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Work visa · 企業内転勤

Intra-company Transferee visa (企業内転勤)

The status for an employee of an international company who is transferred from an office abroad to its office in Japan. No degree needed — but you need a year with the company abroad. Conditions, how it differs from the Engineer/Specialist visa, the official forms and your family.

Forms and documents

Engineer/Specialist visa

Checked against the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on 7 October 2026 · All work visas

Work abroad before transfer1 year, continuous

DegreeNot required

Period of stay5 y · 3 y · 1 y · 3 months

Japanese office categories1 to 4

Who it is for

Three conditions for a transfer

You need this status when a company with offices in several countries moves an employee to its office in Japan for a period of time.

One company or group

A transfer from an office abroad to the Japanese office — within one legal entity or to a Japanese company linked to yours by capital (including a subsidiary or parent). The Japanese office must really exist and operate.

A year of work before the transfer

At least 1 continuous year at the office abroad right before the transfer, in engineering, office or international work. Time already spent at the Japanese office on this status counts toward it.

Pay like a Japanese employee

In Japan you earn at least what a Japanese employee in the same position earns. This is a direct requirement of the landing criteria (上陸基準省令).

The work in Japan is of the same kind as on the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa: engineering and IT, marketing, finance, sales, translation, work with partners abroad. Unskilled work is not allowed on this status. You may work only at the Japanese office you were transferred to.

Comparison

Intra-company Transferee or Engineer/Specialist visa

Intra-company Transferee Engineer/Specialist
Degree or experience Not required A related degree, or experience: 10 years; for international services 3 years
Link to the employer A year at its office abroad before the transfer A contract with a Japanese employer
Where you work Only at your company’s Japanese office Any employer, in your field
Period of stay For the length of the transfer: 5, 3, 1 year or 3 months 5, 3, 1 year or 3 months
Family Dependent (家族滞在) Dependent (家族滞在)
Representative declaration and B2 language (from 15 April 2026) Not in ISA’s document list Declaration for Category 3 and 4 employers; proof of CEFR B2 if their job mainly uses a language with people

If you want to stay in Japan long-term or change employers, plan a move to the Engineer/Specialist visa early. On a change of status immigration in principle checks the requirements of the new status — that is, the degree or experience.

Forms and documents

Official forms and the documents you need

The forms are shared by the work statuses; the document set depends on the procedure and the category of the Japanese office. Most papers come from the company’s offices abroad and in Japan.

Two ways to get the status. From abroad, the Japanese office obtains a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and you then apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate — see Certificate of Eligibility. Already in Japan on another status, you apply for a change of status; the condition of a year at the office abroad still applies.

Choose the procedure and the category of the Japanese office: the buttons open the ISA forms and the list shows the documents for your case. HR will know the category. Categories 1 and 2 need the fewest documents; Categories 3 and 4 submit the full set on the transfer, the link between the offices, the company and you.

Category of the Japanese office:

Category 1: Companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange, national and local government bodies, public corporations and similar organizations, innovative companies on ISA’s list, and companies on the list of «一定の条件を満たす企業等».

Category 2: Companies that withheld at least ¥10 million in income tax from salaries in Japan last year (per the 法定調書合計表 summary), and companies that ISA has approved to apply online with Category 2 documents.

Category 3: Other companies that filed last year’s withholding-tax summary (法定調書合計表).

Category 4: All others — for example, the Japanese office opened this year and has no summary for last year.

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — you are transferred from an office abroad

