Useful Columns

Stricter requirements for business and management visas on October 16, 2025 will pose a major challenge for foreign entrepreneurs. The hurdles will be raised dramatically: capital will be raised from 5 million yen to 30 million yen, the hiring of full-time staff and the qualifications (experience and education) of managers will become mandatory, and so on. However...

Hiring foreign workers has great advantages in solving labor shortages and promoting the internationalization of companies. However, companies hiring foreign workers for the first time should pay particular attention to two points that differ from hiring Japanese workers: compliance with the Immigration Control Act and strict adherence to the Labor Standards Act...

1. Introduction: The Increase in the Number of International Students and the "Family" Perspective In recent years, the number of international students studying at Japanese language schools in Japan has been on the increase. People from diverse backgrounds, from young people to working adults, aim to enter a Japanese university or vocational school or to find a job, and Japan is the first step...

1. Introduction: Importance of Applying for a Status of Residence (Visa) in the Ancient Capital of Kyoto Kyoto Kyoto is world-famous as a tourist destination, but in recent years, with the advance of foreign companies and the concentration of international universities and research institutes, many foreigners have made Kyoto their base for living, working, and studying. The foundation of life in Japan is the "bi...

Introduction: The Light and Shadow of Foreign Employment In Japan, where labor shortages are becoming increasingly serious, hiring foreign personnel is essential for corporate growth. However, there are legal and practical risks involved in hiring non-Japanese employees that are different from those involved in hiring Japanese employees. The work visa system is a...

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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 Resident Visa (Status of Residence: Family Residency...

💰 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 factor 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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

⏳ 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...

Some of you who are currently working under the "Specified Technical Skills 1" status may be considering changing your status of residence to "Technical/Humanities/International Services" ("Gijinkoku") in the future. In this issue, we will discuss the change of status of residence from Tokutei Gijutsu 1 to Gijinkoku...

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...?