Residence Status & Naturalization: Types and Documents
Live, work, and study in Japan. Check the procedures and documents to prepare for your purpose.
Organize your status and documents before applying.
Each guide explains who it applies to, the main requirements, examples of required documents and where to obtain them, the application process, and official reference sources. Application destinations and required materials vary by procedure.
Permanent Residence Permission
For permanent residence permission, the authorities check not only how long you have lived in Japan, but also whether your livelihood is stable and you have fulfilled your public obligations. Requirements and supporting documents vary depending on your current status of residence, family relationships, and application date, so first identify the application category that applies to you.
Systems, required documents, and application processNationality / NaturalizationNaturalization Application
Naturalization is a procedure by which a foreign national acquires Japanese nationality with the permission of the Minister of Justice. It is not an application for recognition, change, or extension of a status of residence. Begin by checking the requirements and documents that apply to you with the Legal Affairs Bureau that has jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Systems, required documents, and application processActivities / EmploymentDesignated Activities
For Designated Activities, the activities permitted can differ from person to person even when the status of residence has the same name. First check the type of activity and the designation form, then prepare documents appropriate to that activity and application procedure.
Systems, required documents, and application processActivities / EmploymentSpecified Skilled Worker (i) / Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
Specified Skilled Worker is a status of residence for foreign nationals with certain skills who work in industrial fields facing labor shortages. Check separately the skill levels and treatment of family members for (i) and (ii), the worker’s examination results, and the company’s employment terms.
Systems, required documents, and application processBusinesses / Support OrganizationsRegistered Support Organizations and outsourcing of support
A Registered Support Organization is an individual or organization engaged by a company employing a foreign national under Specified Skilled Worker (i) to provide life and employment support. It is not the person's visa. Prepare separately for the company's outsourcing of support and the support organization's own registration or renewal.
Systems, required documents, and application processActivities / EmploymentEngineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services is a status of residence for working under a contract with a Japanese organization, using specialized knowledge or skills based on foreign cultures. We check the actual work, the individual’s background, and the employer’s circumstances, and prepare documents suited to an application for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, or renewal.
Systems, required documents, and application processActivities / EmploymentEntertainer
The Entertainer status of residence is for foreign nationals engaging in performances, sports events, or other entertainment activities in Japan. The application criteria and required documents vary depending not only on the performance but also on the contractual party and venue requirements.
Systems, required documents, and application processActivities / EmploymentBusiness Manager
This is a status of residence for people who manage a business in Japan or work as a business manager. It cannot be obtained simply by establishing a company. Check the application type and how the revised criteria apply, and use documents to explain the business and the applicant’s qualifications.
Systems, required documents, and application processEducation / FamilyStudent
“Student” is the status of residence for studying at a school in Japan. Required documents vary not only by application type but also by the school category, the education provided, and how tuition and living expenses are covered. Work with your school to check the list of documents required for your circumstances.
Systems, required documents, and application processEducation / FamilyDependent
Dependent Status is a Status of Residence for the spouse or child of a foreign national residing in Japan who is supported by that person, allowing them to carry out daily activities. Check not only the family relationship but also the sponsor’s Status of Residence and evidence of financial support, and prepare documents appropriate to the type of application.
Systems, required documents, and application processPersonal Status / Permanent ResidenceSpouse or Child of Japanese National
This status of residence applies not only to the foreign spouse of a Japanese national, but also to foreign nationals born as children of Japanese nationals and those adopted through special adoption. First confirm the family relationship and type of application, then prepare proof of marriage or birth and documents explaining how living expenses in Japan will be covered.
Systems, required documents, and application processPersonal Status / Permanent ResidenceSpouse or Child of Permanent Resident
“Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” is a status of residence based on marriage to a permanent resident or special permanent resident, or the status of a child born in Japan. The matters to be confirmed differ for spouses and children. Prepare separately for a Certificate of Eligibility before entering Japan, a change of status of residence in Japan, or renewal of your current status.
Systems, required documents, and application processPersonal Status / Permanent ResidenceLong-Term Resident
Long-Term Resident is a status of residence that permits a person to live in Japan based on special grounds or their personal status. The circumstances and documents to be checked differ for people of Japanese descent, dependent children, and people seeking to stay after divorce. First, clarify the grounds for your application.
Systems, required documents, and application processActivities / EmploymentSkilled Labor (chefs, etc.)
A status of residence for chefs of foreign cuisine and other skilled cooks to work in Japan using their specialized skills. Check the experience requirements for each occupation and the actual duties involved, and prepare the applicant’s career documents separately from the employer’s documents.
Systems, required documents, and application processActivities / EmploymentNursing care
The “Nursing Care” status of residence is for people who hold the certified care worker qualification and provide nursing care or guidance on nursing care under a contract with an organization in Japan. Even when the work is the same, the qualification requirements and application documents differ from those for Specified Skilled Worker (i).
Systems, required documents, and application processActivities / EmploymentHighly Skilled Professional (i) and (ii)
Highly Skilled Professional is a status of residence for researchers, professionals, business managers, and others. Check not only your points but also your job duties and the requirements for the accepting organization, and prepare documents that match the type of application.
Systems, required documents, and application processThe documents listed are representative examples. Required materials vary depending on the type of application, such as an application for a Certificate of Eligibility, change, or extension, as well as your current status of residence, affiliated organization, nationality, and family relationships. Additional materials may be requested for individual cases.