Useful Columns

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...

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...

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...