Guide to Statuses of Residence
Understanding the system is the first step toward peace of mind. We explain the basics in an easy-to-understand way.
Visa vs. Status of Residence: The COE and Residence Card
A visa is a document obtained overseas before entry; a status of residence is a category indicating the activities or status permitted in Japan. This article explains the process from a Certificate of Eligibility to landing permission and a residence card, as well as how application offices and supporting documents differ before and after coming to Japan.
Renewing or Changing Status of Residence: Deadlines, Documents and Fees
Renewing your period of stay to continue under the same Status of Residence and changing your Status of Residence to match your activities have different application timelines and required documents. Check the deadline for applying, the conditions for the special period, current fees for in-person and online applications, and the estimated processing time, and prepare well in advance.
Specified Skilled Worker & Registered Support Organizations: Hiring and Support
For businesses hiring foreign nationals under the Specified Skilled Worker status, this guide explains the differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii), acceptance requirements, and the 10 mandatory support items. Find out about the responsibilities that remain with the business even when it outsources support to a Registered Support Organization, examples of application documents, how to compare support cost estimates, and the process from hiring through post-employment notifications.
Hiring Foreign Nationals: Residence Cards, Work Authorization and Notifications
Learn about checking residence cards, Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted, Designation Forms, and whether job duties are appropriate before hiring foreign nationals. This guide covers applications related to international students’ employment, documents to be prepared by companies, and how to set employment conditions, as well as the differences between notifications to Immigration Services and Hello Work and their deadlines.
Systems and their operation may change. Articles provide general explanations and are not determinations for individual cases. Please check the latest information from official sources.
Choosing a Residence Status and Checking Required Documents
Check where to obtain documents and how to prepare your application in our specialized guides to permanent residence, naturalization, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Specified Skilled Worker, Entertainer, and other categories.
Go to the required-documents guide by status of residence