Useful Columns

  Video Explanation Hiring foreign personnel is a great opportunity for the growth of a company. However, visa (status of residence) procedures after hiring are complex, and it tends to be a heavy burden for employers to handle by themselves. Therefore, it is best to ask a specialized administrative scrivener for help, but "there are too many...

  Video Explanation: Growing Interest in Hiring Foreign Nationals and a Message to Help Those Concerned for the First Time In recent years, the utilization of foreign human resources is becoming an essential element of corporate growth strategies as the domestic workforce declines. The video explains how to start hiring foreigners and how to get started.

Introduction: The Impact of "Changes" During the Application for Naturalization The application for naturalization, which is the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship, can take as long as one to one and a half years from the time of application to the time of approval. During this period, changes related to occupation or income, such as "I want to change to a company with better conditions" or "I had to leave my job...

  Video Explanation The requirements for obtaining or renewing a "Management/Administration Visa," a status of residence in Japan, will become much stricter with the revision of the ministerial ordinance to come into effect on October 16, 2025. Especially for foreign business owners who already have a "Management/Administration Visa", the situation of not being approved for the next renewal will be...

  Video Explanation (English version) Major Revisions 1 Employment of Full-Time Employees The applicant is required to employ one or more full-time employees at the company, etc. operated by the applicant.　(Note) "Full-time employee" includes Japanese nationals, special permanent residents, and foreign nationals residing with the status of residence in Appended Table 2 of the Act ("...

The "Specified Technical Skills" residence status, established in April 2019, is a system that enables the acceptance of foreigners in fields where there is a serious shortage of labor. Registered support agencies play an extremely important role in the smooth operation of this system and in ensuring that foreign nationals with specified skills can live and work in Japan with peace of mind.   Movement...

The employment of specified skilled foreign nationals is a very effective means for companies suffering from labor shortages. However, the procedures for accepting foreign nationals and establishing a support system after employment involve complex knowledge and effort. Therefore, among administrative scriveners, who are professionals in the application for status of residence, further...

The "Food Service Industry" category is a residence status that allows foreign nationals to perform a wide range of work in the food service industry in order to compensate for Japan's serious labor shortage. Under working conditions and wages equivalent to or better than those of Japanese nationals, foreign nationals are expected to be able to work immediately.   Explanation with video 1.

The Specified Skill System is a residence qualification for accepting foreign human resources who can make an immediate contribution in industrial fields where it is difficult to secure human resources in Japan. Companies (host organizations) that employ foreign personnel with specified skills in the building cleaning field are required to meet the requirements according to the characteristics of the field and the...

  Video Explanation The long-running technical internship system is scheduled to be abolished and shifted to a new residency status, the "Training and Employment System," by 2027. This is not a mere change in the name of the system. It means a fundamental shift in the purpose of the system from "international contribution" to "human resource development and securing...

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...?