Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa Renewal Required Document Checklist [2026 Edition]
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Created based on official information from the Immigration Services Agency and practical experience. Last updated: April 2026
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Highly Skilled Professional/Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa Renewal
Required Documents Checklist
Required Documents Checklist
This checklist helps you ensure you don't miss any documents before applying. Selecting your company's category will narrow down the required documents. Please proceed with preparation while checking off items.
🗓️ April 2026 Edition
📁 Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
✅ Category-specific
STEP 1｜Please select your employer's company category
1
Listed Company /
Public Institution
Public Institution
2
Withholding Tax
¥15M or more
¥15M or more
3
Withholding Tax
Less than ¥15M
Less than ¥15M
4
Other
(Newly established companies, etc.)
(Newly established companies, etc.)
Category 1: Listed companies, national/local government bodies, independent administrative agencies, etc. Requires the fewest documents and usually has a smoother screening process.
STEP 2｜Please review each document and check it off
Preparation Complete
0 / 0 items
✅
All documents have been prepared!
Once the documents are ready, apply about 3 months before your period of stay expires (4-6 months for Tokyo Immigration).
Request visa application assistance →
📄
Documents Common to All Categories
Required
✓
ApplicantApplication for Extension of Period of Stay
Download the latest form from the Immigration Services Agency website. Attach a photo (4cm x 3cm, taken within the last 6 months).
✓
ApplicantPassport and Residence Card
Present at the counter. Bring copies as a precaution.
✓
ApplicantCertificate of Taxation (Resident Tax) and Certificate of Tax Payment (Resident Tax)
Issued by your city/ward office. Must be issued within 3 months. Can be obtained at a convenience store if you have a My Number Card.
✓
CompanyCopy of the Summary Report of Withholding Tax (Hotei Chosho Gokeihyo)
As of January 2025, it is possible to submit copies without a reception stamp.
🏢
Additional Documents for Categories 3 & 4
Cat.3 & 4 Only
✓
CompanyEmployment Contract or Notice of Employment Conditions
Must clearly state job duties, remuneration, place of work, and employment period. Salary must be equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national.
✓
CompanyCompany's Certificate of Registered Matters
Issued within 3 months. Obtain at a Legal Affairs Bureau counter or online (Tōki Net).
✓
CompanyLatest Financial Statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet)
If the company has been established for less than one fiscal year, a business plan can be submitted instead. If there is a deficit or insolvency, attach a supplementary explanation.
✓
CompanyJob Description (Document describing duties)
Core document for screening. Must describe "specific job duties, tools used, time allocation, and reporting structure." Vague descriptions like "general duties" are not acceptable.
🔄
First Renewal After Changing Jobs (Additional)
After Job Change Only
✓
ApplicantConfirmation of Submission of Notification of Affiliating Organization Change
Confirm whether "notification of resignation" and "notification of employment" were submitted to the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days of changing jobs. Non-submission will negatively affect the screening.
✓
CompanyNew Employer's Company Profile and Organizational Chart
Documents that convey the new employer's business content, scale, and necessity of employment. Prepare in detail, especially for startups and small businesses.
✓
ApplicantExplanation of Reason/Circumstances for Job Change (Optional)
If you have changed jobs frequently or changed industries, attaching a one-page explanation demonstrating career consistency will facilitate the screening process.
✔️
Pre-Application Compliance Check
Required Check
✓
Confirm there are no unpaid or overdue resident taxes or income taxes.
Even one day of delinquency can negatively affect screening. Check with your tax certificate before applying.
✓
Confirm there are no unpaid health insurance or employee pension premiums.
As of 2026, rejections due to unpaid social insurance are rapidly increasing. Check payment status at a pension office.
✓
Confirm that actual job duties are within the scope of your status of residence.
If your primary duties are simple labor or data entry, which are not recognized as specialized work, consult with an expert before applying.
✓
Confirm that the content of all documents is consistent.
Check that company name, salary, job title, and address are consistent across all documents. Inconsistencies can lead to requests for additional documents and extend the screening process by several months.
📊 5 Key Points Closely Reviewed in Screening
①
Specialization of Work
Is the work specialized, not simple tasks?
②
Income Stability
Is the salary equal to or higher than a Japanese national's, and is the employment stable?
③
Social Insurance & Tax Payment
Are there any unpaid health insurance, pension, or resident taxes?
④
Fulfillment of Notifications
Were notifications for job changes and address changes properly submitted?
⑤
Document Consistency
Are the contents of the application form, employment contract, and salary certificate all consistent?
📖 Detailed Explanatory Article
Comprehensive Guide to Highly Skilled Professional/Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa Renewal [2026 Edition]
Read more about screening points and cases of refusal →
📖 What to do after changing jobs
Visa Risks and Solutions After Job Change
Confirm what to do after changing jobs →
Why not let VisaSHOGUN handle your document preparation?
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