We provide useful information about Japanese visas and status of residence.
General information such as visa application procedures
7 posts
ID photo specifications are one of the most common mistakes in visa applications. Learn the correct size, conditions, and reasons for rejection at a glance.
A comprehensive summary of official fees and administrative scrivener costs for new applications, renewals, and changes of status of residence in Japan.
A summary of the concrete advantages of switching from a work visa to permanent residence, including stability, career freedom, and financial credibility.
A step-by-step guide to obtaining the COE (Certificate of Eligibility) required before working in Japan.
Key reasons why Japanese work visas get rejected and how to avoid rejection.
The jurisdiction of the Immigration Services Agency differs depending on your place of residence when applying for a visa. Check the addresses and phone numbers of the main offices and branch offices for all 47 prefectures.
A step-by-step guide for first-time applicants. We explain the key points and practical procedures for Japanese status of residence applications.
Locations and jurisdictions of regional immigration offices
11 posts
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Kobe District Office main office and 姫路港出張所. A district office under the Osaka Immigration Bureau.
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau main office and branch offices (Kitakyushu, Saga, Nagasaki, Tsushima, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima).
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Hiroshima Immigration Bureau main office and branch offices (Sakaiminato, Matsue, Okayama, Fukuyama, Shimonoseki, Shunan).
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Naha District Office main office and branch offices (Miyakojima, Ishigaki Port, Kadena). A district office under the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Sapporo Immigration Bureau main office and branch offices (Hakodate, Asahikawa, Kushiro Port, Wakkanai Port, Chitose-Tomakomai).
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Osaka Immigration Bureau main office and branch offices (Otsu, Kyoto, Maizuru Port, Nara, Wakayama).
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Nagoya Immigration Bureau main office and branch offices (Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui, Gifu, Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Toyohashi Port, Yokkaichi Port).
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Takamatsu Immigration Bureau main office and branch offices (Tokushima, Matsuyama, Kochi).
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Sendai Immigration Bureau main office and branch offices (Aomori, Morioka, Akita, Sakata Port, Koriyama).
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Yokohama District Office main office and 川崎出張所. A district office under the Tokyo Immigration Bureau.
Address, phone number, and jurisdiction information for the Tokyo Immigration Bureau main office and branch offices (Mito, Utsunomiya, Takasaki, Saitama, Chiba, Matsudo, Tachikawa, Niigata, Kofu, Nagano).
Additional documents required for each type of status of residence
49 posts
Required documents for artists such as composers, painters, and sculptors earning income in Japan. Check category-specific paperwork and review criteria.
Required documents for managing or operating a business in Japan. Covers capital requirements, office space, business plans, and key submission criteria.
Required documents for unpaid academic or artistic activities in Japan such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and martial arts. Includes proof of activities and financial support.
Required documents for spouses and children of work or student visa holders to reside in Japan. Covers family relationship proof and financial support documentation.
Required documents for Designated Activities visa status individually specified by the Minister of Justice. Covers both publicly announced and individually permitted activity types.
Required documents for IT engineers, interpreters, designers, and marketers working in Japan. Check education and work experience requirements by category (1-4).
Required documents for theater, entertainment, music, and sports performance activities in Japan. Covers performance contracts, career history, and category-specific requirements.
Required documents for point-based Highly Skilled Professional visa (academic, career, and salary criteria). Covers HSP Type 1 (a/b/c) and Type 2 point calculations and proof.
Required documents for language and subject teachers at elementary, middle, and high schools in Japan. Covers teaching licenses, employment institution proof, and teaching experience.
Required documents for employees transferring from overseas offices to Japan. Covers transfer orders, overseas work experience (1+ year), and job description documentation.
Required documents for foreign journalists, cameramen, and editors conducting reporting activities in Japan. Covers media organization credentials and reporting activity plans.
Required documents for foreign lawyers, accountants, and tax advisors with professional qualifications in Japan. Covers Japanese license proof and office affiliation contracts.
Required documents for Long-term Resident status including Japanese descendants, recognized refugees, and foreigners raising children of Japanese nationals. Covers category-specific documentation.
Required documents for foreign doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses with Japanese medical licenses. Covers license copies, workplace proof, and category-specific paperwork.
Required documents for certified care workers (kaigofukushishi) to work at nursing care facilities in Japan. Covers certification registration, facility contracts, and category requirements.
