2026-06-25

Key Requirements and Benefits You Should Know

Interest in the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (E/H/I) Visa is growing among foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities or eventual naturalization in Japan, as well as among Japanese companies looking to recruit highly skilled global talent. What many people may not realize is that holders of this visa can also work as temporary agency employees (dispatched workers). This article explains the requirements for dispatch work, along with the benefits and important considerations for both workers and employers.

Requirements for Dispatch Work

Foreign nationals holding an E/H/I Visa are legally permitted to work as temporary agency employees, and companies may hire them through staffing agencies. However, unlike ordinary temporary or part-time dispatch work, strict requirements must be met.

The most important requirement is that the job duties performed by the foreign national must match their educational background and professional experience. The E/H/I Visa is limited to specialized and technical occupations such as programming, translation, marketing, and other professional roles. Simple labor, such as factory assembly-line work or restaurant service, is generally not permitted under this visa category.

In addition, the staffing agency acting as the dispatching employer must hold the appropriate worker dispatch business license and maintain proper employment management practices. These factors are also subject to review by immigration authorities.

Furthermore, the foreign worker must receive compensation that is equal to or greater than that paid to a Japanese employee performing comparable work. Only when all of these requirements are satisfied can the Immigration Services Agency grant or maintain the work visa status.

Benefits of Choosing Dispatch Employment

Working through a staffing agency offers significant advantages for both foreign nationals and employers.

For foreign job seekers, dispatch employment can provide access to opportunities with major corporations and cutting-edge projects that may be difficult to secure independently. Staffing agencies often offer career support, language assistance, and guidance on workplace integration, making it easier for foreign professionals to adapt to life and work in Japan.

For Japanese companies seeking to hire foreign talent, one of the greatest advantages is reducing the administrative burden associated with visa procedures and initial labor management. By working through a staffing agency, companies can quickly secure qualified specialists while minimizing the risk of mismatches in skills and experience.

In addition, companies may utilize a temp-to-perm arrangement (Introduction-Expected Dispatch), allowing them to initially engage workers through a staffing agency and later consider direct employment. This approach enables both parties to evaluate compatibility before committing to a long-term employment relationship.

Impact on Naturalization and Permanent Residency

Foreign nationals planning to settle in Japan long-term, obtain Japanese citizenship through naturalization, or acquire permanent residency may worry that being employed as a dispatch worker could negatively affect their application. In reality, dispatch employment itself is not a reason for denial.

When evaluating naturalization or permanent residency applications, authorities focus less on the type of employment and more on factors such as financial stability and compliance with public obligations, including tax payments and pension contributions. As long as a dispatch worker maintains stable income, participates in social insurance programs, and fulfills tax obligations, the relevant requirements can generally be satisfied.

One important consideration is avoiding extended periods of unemployment between contracts. If a worker experiences a lengthy gap while seeking new employment, immigration authorities may question the stability of their livelihood. Likewise, companies should avoid terminating contracts irresponsibly, as doing so can affect their corporate reputation and future ability to employ foreign workers.

Summary

When legal requirements are properly met, dispatch employment under the E/H/I Visa can be an excellent option for both foreign professionals and Japanese companies. For foreign nationals, it can serve as a pathway toward an ideal career and long-term residence in Japan. For employers, it provides access to skilled professionals who can contribute immediately.

Whether as part of a long-term life plan that includes naturalization or permanent residency, or as a strategy for companies seeking to accelerate globalization, dispatch employment is a hiring model worth considering.