Q&A When changing jobs with a Highly Skilled Professional visa, is it necessary to change my status of residence?

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Administrative Scrivener SupervisionCreated based on official information from the Immigration Services Agency and practical experience. Last updated: April 2026
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If I change jobs with a Highly Skilled Professional Visa,
do I need to change my status of residence?
✅ CONCLUSION
If the content of your new job falls within the scope of your Highly Skilled Professional Visa (specialized work), you do not need to change your status of residence. However, you must notify the authorities within 14 days, and the next renewal will be reviewed based on your new company.

Criteria for determining if a change of status application is necessary

Content of new job Change of status application
Engineer → Engineer (same industry) Not required
Marketer → Sales (within specialized work) Not required
Office work → Simple labor (warehouse, factory, etc.) Required
Company employee → Managing own company Required (to Business Manager Visa)
💡 It is safe to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for EmploymentThis document allows you to confirm with the Immigration Bureau in advance whether the work at your new job falls within the scope of the Highly Skilled Professional Visa. Obtaining it will make your next renewal smoother.

List of procedures after changing jobs

Required: Notification of resignation and employment (within 14 days each)

Recommended: Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility for Employment

At next renewal: Review based on documents from the new company (the initial review will be stricter than usual)

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WHAT TO DO NEXT

Changing jobs in Japan?

See what may change for your visa, Immigration notifications, insurance and tax when you change employers.

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