Introduction

When hiring foreign nationals at a newly established company and applying for the “Technical, Humanities, and International Services” status of residence, many worry that approval may be difficult simply because the company is new. However, if you meet the necessary conditions and prepare properly, it is possible to obtain approval even for a newly established company. This article explains, based on information from the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Services Agency, the key points to avoid denial.

Basic Requirements for the “Technical, Humanities, and International Services” Status

Definition and Eligible Activities

This status covers activities that require technical or knowledge-based skills in fields such as science, engineering, law, economics, or activities requiring sensitivity based on foreign culture.

Main Requirements

• Educational/Work Experience Requirements: Graduation from a university (in Japan or abroad) or at least 10 years of relevant work experience (3 years for international services).
• Relevance between Education/Experience and Job Duties: The applicant’s education or experience must be directly related to the job duties.
• Remuneration Requirement: The applicant must be paid the same or more than a Japanese employee in a similar position.
• Employment Contract: A contract with a Japanese company or organization is required.

Why Applications from Newly Established Companies Are Difficult

Newly established companies are subject to stricter scrutiny, especially regarding business stability, continuity, and the necessity of hiring a foreign national.

Specific Points to Avoid Denial

1. Clearly Prove the Relevance between Education/Experience and Job Duties

• Submit Certificates: Provide graduation certificates, transcripts, and work history documents to show the applicant’s knowledge/experience is closely related to the job.
• Clearly Describe Job Duties: Avoid simple or non-specialized tasks. Explain in detail how the job requires advanced expertise and utilizes the applicant’s background.

2. Carefully Explain the Business Plan and Company Stability

• Prepare a Detailed Business Plan: Include future business development, revenue projections, and employment plans.
• Provide Evidence of Funding and Sales Prospects: Show capital, loans from financial institutions, and contracts with prospective clients.
• Prove the Existence of an Office and Facilities: Submit lease agreements and photos of the office.

3. Logically Explain the Necessity of Hiring a Foreign National

• Why a Foreigner Is Needed: Clearly explain why the applicant’s expertise, language skills, or cultural background is essential.
• Relevance of Job Duties and Applicant: Objectively show why the applicant’s job falls under the “Technical, Humanities, and International Services” category.

4. Prepare Employment Contracts and Salary Regulations

• Salary Equal to or Higher than Japanese Employees: Clearly state this in employment contracts and salary regulations.
• Clarify Employment Terms and Work Conditions: Specify contract period, job duties, and workplace.

5. Be Careful with Practical Training

• Explain Training Content: If there is initial training, show that it is similar to that for Japanese new graduates and is only a small part of the total period.
• Avoid Non-specialized Tasks: Do not assign simple or non-specialized tasks as the main duties during training.

6. Submit All Required Documents

• Certificate of Eligibility Application
• Employment contract
• Business plan
• Company registration certificate
• Financial statements (or capital certificate and future income/expenditure plan for new companies)
• Lease agreement and office photos
• Applicant’s graduation certificate, transcript, and work history
• Other documents as necessary (contracts with clients, brochures, etc.)

Common Reasons for Denial

• Education or experience does not match job duties (e.g., education major working on lunchbox packing).
• Job duties are simple or lack specialization.
• Business plan or company stability is insufficient, raising doubts about continuity.

Conclusion

To obtain the “Technical, Humanities, and International Services” status at a newly established company, it is essential to prove the relevance between education/experience and job duties, clearly explain the company’s stability and business plan, and logically justify the necessity of hiring a foreign national. Insufficient documentation or explanation increases the risk of denial. Always check the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Services Agency, and consult a specialist if in doubt.