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If a 3rd-generation Japanese descendant working for an overseas company is hired by a Japanese company, should they apply under 「定住者」 or 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 20 October 2026　／　Supervised by 佐藤拓行政書士

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Who this article is forAn enquiry from the applicant himself or herself about an application for a status of residence, a 3rd-generation Japanese descendant of Peruvian nationality.

Answer

Even where a person under 技人国 (「技術・人文知識・国際業務」, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) has frequently left Japan for long periods on business, there are said to be cases in which renewal was granted. However, if the spouse holds the status of residence 「定住者」 (Long-Term Resident), the person may also qualify as 定住者, so it is said to be better to obtain 「定住者」, which has no restriction on work.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from the applicant himself or herself about an application for a status of residence, a 3rd-generation Japanese descendant of Peruvian nationality.

Enquiry type: application for Certificate of Eligibility
Application type: 定住者 or 技人国
Situation: The applicant currently works for a Mexican company. The applicant is to be hired by the Japanese company that is the parent of the Mexican company and work there as an employee (the planned duties could fall under 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」). However, half a year to 1 year after being hired by the Japanese company, the applicant is scheduled to be seconded to the Mexican company while remaining on the Japanese company's payroll, and after the secondment may spend most of the year in Mexico, although the applicant expects to return to Japan several times a year to go to the Japanese head office and see family in Japan. The applicant's wife and child are residing in Japan, and the wife holds the status of residence 「定住者」 in her own right. The wife and child plan to keep raising their child in Japan.
Questions: (1) If there is a possibility of being seconded to the Mexican company in future while remaining on the Japanese company's payroll, which status of residence is appropriate to apply for, 「定住者」 or 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」? (2) Whichever status is applied for, could the possibility of being seconded to Mexico about half a year to 1 year after approval and spending most of the year in Mexico become a problem at the application for a Certificate of Eligibility or at the next renewal?

Do frequent long absences from Japan affect renewal under 技人国?

There are cases in which renewal was granted even with frequent long absences on business.

Even where a person under 技人国 has frequently left Japan for long periods on business, it is said that there are cases in which renewal was granted.

If the spouse is a 「定住者」, which status should I choose?

If the spouse is a 定住者, it is considered better to obtain 「定住者」, which has no restriction on work.

If the spouse holds the status of residence 定住者, the person may also qualify as 定住者, so it is said to be better to obtain 「定住者」, which has no restriction on work.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I repeat long overseas secondments under 技人国, will renewal be refused?

It is said that there are cases in which renewal was granted even where the person frequently left Japan for long periods on business.

If my spouse is a 定住者, which status of residence should I choose?

The person may also qualify as 定住者, so it is said to be better to obtain 定住者, which has no restriction on work.

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.