Intra-company Transferee
Staff transferred from an overseas branch, parent or subsidiary to the company's office in Japan.
The Intra-company Transferee is a Japanese work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free) and processing time (~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Intra-company Transferee is for
Staff transferred from an overseas branch, parent or subsidiary to the company's office in Japan.
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule (or faster via Highly Skilled points).
Intra-company Transferee - eligibility criteria
- Employed 1+ year at the overseas related entity (engineer/humanities-type work)
- Transfer to a branch, parent, subsidiary or affiliate in Japan
- Role is specialist, technical or managerial
- Salary meets Japanese-national-equivalent levels
- Genuine corporate relationship between entities
Intra-company Transferee cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Intra-company Transferee (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months (renewable) |
| Work rights | Work for the related company in Japan in a specialist/management role |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Route to PR | Counts toward the 10-year residence rule (or faster via Highly Skilled points). |
Pathway & next steps
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule (or faster via Highly Skilled points).
Many applicants also compare Engineer / Humanities · Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Business Manager · Business Manager, HSP (i) · Highly Skilled Professional (i). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Intra-company Transferee pitfalls we fix
Intra-company Transferee - frequently asked questions
How much does the Intra-company Transferee cost?
The Intra-company Transferee government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Intra-company Transferee take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Intra-company Transferee lead to permanent residence?
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule (or faster via Highly Skilled points).
Can I work on the Intra-company Transferee?
Work rights: Work for the related company in Japan in a specialist/management role.
Who can apply for the Intra-company Transferee?
Staff transferred from an overseas branch, parent or subsidiary to the company's office in Japan.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority