Useful Columns

  Audio commentary (in English) For foreigners who aim to start a business or manage a company in Japan from overseas, obtaining the "Business Manager" is the first and most crucial step. For foreigners who aim to start a business or manage a company in Japan from overseas, obtaining the "Business Manager" Status of Residence (Visa) is the first and most crucial step.

  Explanatory Video Obtaining a "Management/Administration" status of residence (visa) is the first and most important step for foreigners from overseas who wish to start or manage a business in Japan (Kyoto). This procedure requires a high level of expertise and detailed documentation of the company's business plan and financial base...

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  Please watch the explanatory video Excerpts only of the important changes Revision of Status of Residence "Management/Administration" in Japan: Important Notice to Foreign Entrepreneurs (Effective October 16, 2025) ...

  Video Commentary As the number of foreign hires increases, visa (status of residence) procedures are unavoidable. Depending on who is entrusted with this complex and specialized procedure, the speed and success rate of recruitment activities can vary greatly. In conclusion, visa procedures for foreign employees should be handled by a company's residence...

  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...

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...