Useful Columns

ホテルや旅館の経営者様、および清掃業者様から「特定技能外国人を客室清掃で雇用したい」というご相談を多くいただきます。 実は、客室清掃で特定技能外国人を雇用する場合、「宿泊分野」として雇用する方法と、「ビルクリーニング分野」として雇用する方...

Seeking Young Visionaries for the Kyomachiya International Co-Creation Project Craft the next 100 years of Kyoto. Imagine opening a window to f...

For foreigners living in Japan and pursuing their dreams, visa procedures are more than just paperwork. It is the "foundation of life" that supports your life in Japan, and is the most important procedure that will affect your life. That is why we never allow any compromise in this process...

In recent years, an increasing number of international students have entered Japanese schools with great aspirations. At the same time, however, there have been many cases of mental health problems due to a sense of isolation caused by language barriers and the inability to adjust to the unique group culture. In fact, when I myself was working for the Kyoto Prefectural Government, I was a JET program...

Under the Specified Skill System, receiving organizations and registered support organizations are required to submit a "notification" to report the status of activities and implementation of support for foreign nationals. This change is intended to improve the efficiency and transparency of the administrative work. 1. significant simplification of documents to be submitted With this rule change...

In FY2026, Kyoto Prefecture's "Multicultural Conviviality" has moved from the idealistic phase to the "implementation" phase. As part of the recent reorganization, the "Office for the Promotion of a Multicultural Society" will be newly established in the Policy and Environment Department. This is to break away from the traditional stove-piped approach and establish a cross-departmental "command post"...

Walking through the streets of Kyoto, one can see people of diverse nationalities living and working in the city, and their roots are firmly planted in the city. We at Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Alex International Office are at the forefront of this kind of "symbiotic society". We are pleased to announce that Kyoto Prefecture has introduced a new policy for 2026...

A short stay (90 days) is not enough time to experience the true charm of Japan. In response to such a request, the "Designated Activities" Notification No. 40 and No. 41 have been prepared. This system, commonly referred to as the "Long Stay Visa for the Affluent," is designed for those who deeply love Japan and want to spend a relaxing time...

While we work every day as professionals to support our clients' businesses and important procedures, we actually have an important responsibility that is as strictly required by the government as fulfilling our "confidentiality" obligation. We are also required by the Japanese government to comply with the "Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act...".

Unparalleled in Kyoto, we highly integrate "management consulting" and "obtaining status of residence". We are more than just an agent for administrative procedures. We provide a full support system to help you get your business in Japan off the ground.  Three Core Values...

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....