Useful Columns

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 Visa (Status of Residence: Family Visa)"...

💰 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 thing 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...

Introduction: The "Support Plan" that determines the success or failure of the Specified Skill System The Specified Skill System is an important mechanism to provide foreign human resources with stable employment opportunities in Japan and to secure human resources that can be immediately effective for companies. Under this system, a company (organization with specified skills) or registered support organization prepares...

🔑 1. Introduction: What is the core of the work visa examination? When applying for a work visa (status of residence: "Engineer/Humanities/International Services," etc.), which is necessary to work in Japan, the most important and most likely cause of denial is that "the applicant's educational and professional background" and "the nature of work to be engaged in" are compatible...

📈 1. Introduction: Why is the Management and Administration Visa System Changing Now? The "Management/Administration Visa" (status of residence) is required for foreigners who establish and manage a business in Japan. While the purpose is to stimulate the Japanese economy, the system is constantly being tightened to prevent fraudulent applications by paper companies...

  Audio Commentary On October 16, 2025, the Japanese government made significant revisions to the criteria for granting the "Management and Administration" status of residence. The revision is intended to promote genuine business activities by making visa requirements for foreign entrepreneurs and managers more stringent. Based on the official guidelines of the Immigration...

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...

One of the most attractive residence statuses for talented foreign human resources working in Japan is the "advanced professional visa. Compared to other general work visas such as the "Technical/Humanities/International Services" visa, the "Highly Specialized Worker Visa" offers unparalleled preferential treatment, including a drastically shortened period of stay until permanent residence is granted. In this article, we will discuss the 2026...