Useful Columns

When hiring foreign personnel or proceeding with your own residence status procedures, "Should I hire an administrative scrivener or do it myself? You may be torn between wanting to keep costs down and wanting to avoid the risk of disapproval. In this column, we will discuss...

Hiring talented international students as new graduates is an important way to increase a company's competitiveness in this age of globalization. However, after making a job offer, many companies face the obstacle of "visa status change procedures. From a "College Student" visa to a "Corporate Worker" visa...

The "Technical/Humanities/International Business Visa" (hereinafter referred to as "Gijinkoku Visa") is the most commonly used status of residence for foreign nationals to work in Japan. However, while the number of applications for this visa is high, the number of denied applications is also increasing, and the screening process is becoming stricter every year. The "visa" status is most commonly used by foreign nationals to work in Japan.

Introduction: The reality of the "permission rate of about 601 TP3T". Permanent residence application should aim for "perfection. Permanent residence permit (Permanent Resident Visa) is the most valuable residence status to permanently solidify the foundation of your life in Japan. However, the permission rate is in the 40% to 60% range, depending on the region, according to official statistics....

Introduction: Why is the "Spouse Visa" Screening Process so Strict? A "spouse visa" is required for a foreign partner married to a Japanese national to live in Japan. The procedure itself may seem simple, but this visa is not the same as other work visas and...

Introduction: Why should you hurry to "apply for renewal" now? Renewal of status of residence is one of the most familiar and important procedures for foreign nationals working in Japan. However, there is an "optimal time to apply" for this procedure. Especially in November, before the year-end and New Year holidays, and also in the spring of next year, the Immigration Bureau's big...

Applying for a Status of Residence (Visa) in Japan can be a significant hurdle for foreign nationals and companies hiring foreigners for the first time. This is mainly due to the sheer volume of application documents, the complexity of t...

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...

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...

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. ...

Residence Management to be Digitally Accelerated on June 14, 2026The "Specified Residence Card" is finally set to begin operation on June 14, 2026 (counter acceptance from June 15). This card will combine the functions of the existing "Residence Card" and "My Number Card" into a single card. Voluntary acquisition: Not mandatory for all, but for those who wish...

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...

Good news for foreign residents living in Japan and companies that employ foreigners! The "Residence Card" and the "My Number Card," which have previously been bulky and separate in your wallets, can now be combined into a single card. It's called the "Tokutei Zairyu Card." Starting June 2026...

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....

⏳ 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...

Applying for a permanent residence permit through the Highly Specialized Professional (HSP) points system is a very powerful route that can significantly shorten the normal "10 years of residence" requirement. However, in preparing the application, there are points that should be carefully considered, such as the choice of the competent authority that will conduct the examination and the timing of the career change...

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...

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...