How Can Foreign IT Engineers Change Jobs in Japan?

IT engineers are in demand worldwide. Recently, more companies in Japan are becoming proactive in hiring foreign IT engineers.

Japanese companies are stable, and there are branches of well-known foreign companies in Japan, so some people may be considering working as IT engineers in Japan.

We introduce how foreign IT engineers can change jobs in Japan and the required residence statuses.

Note: Information about residence statuses is as of September 2024.

How Can Foreign IT Engineers Change Jobs in Japan?

Foreign IT engineers need a residence status that allows them to work as engineers in Japan. Additionally, having specialized knowledge, qualifications, and Japanese language skills will be advantageous for job changes.

Obtaining a Residence Status to Work in Japan

Those with residence statuses based on status or position, such as Permanent Resident (PR), Spouse or Child of Japanese National (SCJN), Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (SCPR), and Long-Term Resident (LTR), can work in any job.

Other residence statuses that allow working as an IT engineer are "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" and "Highly Skilled Professional (i) (b)."

<Conditions for Obtaining>
Both require advanced specialized knowledge and skills. These two residence statuses also have educational requirements. You need to have graduated from a science-related faculty at a university in Japan or overseas. For IT engineers, it would be fields like information engineering or computer science.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI)

If you do not meet the educational requirements, you may still be able to obtain this status with 3 to 10 years of work experience.

Highly Skilled Professional (i) (b)

In addition to educational requirements, you need a certain level of Japanese language skills, such as passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 or N2.

<Important Points>
If you obtain a residence status to work as an engineer, you cannot primarily engage in jobs that do not require specialized knowledge, such as assembly work. Of course, taking on entirely different jobs is also legally prohibited.

If you wanted to work as an IT engineer but later decided to pursue another job, you would need to obtain the necessary residence status for the new occupation when changing jobs.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Residence Status 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services'" "Preferential Treatment System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals" *Japanese

Obtain Globally Recognized IT Certifications

Having globally recognized IT certifications will be advantageous in job hunting. However, even with certifications, it is difficult to find a job without experience. It is best to obtain certifications that match your previous experience.

CompTIA

• CompTIA A+: Certification proving basic technical support and IT operations skills.
• CompTIA Network+: Certification proving knowledge and skills in network technology.
• CompTIA Security+: Certification proving basic knowledge and skills in security.

Cisco

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Certification proving foundational to intermediate knowledge and skills in networking.
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): Certification proving advanced knowledge and skills in network technology.

Microsoft Azure

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: Certification proving basic knowledge of Azure.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: Certification proving skills in managing and operating Azure.

AWS

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: Certification proving knowledge and skills in system design on AWS.
• AWS Certified Developer – Associate: Certification proving knowledge and skills in application development on AWS.
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate: Certification proving knowledge and skills in system operations on AWS.

Google Cloud

• Google Associate Cloud Engineer: Certification proving basic skills in operating and managing Google Cloud Platform.
• Google Professional Cloud Architect: Certification proving advanced knowledge and skills in system design on Google Cloud Platform.

Acquire Japanese Language and Business Etiquette

If you want to work as an IT engineer, you need to be able to communicate in Japanese at a level that does not hinder daily conversations. Study Japanese communication skills. Additionally, take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and aim for at least N3, but preferably N2 to N1.

It is also recommended to learn Japanese business manners and workplace culture. There are differences from other countries, so knowing them will help not only in interviews but also after joining a company. You can learn Japanese business manners from books and websites.

📗 Recommended Information
Business Etiquette in Japan: What Every Foreigner Should Know
Understanding Cultural Differences and Adapting to the Japanese Workplace

How Foreigners Can Find IT Engineering Jobs in Japan

Here, we introduce how foreigners can change jobs as IT engineers in Japan. There are various methods, from relatively easy to more challenging ones, so choose the method that suits you best.

Join a Foreign IT Company's Japan Branch

Many foreign IT companies and IT consulting firms have entered Japan. If you join a foreign company’s Japan office, you may be able to work using English or your native language. Additionally, foreign companies have Western business cultures, which may feel more familiar to those who have worked outside Japan. However, competition is high.

Participate in Job Fairs

There are job fairs for foreigners and international students living in Japan. Participating in job fairs has the advantage of allowing you to speak directly with multiple companies. The companies participating are proactive in hiring foreigners, so you can have positive discussions.
If you want to hear from many companies or talk to representatives, this is recommended.

Recently, there are also online job fairs, so you can participate even if you are far from the venue.

Participate in Internship Programs

Participating in internships at Japanese companies is also recommended. Some companies recruit interns, especially students. Utilizing this opportunity may help you secure a full-time position. If international students participate in internships, unpaid ones are acceptable.

Most internship programs target students. Those who have already graduated from university may not be able to participate in internship programs, so consider it a bonus if you can join.

Find Jobs at Hello Work

Hello Work is an agency where you can consult about jobs and get job introductions. Some locations offer multilingual consultations. Check if the Hello Work in your area provides multilingual support.

🔗 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: "Prefectural Labour Bureau and Hello Work" *Japanese

Consult with the Foreign Employment Service Center

The Foreign Employment Service Center offers consultations and job introductions for highly skilled foreign professionals.

🔗 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: "List of Foreign Employment Service Centers" *Japanese

Register with Staffing Agencies

If you are having trouble finding a job or figuring out what kind of work you can do, registering with a staffing agency is one option. A staffing agency can introduce you to jobs that match your experience and skills.

Search on Job Sites

There are many types of job sites in Japan. You can search and apply for jobs by job category or location at any time, making it convenient.

In Conclusion

We introduced how foreign IT engineers can work in Japan and the required residence statuses. Japanese companies are stable, and there are many foreign companies, providing more opportunities to work as IT engineers.
To obtain a residence status, you need specialized knowledge, educational background, and Japanese language skills. Additionally, there are various job search methods, such as job fairs and searching on websites. Choose the method that suits you best and find a job where you can advance your career as an IT engineer.

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