2025-08-19

“Gi-Jin-Koku" is a status of residence held by approximately 90% of foreign nationals who reside in Japan and work for a company. The period of stay is determined by the status of residence, and if you wish to continue to reside in Japan, you must go through the renewal procedure. If you wish to continue to reside in Japan, you are required to renew your status of residence.

What is a “Gi-Jin-Koku”?

“Gi-Jin-Koku” is an abbreviation for the status of residence ”Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services". It is calculated that about 90% of foreigners residing in Japan and working for companies have this status. Therefore, it can be said that this is the most common work visa status held by foreigners working in Japan.

Before the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services” status was integrated into the current status, it was divided into the two statuses of ‘Technical’ and “Humanities/International Services”. The “Engineer” status was for science-related work, while the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services” status was for humanities-related work.

However, as the work in each industry became more complex and mixed, it became difficult to clearly divide them into science-related and humanities-related categories. Therefore, the current status of residence was changed to “Technical/Humanities/International Services”.

Works that fall under the category of “technical humanities”

Work that falls under the category of “technical” is work that requires technology belonging to the field of natural science (science, engineering, etc.). In other words, it is work that requires a high level of specialized and technical knowledge. Examples include system engineers, programmers, architectural engineers, aircraft maintenance, automotive technology development, database construction, etc.

Work that falls under the category of “knowledge in the humanities” is work that requires knowledge in the humanities (law, economics, sociology, etc.). In other words, it is work that makes use of the knowledge gained from studying law, economics, commerce, etc. at university. Examples include accounting work, negotiations and alliances with overseas corporations, marketing support work, consulting work, and sales and administrative work.

International business" work requires thinking and sensitivity that is grounded in foreign cultures. In other words, it is work that makes use of specialized knowledge about the society, history, and traditions of a foreign country. Examples include airport passenger work, interpretation/translation work, trading work, language teaching, etc.

What is the period of stay in a “Gi-Jin-Koku”?

The period of stay allowed in the “Technijin Country” is either 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months. However, in most cases, the period of stay granted for the initial application for a visa is one year. There is a possibility of extending the period of stay to three or five years by renewing the application.

However, it is not the case that the period of stay will automatically increase to 3 or 5 years after repeated renewals. The points to be considered in order to extend the period of stay to 3 or 5 years are as follows.

Whether or not you have paid taxes, pension, health insurance, and other public funds without delay during your period of stay.

• Whether or not you have fulfilled your legal obligation to report to the authorities during the period of stay.
• Whether or not you have paid your taxes, pension, health insurance, etc. without delay during your period of stay in Japan.
• Have you committed any serious traffic violations during your stay in Japan?
• Have you changed jobs frequently during the period of stay?

The documents to be submitted for a new application, renewal application, or change of status of residence vary depending on the size and type of business. The examination period is approximately 50 to 60 days for a new application, and approximately 30 days for a renewal. In addition, it takes about 40 to 60 days to change the status of residence from other statuses to “Gijinkoku”.

Summary

The period of stay for a “Gi-Jin-Koku" is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, and 3 months. However, the period of stay for a new application is generally one year. By going through the renewal procedure, the period of stay will be determined based on the applicant’s behavior and conduct during the period of stay.