for rejection.
Processing times for applications to change status of residence have significantly extended, with reports of cases taking 4 to 6 months at the Tokyo Immigration Bureau depending on individual circumstances. We strongly recommend starting your preparations 3 to 4 months before your period of stay expires.
1. When can I renew? Application timing
You can submit an application to renew your Gijinkoku visa starting 3 months before your period of stay expires. Due to ongoing delays in processing times, early preparation is crucial.
Applications from new graduates tend to concentrate in March and April, so those whose visas expire during this period should especially act early.
About the Special Grace Period
If you apply within your period of stay, you can legally reside and work in Japan during the processing period (or for two months from the expiry date), until the examination results are issued.
2. List of Required Documents (by Category)
Confirming Your Category
| Category | Applicable Companies/Organizations |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Listed companies, national/local government bodies, independent administrative agencies, etc. |
| Category 2 | Companies with total withholding tax of 15 million yen or more in the previous year |
| Category 3 | Companies with total withholding tax of less than 15 million yen in the previous year |
| Category 4 | Others (e.g., newly established companies) |
List of Documents to Submit
| Document | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Extension of Period of Stay | All Categories | Attach photo (4cm x 3cm) |
| Passport / Residence Card | All Categories | Present at the counter |
| Certificate of Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment for Resident Tax | All Categories | Issued by municipality. Must be issued within 3 months. |
| Copy of Summary Report of Statutory Records (e.g., Withholding Slip) | All Categories | As of January 2025, a copy without a reception stamp is acceptable. |
| Employment Contract or Letter of Appointment | Categories 3 & 4 | Stating current working conditions and remuneration. |
| Company Registration Certificate | Categories 3 & 4 | Must be issued within 3 months. |
| Company's Latest Financial Statements | Categories 3 & 4 | Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet. |
| Job Description (document outlining duties) | Categories 3 & 4 | A document that specifically explains your professional expertise. Highly important. |
📄 Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Document Checklist (PDF)
3. Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
The application fee for renewing or changing your status of residence has been raised from 4,000 yen to 6,000 yen (revenue stamps).
4. 5 Key Points Reviewed during Examination
The renewal examination is not merely an "extension of the period," but a re-examination of whether your current situation continues to meet the requirements for your status of residence.
① Specialization of Duties
It will be confirmed whether the duties you are engaged in are specialized tasks falling under "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" rather than simple labor.
② Stability of Income
It will be confirmed whether you are receiving remuneration equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national, and whether your income is stable. Income below the minimum wage can lead to rejection.
③ Status of Tax Payments and Social Insurance
It will be confirmed whether there are any unpaid or delinquent resident taxes, income taxes, pensions, or health insurance premiums.
According to practical information from 2026, cases of visas being denied due to unpaid social insurance premiums are rapidly increasing. Be sure to check this before applying.
④ Fulfillment of Notification Obligations
It will be confirmed whether you have properly made the necessary notifications (within 14 days) when changing jobs, addresses, etc.
⑤ Consistency of Documents
It will be confirmed whether the contents of the application form, employment contract, payroll statements, and other documents are consistent. If there are contradictions in the stated information, you may be asked for additional explanations or documents.
- Gijinkoku Visa Renewal Required Documents Checklist (by Category)
- 5 Key Review Points Pre-check Sheet
- Pre-check Checklist for Tax, Social Insurance, and Notifications
- Additional Document List Required for First Renewal After Job Change
5. Common Reasons for Rejection
- Your main duties consist of simple tasks, data entry, or phone support, and are not recognized as specialized work.
- You have unpaid or delinquent resident taxes, social insurance premiums, or pension contributions.
- The salary stated in your employment contract differs from the actual amount transferred.
- You forgot to submit a notification of change of affiliated organization (within 14 days) after changing jobs.
- There are omissions or deficiencies in your application documents.
- You provided false information in your application documents (most serious).
In practice in 2026, cases of visas being denied due to false declarations are increasing. Actions such as describing job duties inaccurately or forging employment certificates will not only lead to rejection but also carry the risk of revocation of your status of residence or deportation.
6. Important Notes When Changing Jobs
The first renewal after changing jobs is significantly more stringent than a regular renewal. Document preparation equivalent to an initial application is required.
What to do when changing jobs (within 14 days)
- Submit a "Notification of Affiliated Organization (Resignation)" from the organization you left.
- Submit a "Notification of Affiliated Organization (Employment)" to the new organization you joined.
Consider obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility for Employment
Obtaining a "Certificate of Eligibility for Employment" can allow you to confirm in advance if your duties at your new workplace are compatible with your status of residence, and it can reduce the number of documents required for renewal.
7. Period of Stay Granted
The period of stay granted upon renewal will be 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months. The following factors are comprehensively considered:
- Work performance and continuity of duties
- Stability and scale of the employing company
- Previous immigration status (e.g., fulfillment of notification obligations)
- Income and tax payment status
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- Gijinkoku Visa Renewal Required Documents Checklist (by Category)
- Application Timeline Estimate (reverse calculation from expiry date)
- Pre-check Sheet for Common Reasons for Rejection
Official Reference Links
📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services