work visa required documents legal accounting

Legal/Accounting Services - Required Documents

Legal/Accounting Services - Required Documents

The Legal/Accounting Services visa status is for activities involving legal or accounting services performed by those with qualifications such as foreign lawyers, foreign certified public accountants, or other legally-qualified professionals.

Applicable ActivitiesActivities involving legal or accounting services performed by foreign lawyers, foreign certified public accountants, or other legally-qualified professionals
Period of Stay5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months

List of Applicable Qualifications

The following Japanese qualifications are covered under this visa status:

  1. Attorney (弁護士)
  2. Judicial Scrivener (司法書士)
  3. Land and House Investigator (土地家屋調査士)
  4. Registered Foreign Lawyer (外国法事務弁護士)
  5. Certified Public Accountant (公認会計士)
  6. Foreign Certified Public Accountant (外国公認会計士)
  7. Tax Accountant (税理士)
  8. Social Insurance and Labor Consultant (社会保険労務士)
  9. Patent Attorney (弁理士)
  10. Maritime Procedures Agent (海事代理士)
  11. Administrative Scrivener (行政書士)

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 screening 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.
  • Submitted documents will not be returned in principle. If you wish to have them returned, please inform the office at the time of application.
  • You may be asked to submit additional documents during the screening process.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)

This application is for those who wish to newly enter Japan under the Legal/Accounting Services visa status.

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy

Go to application form

2. Photograph - 1

4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months prior to application, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Write the applicant’s name on the back of the photo and attach it to the photo section of the application form.

3. Return envelope - 1

Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for registered mail (404 yen).

4. Documents proving possession of a Japanese qualification

Documents proving that the applicant holds one of the qualifications listed in List of Applicable Qualifications above (copy of license, certificate, etc.).


Application for Change of Status of Residence

This application is for those currently residing in Japan under a different visa status who wish to change to the Legal/Accounting Services visa status.

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, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for those under 16 years old.

3. Passport and Residence Card

For presentation (if unable to present a passport, a written statement explaining the reason).

4. Documents proving possession of a Japanese qualification

Documents proving that the applicant holds one of the qualifications listed in List of Applicable Qualifications above (copy of license, certificate, etc.).


Application for Extension of Period of Stay

This application is for those currently residing in Japan under the Legal/Accounting Services visa status who wish to extend their 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, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.

3. Passport and Residence Card


Need to apply for or change your status of residence in Japan?

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