Required documents for foreign government officials and international organization staff performing official duties in Japan. Covers dispatch orders, official duty proof, and recommendation letters.
Required documents for professors, lecturers, and researchers at Japanese universities and colleges. Covers employment proof, research achievements, and category-specific paperwork.
Required documents for missionary work, religious ceremonies, and religious education activities in Japan. Covers religious organization proof, dispatch letters, and activity documentation.
Required documents for researchers at government-affiliated institutions and corporate research labs in Japan. Covers research contracts, publication lists, and category-specific paperwork.
Required documents for skilled workers such as foreign cuisine chefs, gemstone processors, and specialized craftsmen. Covers 10+ years experience proof and employment contracts.
Required documents for Specified Skilled Worker (i) across 14 industry sectors including construction, food service, and nursing care. Covers skills test, Japanese test, and support plan.
Required documents for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) — an advanced status allowing family accompaniment and unlimited renewals. Covers skills test proof and work experience by sector.
Required documents for foreign spouses or children of Japanese nationals. Covers marriage history statement, questionnaire, relationship evidence photos, and key review documents.
Required documents for foreign spouses or children of permanent residents. Covers marriage proof, guarantor documents, and financial capability evidence.
Required documents for studying at Japanese universities, vocational schools, and language schools. Covers admission letters, financial proof (bank statements, remittance records), and study plans.
Required documents for technical intern training (corporate and supervised types). Covers training plan certification, supervising organization permits, and implementing organization paperwork.
Required documents for extending or changing Temporary Visitor status (up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family visits). Covers extension reasons, flight tickets, and financial proof.
Required documents for non-employment training activities at Japanese public and private institutions. Covers training plans, host organization details, and post-training return schedule.
Required documents for amateur athletes supported by Japanese organizations and their family members. Covers athletic career proof, contracts, and support documentation.
Required documents for digital nomads working remotely for overseas employers while residing in Japan, plus spouses and children. Check income, insurance, and nationality requirements.
Required documents for domestic workers employed by Highly Skilled Professional or Special Highly Skilled foreign nationals. Covers employment contracts, household income, and experience requirements.
Required documents for domestic workers employed by diplomats and consular officers. Covers employer visa proof, employment contracts, and worker experience documentation.
Required documents for international students who graduated from Japanese universities to continue job-seeking activities. Covers activity reports, graduation proof, and financial support.
Required documents for family members of EPA nurses and care workers to reside in Japan. Covers family relationship and financial dependency proof under the Economic Partnership Agreement.
Required documents for EPA nurse and care worker candidates from Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam. Covers host institution agreements and qualification requirements.
Required documents for international graduates staying in Japan until graduate school enrollment. Covers graduation certificates, admission notices, and financial support proof.
Required documents for spouses of Highly Skilled Professionals to work without academic or career requirements. Covers marriage proof and HSP point calculation documents.
Required documents for parents of Highly Skilled Professionals to reside in Japan. Special conditions apply: household income over 8 million yen and childcare for children under 7.
Required documents for internship, summer job, and international cultural exchange program participants in Japan. Covers enrollment proof, program plans, and compensation conditions.
Required documents for designated information processing activities in the IT field. Covers IT certifications, work experience, and institutional contract documentation.
Required documents for graduates of top overseas universities to seek employment or start businesses in Japan through the J-Find program. Check university ranking and savings requirements.
Required documents for graduates of Japanese universities and vocational schools to continue job-seeking activities. Covers recommendation letters and job search progress reports.
Required documents for long-term stay for tourism, recuperation, or volunteer activities and spouses. Check asset requirements (30 million yen+) and insurance conditions.
Required documents for students with confirmed job offers to stay in Japan until employment begins. Covers job offer letters, employment start date proof, and enrollment status.
Required documents for foreigners receiving medical treatment in Japan and their companions. Covers hospital diagnosis, treatment plans, and financial support proof.
Required documents for designated research activities based on government agreements. Covers research institution contracts, research plans, and achievement documentation.
Required documents for parents and family members of those engaged in designated research or information processing activities to reside in Japan.
Required documents for ski instructors working at Japanese ski resorts. Covers instructor certifications, resort contracts, and seasonal activity period (November to March).
Required documents for Japanese university graduates to work in diverse roles utilizing Japanese language skills (Designated Activities No. 46/49). JLPT N1 and graduation proof required.