To stay in Japan, regardless of the length of stay, for activities not permitted under a Temporary Visitor visa, you must obtain a proper visa status that corresponds to your intended activities or purpose of stay.
To obtain a specific visa status, you must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your visa sponsor or proxy in Japan if you are living outside Japan. If you are already living in Japan under a specific visa status and wish to change your activities, you must apply for a Change of Visa Status to switch to an appropriate one.
Once you hold a visa status, you must complete the necessary notifications and applications required for that status, as well as the administrative procedures required of foreign residents in Japan.
IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH VISA PROCEDURES IN JAPAN, JUMP TO THE INTRODUCTORY PAGES BELOW FIRST:
WHAT IS VISA STATUS?
A Visa Status is a type of residence status granted to allow you to stay and live in Japan for a specific purpose and period designated by the Immigration Office.
There are approximately 30 types of visa status, categorized according to the specific activities you will engage in while in Japan or civil status (for example, a blood/marital relationship to a Japanese national). Each person may apply for only one visa status, and the Immigration Office will grant it if you meet the requirements and are eligible. Once your visa status is granted, the Immigration Office issues a Residence Card (在留カード), which serves as an official identification for foreign residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months. The length of stay is determined by the Immigration Office based on your individual circumstance: RESIDENCE CARD (在留カード）
You must maintain a valid visa status while in Japan. If you wish to continue your current activities and stay longer, you may apply for an Extension of Period of Stay. If you plan to change your activities in Japan from the those permitted under your current visa status, you may apply for a Change of Visa Status. In addition, you are required to submit Applications and Notifications to the Immigration Office as necessary: APPLICATION / NOTIFICATION
As a Residence Card holder, you must obtain a Re-entry Permit or Special Re-entry Permit each time you travel abroad and plan to return to Japan under your current visa status. You are required to return to Japan by the expiration date of the permit, even if your visa status remains valid: RE-ENTRY PERMIT
Basically, you are not allowed to engage in activities that are not permitted under your visa status. If you would like to engage in other activities in your spare time while holding a specific visa status, you may apply for Permission to Engage in Other Activity, depending on your situation: PERMISSION to ENGAGE in OTHER ACTIVITY
A visa status may be revoked if your situation falls under any of the incidents prescribed by law: REVOCATION of VISA STATUS
BASIC CRITERIA
Based on your overall eligibility and the criteria below, the Immigration Office will grant you a visa status with a designated period of stay:
1. You must have a specific reason or purpose to stay in Japan
First of all, the Immigration Office grants you a specific visa status only when you have a clear reason or purpose for living and/or working in Japan. You must also meet requirements for the specific visa status you are applying for.
In addition, you cannot apply for Permanent Resident status if you are currently living outside Japan or have not been living in Japan for the required period.
Generally, you need a VISA SPONSOR who can support your visa application and act as your proxy in Japan. If you don’t have any VISA STATUS in Japan yet, you need to find a proper visa sponsor who can sign your application form on your behalf to process the COE (Certificate of Eligibility) application to invite you to Japan.
In case of considering to set a business entity in Japan (branch office, subsidiary etc.), you should start with finding what types of business entity would be appropriate for your situation. Basically, a physical office space for the entity must be found in Japan and necessary registration for the entity has to be complete if you consider to relocate somebody from other country to Japan.
2. Your purpose and intended activities in Japan must fall under a specific visa status, and both you and your circumstances must meet its requirements
Both of you and your circumstances (such as your activities in Japan and your visa sponsor) must be recognized as meeting the requirements for the specific visa status designated by the Immigration Office.
There are approximately 30 categories of visa status, classified either by the type of activity conducted in Japan or by civil status such as a family relationship: LIST of VISA STATUS
Each visa status has its own requirements, and you must demonstrate your eligibility by submitting supporting documents. The Immigration Office publishes a list of basic required documents for each visa status.
However, since each applicant’s circumstances differ – such as nationality, background, purpose, activities, and visa sponsor – they may request additional documents on a case-by-case basis.
Do not attempt to provide false information or commit fraud. It is usually easy to identify inconsistencies when reviewing your documents and asking questions about your situation. It is important that all of your documents and evidence remain consistent. Please note that the Japanese Immigration Office and licensed immigration lawyers do not process applications in exchange for unofficial payments or “under-the-table” fees.
3. You must not fall under any grounds for denial of landing
Your entry to Japan will be denied if you are considered likely to harm Japan’s public health, public order, or domestic security. In particular, the Immigration Office will deny your application if you fall under any of the following categories:
- Individuals who may pose a risk to public health for medical or hygiene-related reasons.
- Individuals who are likely to engage in anti-social or criminal activities.
- Individuals who have previously been deported from Japan.
- Individuals who may harm Japan’s national interests or security.
- Individuals who are not permitted to enter Japan based on the principle of reciprocity.
4. You and your visa sponsor (and guarantor, if required) must be recognized as financially stable
You must be considered financially capable of supporting yourself during your stay in Japan, and your visa sponsor (and guarantor, if applicable) must also be recognized as financially reliable.
5. You must fulfill administrative and immigration-related duties, and comply with laws and regulations in Japan
You are required to fulfill the responsibilities and duties associated with living in Japan. This includes completing necessary administrative procedures whenever changes occur in your circumstances – such as your residence address, employer or visa sponsor, school or organization, or marital status – at the appropriate government offices.
You must also pay taxes properly and maintain enrollment in the appropriate social insurance systems (health insurance and pension) or national insurance while staying in Japan.
6. For working visa, the applicant’s labor conditions must comply with Japanese laws and regulations
Japan has strict laws and regulations regarding labor conditions and standards. Your employment terms must be prepared in accordance with these legal requirements. In general, employer are responsible for providing proper working conditions, and the Immigration Office will take this into account if the employer is found to have violated labor laws or regulations.
LIST of VISA STATUS
Visa statuses can generally be divided into two categories based on the purpose of stay:
- Activity-Based Visa Statuses (work and non-work)
- Family-Related Visa Statuses and Permanent Resident
You must identify the specific visa status that matches your purpose and activities in Japan, and determine whether you and your circumstances meet its requirements.
To check all the visa statuses, jump to the following page: LIST of VISA STATUS
RESIDENCE CARD
Once your COE Application is approved and you enter Japan with the COE, the Immigration Office will issue you a Residence Card, which serves as identification for foreign residents living in Japan. You must carry this card with you at all times.
Your Residence Card shows your basic information, such as your full name, residence address, date of birth, visa status, period of stay, expiry date, and you ID photo: RESIDENCE CARD (在留カード）
TYPES of APPLICATION / NOTIFICATION
While staying in Japan with a Residence Card under a specific visa status, you must keep your visa status valid. You are required to submit applications and notifications to the Immigration Office whenever necessary: APPLICATION / NOTIFICATION
GRACE/SPECIAL PERIOD (特例期間)
The Grace Period or Special Period (特例期間; Tokurei-Kikan) allows you to keep your visa status valid and continue the activities permitted under your current visa status, even if the original expiry date has already passed: GRACE/SPECIAL PERIOD (特例期間)
REVOCATION of VISA STATUS
Your visa status will be revoked under certain circumstances: REVOCATION of VISA STATUS