Useful Columns

When companies hire foreign nationals, there are many cases where they run the risk of unintentionally contributing to illegal employment or getting involved in troubles related to status of residence. In this column, we will explain the "pitfalls of status of residence" that companies actually tend to fall into, with specific examples, and discuss how to avoid them....

In recent years, the employment of foreign workers in Japanese companies has been increasing, and they are active in a wide range of occupations in the manufacturing, restaurant, and IT sectors. However, even though the same laws apply to setting wages and managing salaries for foreign workers as for Japanese workers, hiring foreign workers without sufficient knowledge can lead to labor tra...

In order for a foreigner to work in Japan, he/she must obtain a "status of residence" (work visa). However, not just anyone can be granted a work visa, and academic background, work experience, and expertise are important points for examination. In this context, companies and applicants are often asked questions such as, "Do you speak Japanese...?

The demand for foreign part-time workers, particularly in the convenience store, restaurant, and logistics industries, is increasing every year. While this contributes to the labor shortage, there is also a risk that companies may be charged with encouraging illegal employment if they fail to check the status of residence. How many hours per week can a foreign student work? What is the "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence..."?

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...

In recent years, an increasing number of companies have been hiring foreign nationals as full-time employees in response to labor shortages and globalization in Japan. Especially in fields such as IT, trade, tourism, and food & beverage, it is not uncommon for the hiring of foreign employees to be directly linked to corporate growth. However, hiring foreign nationals as regular employees...

The requirements for the Business/Management visa will be revised. The minimum capital requirement will be raised to 30 million yen or more, six times the current amount. In addition, the employment of at least one full-time employee wil...

Introduction When applying for naturalization, the applicant's living conditions and eligibility are strictly checked through interviews and examination of submitted documents at the Legal Affairs Bureau. The most important of these checks is the applicant's "Japanese language ability. After naturalization, the applicant will live as a Japanese citizen, so daily life and social...

Introduction Foreign students who have graduated from a Japanese university or vocational school need to apply for a change of status of residence to "Technical/Humanities/International Business" (so-called "Employment Visa") in order to find a job in Japan. However, did you know that in recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases where applications have been denied? This co...

Introduction In recent years, there has been a growing shortage of human resources in the field of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Especially in the manufacturing, nursing care, and lodging industries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure the human resources needed by domestic job seekers alone. Under such circumstances, the acceptance of "specified skilled foreigners" is a means of securing human resources who can work immediately...

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....