Religious Activities - Required Documents
The Religious Activities status of residence is for religious workers dispatched to Japan by foreign religious organizations to engage in missionary work and other religious activities.
| Applicable activities | Missionary work and other religious activities performed by religious workers dispatched to Japan by foreign religious organizations |
|---|---|
| Period of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months |
Required Documents by Application Type
- Certificate of Eligibility Application (New)
- Change of Status of Residence Application
- Extension of Period of Stay Application
Important Notes Before Applying
- For questions about how to fill out application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- If your application is submitted with incomplete documents, the review may be significantly delayed or your application may be denied.
- 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 review process.
Certificate of Eligibility Application (New)
This application is for those who wish to newly enter Japan with the Religious Activities status of residence.
1. One copy of the Certificate of Eligibility application form
2. One photograph
4cm (height) x 3cm (width), taken within 6 months before 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. One return envelope
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and affix postage stamps for simplified registered mail (404 yen).
4. Dispatch certificate from the dispatching organization
A document certifying the period of dispatch, position, and remuneration from the dispatching organization, such as a copy of the letter of dispatch issued by the foreign religious organization.
5. Materials outlining the dispatching and receiving organizations
Materials describing the denomination, history, representative’s name, organizational structure, facilities, number of followers, etc.
6. Documents certifying the applicant’s status and career as a religious worker (if applicable)
Documents such as certificates issued by the dispatching organization that certify the applicant’s status and career as a religious worker. However, if the letter of dispatch in No. 4 above includes the applicant’s status and career as a religious worker, submission is not required.
Change of Status of Residence Application
This application is for those who are already residing in Japan with a different status of residence and wish to change to the Religious Activities status.
1. One copy of the Change of Status of Residence application form
2. One photograph
4cm (height) x 3cm (width), taken within 6 months, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for applicants under 16 years of age.
3. Passport and residence card
4. Dispatch certificate from the dispatching organization
A document certifying the period of dispatch, position, and remuneration from the dispatching organization, such as a copy of the letter of dispatch issued by the foreign religious organization.
5. Materials outlining the dispatching and receiving organizations
Materials describing the denomination, history, representative’s name, organizational structure, facilities, number of followers, etc.
6. Documents certifying the applicant’s status and career as a religious worker (if applicable)
Documents such as certificates issued by the dispatching organization that certify the applicant’s status and career as a religious worker. However, if the letter of dispatch in No. 4 above includes the applicant’s status and career as a religious worker, submission is not required.
Extension of Period of Stay Application
This application is for those who are already residing in Japan with the Religious Activities status of residence and wish to extend their period of stay.
1. One copy of the Extension of Period of Stay application form
2. One photograph
4cm (height) x 3cm (width), taken within 6 months, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for applicants under 16 years of age or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Passport and residence card
4. Materials outlining the dispatching and receiving organizations
Materials describing the denomination, history, representative’s name, organizational structure, facilities, number of followers, etc.
5. Resident tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate (if applicable)
Must show the total annual income and tax payment status. Issued by the ward office, city hall, or town/village office of the place of residence as of January 1. If the certificate shows both the total annual income and tax payment status (whether taxes have been paid), only one of the certificates needs to be submitted.
Reference Links
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