Work Visa Engineering/Humanities/International Services Translation and Interpretation

Foreigners need to obtain a work visa to work as a translator or interpreter for a company in Japan.

If you are a foreigner who wants to work in Japan, you have probably heard of the “work visa” at least once.

Simply put, a work visa is a permit required for foreigners to work in Japan.

While Japanese people are free to work in Japan, foreigners cannot work in Japan without a work visa or the appropriate type of visa that allows them to work.

However, there are many different types of work visas, and we will explain in detail the types of work that each visa allows and the requirements for obtaining one over the next few articles.

So, if you want to work as a translator or interpreter, which work visa can you get?

In this article, we will focus on the case of working as a translator or interpreter under the status of “Engineering/Humanities/International Services” which is one of the representative types of work visas.

Can I work as a translator or interpreter with an “Engineering/Humanities/International Services” visa?

It is possible to work as a translator or interpreter if you have an “Engineering/Humanities/International Services” visa.

Translation and interpretation work falls under the field of “International Services.

Examples of such companies are as follows

For example…

• Trading companies
• Hotel and travel agencies
• Recruitment agencies
• Translation companies for documents, etc.
• Manufacturers and retailers that sell overseas products or Japanese products overseas

…etc., and many of these industries require foreign transactions and communication with foreigners.

In addition, with the advancement of globalization, there is a growing need for international human resources in a wide range of fields in Japanese society, and the following types of jobs are also allowed under the Engineering/Humanities/International Business visa.

• Interpreter/translator works in duty-free stores, restaurants, hotels, etc., where many foreign tourists need to be accommodated.

However, please note that in these cases, it is necessary to prove that translation/interpretation is the main work so that it is not considered simple labor.

Requirements to work as a translator/interpreter with an “Engineering/Humanities/International Services” Visa

☑Education Requirements

➡University graduates

Graduated from a Japanese or foreign university majoring in a subject related to the job.

Example: Major in Japanese language at university

☑Related major and years of work experience requirements for university graduates are relaxed.

Unlike other jobs described in our previous blog posts, which usually require relevance of the major and years of work experience, those with a university or junior college education or above do not need such relevance and years of work experience.

However, if you are involved in translation or interpretation between your native language and Japanese, you will need to prove your Japanese language ability.

*Required language skills are discussed below.

➡Vocational School graduates

Those who have completed a professional training course in Japan by majoring in a subject related to their work and have the title of “Senmonushi” (Diploma) or “Koudo Senmonushi” (Advanced Diploma).

Example: a vocational school for interpretation and translation, etc. in Japan

☑Work experience requirement

Applicants must have at least 3 years of work experience and have acquired the necessary knowledge in the field of business.

*If the applicant majored in a subject related to the work at a university, advanced vocational school, etc., that period may be included in the work experience.

It is important to note here whether the work experience is relevant to the job or not.

A certificate of employment is required to prove work experience.

Since certificates of employment are often falsified, they are carefully examined by the immigration office.

If you are concerned about the relevance of your work experience, please contact us.

☑Language Proficiency Requirements

For translators/interpreters between native language and Japanese

Generally, passing the JLPT N2 level is considered sufficient.

If you are translating/interpreting between your native language and another foreign language (e.g., English and Chinese)

You do not need to prove your Japanese language ability, but you must prove that the job requires such translation and that Japanese language ability is not necessary.

For languages that are not your native language, you must also prove when, where, and how you learned the language.

☑ Remuneration

The remuneration must be equal to or greater than the remuneration that a Japanese national would receive if engaged in the work.

Conclusion

In this article, we explained the points to note when obtaining “Engineering/Humanities/International Services” status as a translator/interpreter, as well as the types of jobs available and their requirements.

Those who have graduated from universities in Japan or abroad can work as a translator/interpreter,  between Japanese and their native language if they have a certain level of Japanese proficiency.

For others, translation and interpretation work with “Engineering/Humanities/International Services” status is limited because the work must be related to their major.

If you are unsure about the relevance of your educational background and the nature of your work, or if you are concerned about the application process, please contact our office.

We are Yanagi group, which have offices in Osaka (Abeno and Tennoji), and our affiliated offices in Tokyo (Shibuya and Ebisu) are also available for an on-site consultation. We have handled many applications for permanent residence permits, naturalization permits, work visas, college student visas, management visas, etc., as well as visa renewal procedures related to the status of residence with the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) as a one-stop service. Our experienced administrative scriveners are also available to help you with any problems you may have.

We also have staff members who can speak each of the native languages and can assist you in obtaining a visa.

※If you wish to be consulted in Nepali or Bengali, please inform us in advance via our website or social media, and the translator will contact you ahead of time.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your status of residence or visa, even if they are trivial.

Toll-free number: 0120-138-552

For English speakers: 080-9346-2991

For Chinese speakers: 090-8456-6196

For Korean speakers: 090-8448-2133

For Vietnamese speakers: 080-5510-2593