Useful Columns

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 1. Introduction: To live together with your beloved family in Japan For foreign nationals working or studying in Japan, it is a sincere wish to bring their family (spouse/children) to Japan to live with them. This is made possible by the "Family Visa (Status of Residence: Family Visa)"...

💰 1. Introduction: How much of the visa application fee should I pay out-of-pocket? Visa (status of residence) applications ensure that you can live and work in Japan. In addition to the fee (actual cost) to be paid to the Immigration Bureau for the procedure itself, a separate fee is required if you request an administrative scrivener. Should I do it myself or ask a specialist?.

1. Introduction: Two Paths to a Future in Japan For foreigners who have lived in Japan for a long time, "naturalization" (acquisition of Japanese citizenship) and "permanent residence" (permanent resident visa) are two major goals to achieve stability in life. However, these two are similar but completely different systems, and choosing...

💍 1. Introduction: "Spouse Visa" protects your precious married life A "Spouse Visa" (Status of Residence: Spouse or Child of Japanese National/Permanent Resident) is required for a foreign national spouse to live stably in Japan after an international marriage. The most important thing in applying for this visa is that "their marriage is true and ...

⏳ 1. Introduction: Why is my visa application so slow? Many people spend anxious days wondering when they will be granted a visa (status of residence) after applying for one. The examination period at the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) is usually from one to three months, but some applicants may wait as long as six months...

Introduction: The "Support Plan" that determines the success or failure of the Specified Skill System The Specified Skill System is an important mechanism to provide foreign human resources with stable employment opportunities in Japan and to secure human resources that can be immediately effective for companies. Under this system, a company (organization with specified skills) or registered support organization prepares...

🔑 1. Introduction: What is the core of the work visa examination? When applying for a work visa (status of residence: "Engineer/Humanities/International Services," etc.), which is necessary to work in Japan, the most important and most likely cause of denial is that "the applicant's educational and professional background" and "the nature of work to be engaged in" are compatible...

📈 1. Introduction: Why is the Management and Administration Visa System Changing Now? The "Management/Administration Visa" (status of residence) is required for foreigners who establish and manage a business in Japan. While the purpose is to stimulate the Japanese economy, the system is constantly being tightened to prevent fraudulent applications by paper companies...

  Audio Commentary On October 16, 2025, the Japanese government made significant revisions to the criteria for granting the "Management and Administration" status of residence. The revision is intended to promote genuine business activities by making visa requirements for foreign entrepreneurs and managers more stringent. Based on the official guidelines of the Immigration...

  Audio commentary (in English) For foreigners who aim to start a business or manage a company in Japan from overseas, obtaining the "Business Manager" is the first and most crucial step. For foreigners who aim to start a business or manage a company in Japan from overseas, obtaining the "Business Manager" Status of Residence (Visa) is the first and most crucial step.

In recent years, an increasing number of companies are hiring foreign nationals as regular or contract employees. However, when hiring foreign employees, it is important not to forget about "visa (status of residence) renewal. If the employee does not renew his/her status of residence before it expires, he/she will be in Japan illegally, and the company will be...

Audio Commentary Dear Registered Support Organization, Under the revised Gyoseishoshi Law that will take effect on January 1, 2026, it will be clearly illegal to prepare documents for application for status of residence for specified skills for remuneration, no matter what the name of the act may be. ⚠️ Risk: If the cost of document preparation is included in the support outsourcing fee, etc., the illegal act...

As of November 2025, the Immigration Bureau is in the midst of a full-scale transition to IC cards for residence cards, and it has finally become clear that the transition will be complete by the end of 2026. The plastic card will be replaced by a new residence card with an IC chip equivalent to a My Number card. ...

The revised Administrative Scrivener Law will come into effect on January 1, 2026 (January 1, 2026). 1. point of revision: Requests to unqualified persons will be "not permitted under any name! Gyoseishoshi Scriveners are required to submit documents to government offices (e.g., applications for permission to open a restaurant, applications for status of residence for foreign residents, inheritance-related...

1. can i work even if my "period of stay" is still valid? Many foreign students and employers mistakenly believe that they can work until the expiration date of their residence card. The fact is: From the day you graduate from school (or are expelled from school), the "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence" associated with the "College Student" visa takes effect...

In the midst of a labor shortage due to the declining birthrate and aging population, foreign students are a valuable asset to the workforce. However, when hiring them, it is necessary to properly understand the rules specific to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act), which are not applicable to Japanese part-time workers. In particular, the "28-hour-per-week limit" is lenient...

Important: Effective October 16, 2025, the requirements for the "Management and Administration" visa have been significantly tightened. The conventional wisdom of "investment of 5 million yen" or "one-person start-up" no longer applies. October 16, 2025 will be a historic turning point for foreigners who wish to start a business in Japan...

We have received very important and urgent news for all of you in the food service industry. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Immigration and Residency Management Agency have announced the suspension of acceptance of Specified Technical Skills 1 in the food service industry. For businesses that have been planning to hire, this is an extremely important...

⏳ 1. Introduction: Why is my visa application so slow? Many people spend anxious days wondering when they will be granted a visa (status of residence) after applying for one. The examination period at the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) is usually from one to three months, but some applicants may wait as long as six months...

When renewing "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" status (Spouse Visa), the screening process tends to become stricter year by year, and particular attention should be paid to the following points. 1. stability and continuity of marital life Continuity of cohabitation: In principle, it is most important that the couple lives together and is substantially married....