- 01From April 2026: Japanese Language Proficiency Now Required for Some Gijinkoku Visa Applications
- 02Factor 1: Your Employer’s Category
- 03Factor 2: Whether Your Role Involves Japanese-Language Interpersonal Duties
- 04Factor 3: Application Timing and the Nature of the Change
- 05Accepted Proof of Japanese Language Proficiency (One Is Sufficient)
- 06Practical Note: Even “Generally Not Required” Has Exceptions
- 07Pre-application Self-check List
- 08Frequently Asked Questions
- My employer is Category 1 or 2 — do I need to think about language proof at all?
- I have been with my company for years but recently moved into a client-facing role. Does this affect me?
- Are the BJT and JLPT interchangeable?
- Does the new rule apply to applications submitted before April 16, 2026?
- Not sure whether language proof applies to you? Get advice early.
01From April 2026: Japanese Language Proficiency Now Required for Some Gijinkoku Visa Applications
Starting April 16, 2026, certain applications for the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” residence status — commonly known as the Gijinkoku visa — will require applicants to submit proof of Japanese language proficiency. This marks a significant shift in how the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) reviews these applications. Failing to check whether you fall within the scope of this requirement could result in incomplete documentation, delays, or an adverse outcome for your application.
This requirement does not apply to all applicants. Whether you need to submit language proof depends on three factors: your employer’s category, whether your role involves Japanese-language interpersonal duties, and the nature and timing of your application. Each factor is explained below.
Update
Not all applicants are required to submit language proof
Only applicants who meet a specific combination of employer category, job duties, and application type are required to provide Japanese language proficiency documentation. All three factors are interconnected — assess each one carefully rather than drawing conclusions from any single factor alone.
02Factor 1: Your Employer’s Category
The ISA classifies sponsoring employers into four categories based on factors such as company size and business stability. Your employer’s category is the first determining factor in whether language proof is required.
If you are unsure which category your employer falls under, check with your HR or payroll department. A qualified immigration professional can also assist with verification.
03Factor 2: Whether Your Role Involves Japanese-Language Interpersonal Duties
Even if your employer is Category 3 or 4, language proof is generally not required if your role does not involve communicating with others in Japanese. If it does, whether proof must be submitted depends on the timing and type of your application.
04Factor 3: Application Timing and the Nature of the Change
For applicants whose roles do involve interpersonal duties, whether language proof is required ultimately depends on the type and timing of the application.
Those renewing after joining a company who have not yet taken on any interpersonal duties are generally not required to submit proof. Proof is required in any of the following four situations:
05Accepted Proof of Japanese Language Proficiency (One Is Sufficient)
If you are required to submit language proof, satisfying any one of the following conditions is sufficient:
- JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N2 or above
- BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 or above
- 20 or more years of residence in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident
- Graduation from a Japanese high school, university, college of technology, or vocational school
06Practical Note: Even “Generally Not Required” Has Exceptions
Note
The ISA may still request language proof in practice
Even in cases that would theoretically fall under “generally not required,” the ISA has been known to request supplementary language proficiency documents on a case-by-case basis. Even if you believe you are outside the scope of the requirement, it is advisable to be aware of your current Japanese language level and keep any relevant certificates on hand.
If you do not yet meet any of the listed conditions, note that your academic background and residential history cannot be changed. In practice, the only remaining path is to pass the JLPT N2 or the BJT. Since JLPT is held only twice a year, applicants with limited preparation time may find the BJT — which is offered multiple times throughout the year — to be the more practical option.
07Pre-application Self-check List
Go through the following checklist before submitting your application to determine whether Japanese language proof is required in your case.
- Confirmed which category (1–4) your employer falls under
- Confirmed whether your role involves Japanese-language interpersonal duties
- Confirmed which type of application this is: COE application, change of status, first renewal after joining, or transfer to interpersonal duties
- If language proof is required: confirmed you hold one of — JLPT N2, BJT 400+, 20 years of residence, or a Japanese school qualification
- If no condition is currently met: scheduled a sitting for the BJT or JLPT
08Frequently Asked Questions
My employer is Category 1 or 2 — do I need to think about language proof at all?
Generally, no. However, the ISA may still request supplementary documentation in individual cases. It is advisable to be aware of your Japanese language level and retain any relevant certificates in case they are needed.
I have been with my company for years but recently moved into a client-facing role. Does this affect me?
Yes. If your duties have changed to include interpersonal work since your last renewal, this falls under Situation 4 and means you are required to meet the language proficiency condition. Begin preparing for the JLPT or BJT as soon as possible.
Are the BJT and JLPT interchangeable?
Both are accepted. You only need to satisfy one — there is no requirement to hold both. Because the BJT is offered more frequently throughout the year, it may be the more practical choice for applicants with tighter timelines.
Does the new rule apply to applications submitted before April 16, 2026?
The new requirements apply in principle to applications submitted on or after April 16, 2026. For applications close to this date, we recommend confirming the applicable scope directly with the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or a qualified professional to avoid any issues arising from timing.
Not sure whether language proof applies to you? Get advice early.
Whether a Gijinkoku visa applicant needs to submit Japanese language proof depends on a combination of employer category, job duties, and application type — the assessment is not always straightforward. If you have any uncertainty, we recommend consulting a qualified professional before submitting your application.