The Japanese office files the application (a staff member or an administrative scrivener, 行政書士). With the CoE you get the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate and enter Japan. The office abroad prepares the documents about your work there.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor all categories · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor categories 3 and 4 · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書Part of the form is filled in by the Japanese office.
  2. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真
  3. Return envelope with your address and stamps for registered mail 返信用封筒For paper applications.
  4. Document proving the category カテゴリーを証明する文書category 1For example, a copy of the 四季報 company handbook or a document showing the stock-exchange listing.list of Category 1 companies · PDF
  5. Withholding-tax summary for last year — copy 前年分の給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表（写し）categories 2, 3For Category 2 based on online-application approval: ISA’s approval letter instead.
  6. Document on your work in Japan: position, length of the transfer, pay 活動の内容、期間、地位及び報酬を明らかにする資料categories 3, 4Transfer within one legal entity: a copy of the transfer order (転勤命令書) or letter of appointment (辞令). Move to another legal entity linked by capital (including a subsidiary): the notice of working conditions (労働条件通知書). Executives: the articles of incorporation or the shareholders’ resolution on pay.
  7. Document showing the link between the office abroad and the Japanese office 転勤前に勤務していた事業所と転勤後の事業所の関係を示す資料categories 3, 4Same legal entity: the registration certificate of the Japanese branch. A Japanese company linked by capital to the foreign one (including a subsidiary or parent): a document proving that link. The Japanese branch of another foreign company of the group: the branch registration and a document proving the capital link.
  8. Document proving that the office abroad exists 転勤前に勤務していた事業所の存在を明らかにする資料categories 3, 4A company registration document from a government authority — or tax documents, transaction records, bills of lading, export or import licenses, advertising.
  9. CV with employers, duties and dates 履歴書categories 3, 4
  10. Letter from the office abroad on your work in the last year: duties, position, pay 過去１年間に従事した業務内容及び地位、報酬を明示した転勤の直前に勤務した外国の機関の文書categories 3, 4For example, proof of social insurance payments. If you already worked in Japan on Intra-company Transferee during that year, a document from the Japanese office too. Foreign-language documents need a Japanese translation.
  11. Company profile of the Japanese company and its commercial registration certificate 会社案内・登記事項証明書categories 3, 4
  12. Document on the premises where you will work 申請人が活動する事業所の存在を明らかにする資料categories 3, 4Real-estate registration, photos and a floor plan of the office.
  13. Latest financial statements; for a new office, a business plan 直近の決算文書の写し・事業計画書categories 3, 4
  14. Why there is no tax summary: proof of exemption from withholding, or the notice of opening a salary-paying office plus the tax payment statements for 3 months 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書の写し・所得税徴収高計算書category 4Instead of 3 months of statements, a document approving less frequent tax payments (納期の特例) is accepted.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for the Japanese office (when the company files). Not accepted by mail.
Fee
Free
Standard processing period
1–3 months
Online
Possible
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Change of status — you are already in Japan on another status

You file yourself before your current status expires — or a company employee approved by immigration (申請等取次者) or an administrative scrivener (行政書士) files for you. The same condition applies: at least 1 year of work at the company’s office abroad right before the transfer.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor all categories · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor categories 3 and 4 · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for change of status of residence 在留資格変更許可申請書
  2. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. Document proving the category カテゴリーを証明する文書category 1list of Category 1 companies · PDF
  5. Withholding-tax summary for last year — copy 前年分の給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表（写し）categories 2, 3
  6. Document on your work in Japan: position, length of the transfer, pay 活動の内容、期間、地位及び報酬を明らかにする資料categories 3, 4Transfer order or letter of appointment; for a move to another legal entity of the group, the notice of working conditions.
  7. Documents on the link between the offices and proof that the office abroad exists 事業所の関係を示す資料・転勤前の事業所の存在を明らかにする資料categories 3, 4
  8. CV and the letter from the office abroad on your work in the last year 履歴書・転勤の直前に勤務した外国の機関の文書categories 3, 4
  9. Company profile, commercial registration and proof of the office premises 会社案内・登記事項証明書・事業所の存在を明らかにする資料categories 3, 4
  10. Latest financial statements; for a new office, a business plan 直近の決算文書の写し・事業計画書categories 3, 4
  11. Why there is no tax summary + tax payment statements for 3 months 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書の写し・所得税徴収高計算書category 4Instead of 3 months of statements, a document approving less frequent tax payments (納期の特例) is accepted.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
1–2 months
Online
Possible
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Extension of period of stay — Intra-company Transferee

You file yourself, from 3 months before your period of stay ends. The status is granted for the length of the transfer: if an extension would take your total stay beyond 5 years, immigration checks why it is needed.

