designated activities required documents highly skilled professional working spouse

Designated Activities (Working Spouse of Highly Skilled Professional) - Required Documents

Designated Activities (Working Spouse of Highly Skilled Professional) - Required Documents

The Designated Activities (Working Spouse of Highly Skilled Professional) visa status is for the spouse of a foreign national holding a Highly Skilled Professional visa to engage in employment activities in Japan. While the Dependent status of residence does not normally permit employment, this special provision allows the spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional foreign national to engage in employment activities.

Applicable ActivitiesEmployment activities as the spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional foreign national (full-time employment permitted)
Period of StayBased on the period of stay of the Highly Skilled Professional foreign national (5 years, 3 years, 1 year, etc.)

Required Documents by Application Type


Important Notes Before Applying

  • For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
  • Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
  • All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
  • Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
  • This status of residence is only applicable to the spouse of a foreign national holding the Highly Skilled Professional 1 or 2 status of residence.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image.

3. Return envelope - 1

Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.

4. Copy of the Highly Skilled Professional foreign national’s residence card

Submit a copy of both sides of the residence card of the spouse (principal) who holds the Highly Skilled Professional 1 (a), (b), (c) or 2 status of residence.

5. Copy of the Highly Skilled Professional foreign national’s points calculation result notification

Submit a copy of the points calculation result notification or the permission notification for the Highly Skilled Professional status of residence recognition/change.

6. Documents proving marital relationship

Submit applicable documents from the following:

  • Marriage certificate (issued by a government authority of the home country)
  • Family register (for a Japanese spouse)
  • Other official documents proving marital relationship

7. Documents proving the applicant’s activities

Submit a copy of the employment contract with the planned employer or a job offer notification, etc.

8. Documents showing the outline of the planned employer

Submit applicable documents from the following:

  • Company brochure or website printout
  • Certificate of registered matters
  • Copy of financial statements for the most recent fiscal year

Application for Change of Status of Residence

1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.

3. Passport and Residence Card

Present at the counter.

4. Copy of the Highly Skilled Professional foreign national’s residence card

Submit a copy of both sides of the residence card of the spouse (principal) who holds the Highly Skilled Professional 1 or 2 status of residence.

5. Copy of the Highly Skilled Professional foreign national’s points calculation result notification

Submit a copy of the points calculation result notification or the permission notification for the Highly Skilled Professional status of residence recognition/change.

6. Documents proving marital relationship

Submit applicable documents from the following:

  • Marriage certificate (issued by a government authority of the home country)
  • Family register (for a Japanese spouse)
  • Other official documents proving marital relationship

7. Documents proving the applicant’s activities

Submit a copy of the employment contract with the planned employer or a job offer notification, etc.

8. Documents showing the outline of the planned employer

Submit applicable documents from the following:

  • Company brochure or website printout
  • Certificate of registered matters
  • Copy of financial statements for the most recent fiscal year

Application for Extension of Period of Stay

1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.

3. Passport and Residence Card

Present at the counter.

4. Copy of the Highly Skilled Professional foreign national’s residence card

Submit a copy of both sides of the residence card of the spouse (principal) who holds the Highly Skilled Professional 1 or 2 status of residence.

5. Documents proving marital relationship

Submit documents proving that the marriage continues.

6. Documents proving the applicant’s activities

Submit a certificate of employment or copy of employment contract from the current employer.

7. Residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate - 1 each

Must show total annual income and tax payment status. Can be obtained from the municipal government office.


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