Useful Columns

The number of foreign workers in Japan continues to reach record highs. Among these, the "Specified Technical Skills" residence status is the one that is growing most vigorously. This system is not just a manpower shortage measure, but is fundamentally changing Japanese society and the way foreign workers' careers are structured. 1. "Tokutei...

Why don't you realize your business dreams in Kyoto, where beautiful history and innovation coexist? Starting a business in Japan as a foreigner requires many procedures. In particular, the requirements for the "Management/Administration" visa status are strict, and are expected to be further strengthened in the future. In this column, we will discuss how to start a business in Kyoto...

If a foreigner who married a Japanese national and stayed in Japan on a "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" visa unfortunately divorces, he/she faces the risk of losing his/her current visa and being unable to stay in Japan. In particular, if they are victims of domestic violence or highly dependent on their marital life, it is necessary to urgently change their status of residence to a stable status...

For foreign nationals working in Japan with a work visa (technical, humanities, international services, etc.), changing jobs is an opportunity for career advancement. However, if you fail to notify the Immigration Bureau when you change jobs, or if your new job description does not match your visa type, you may be denied your next visa renewal...

Renewal or change of status of residence is an essential procedure to continue to stay in Japan, but questions abound as to when one can apply and how long it will take for the examination to be completed. If you make a mistake in the timing of application, in the worst case scenario you will be overstayed (illegally staying in Japan), and your future stay in Japan...

A Family Resident Visa is required for foreign nationals working in Japan who wish to bring their spouse or children to Japan. However, in some cases, especially when the income of the dependent (working foreigner) is low or unstable, the Immigration Bureau may judge that the dependent "does not have the ability to support a family" and deny the visa...

The Highly Specialized Visa, established by the Japanese government to give preferential treatment to outstanding foreign nationals, offers significant advantages over regular visas (e.g., shorter time to apply for permanent residence). However, in order to enjoy these advantages, it is necessary to accurately understand and apply for the complicated point calculation system...

For foreigners with a stable foundation in Japan, a permanent residence permit (permanent residency) is one of their biggest goals. However, in recent years, the screening process for permanent residence has become increasingly rigorous, and checks regarding "fulfillment of official obligations" have become very strict. In this column, we will discuss the latest screening trends and how to obtain a permanent residence...

In Japan, where labor shortages are becoming increasingly serious, the specified skills program is an important means of securing foreign workers who can be immediately effective in the workforce. However, many companies may be puzzled by the requirements they must meet and the complexity of the procedures. In this column, we will discuss the requirements for companies that are considering accepting foreign nationals with specified skills....

For internationally married couples, obtaining a "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" (commonly known as a "Spouse Visa") is the first step toward a new life in Japan. However, the application requirements are strict, and there are many cases where the application is "denied" due to lack of preparation. In this column, we will discuss some of the most important points to keep in mind when applying for a spouse visa...

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...?