Application formPDF · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · moj.go.jpDocument checklistPDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Documents

  1. Application for extension of period of stay 在留期間更新許可申請書
  2. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真Not needed for an extension of up to 3 months.
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. Document proving the category カテゴリーを証明する文書category 1
  5. Withholding-tax summary for last year — copy 前年分の給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表（写し）categories 2, 3
  6. Resident tax certificates for the year (tax assessed and paid) 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書・納税証明書categories 3, 4From the city office where you lived on 1 January. If they cannot be issued, a document showing that your salary income was declared.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
2 weeks – 1 month
Online
Possible
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

What comes next

Family and life on the status

Family

Spouse and children — Dependent visa

Your spouse and children whom you support get the Dependent visa (家族滞在): a Certificate of Eligibility if they are abroad, or a change of status if they are already in Japan. They may work up to 28 hours a week with permission.

14 days

Notifications to immigration

If the company changes its name or address, ceases to exist, or you leave it or move to another organization, notify immigration within 14 days (活動機関に関する届出) — online, in person or by mail. A move to another office of the same legal entity is not in itself a reason to notify. More than 3 months without work under your status, without a good reason, is grounds to cancel it.

Length of the transfer

The status lasts for the transfer

By law a transfer is for a fixed period, so you cannot live on Intra-company Transferee indefinitely. If an extension would take your total stay beyond 5 years, immigration checks separately why it is needed.

Next step

Engineer/Specialist, HSP and permanent residency

Years on Intra-company Transferee are years on a work status and count toward permanent residency: usually 10 years in Japan, at least 5 of them on a work status. With a high salary and experience, check your points for the Highly Skilled Professional visa — it shortens the road to permanent residency.

If you are refused

Common reasons for refusal

The grounds come from the law and ISA’s rules.

  • Less than a year at the office abroad right before the transfer, or a break in that work
  • The wrong kind of work: unskilled work instead of engineering, office or international work
  • The capital link between the offices is not proven, or the Japanese office exists only on paper
  • Pay lower than a Japanese employee in the same position
  • An incomplete set of documents: ISA warns that this makes the review much longer or ends in refusal
  • At extension: unpaid taxes or insurance, missing notifications, a stay beyond 5 years without explanation

After a refusal you can apply again once the reason is fixed. In practice the bureau that reviewed the application explains the reason.

FAQ

Intra-company Transferee questions

Can’t find your question? Write to us — a real person replies.

Ask us a question

Do I need a degree for the Intra-company Transferee visa?

No. The landing criteria for this status (上陸基準省令) contain no degree requirement. What you need instead: at least 1 continuous year of work at the company’s office abroad right before the transfer, work of the kind covered by the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa, and pay at least equal to a Japanese employee in the same position.

The work is the same — engineering, office and international work. But the Engineer/Specialist visa needs a related degree or experience and a contract with a Japanese employer, while Intra-company Transferee needs a year at your company abroad and a transfer to its Japanese office. You cannot move to an unrelated Japanese company on Intra-company Transferee: that needs a change of status.

According to ISA documents: a transfer within one legal entity (from an office abroad to the Japanese branch), a move to a Japanese company linked to yours by capital (including a subsidiary or parent), and a move to the Japanese branch of another foreign company linked to yours by capital. The link is proven with registration documents and shareholding records.

Not if you move within one legal entity: ISA accepts a transfer order or letter of appointment. If the Japanese office is a separate legal entity, such as a subsidiary, you need a notice of working conditions from it.

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months. By law a transfer is for a fixed period. If you want to stay on Intra-company Transferee for more than 5 years in total, immigration checks separately why it is needed.

Yes. Your spouse and children whom you support get the Dependent visa (家族滞在). They may work up to 28 hours a week with part-time work permission.

Years on Intra-company Transferee are years on a work status and count toward permanent residency: usually 10 years in Japan, at least 5 of them on a work status. If you decide to stay and join a Japanese company, you need a change of status — usually to the Engineer/Specialist visa — and then its degree or experience requirements apply.

Notify immigration within 14 days (活動機関に関する届出) — online, in person or by mail. Reasons: the company changed its name or address, ceased to exist, you left it or moved to another organization. A move to another office of the same legal entity is not in itself a reason to notify. More than 3 months without work under your status, without a good reason, is grounds to cancel the status.

Work in Japan

Jobs, pay, taxes and insurance on this visa

All topics: Work in Japan — the full guide

Sources

Where this information comes from

Facts and document lists were checked against the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) on 7 October 2026. Form links come from a register of ISA files that our server refreshes every week: when ISA publishes a new version of a form, the button opens the new file.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration decides each application and may ask for more documents. Where a rule is known only from practice, we say so.

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