Useful Columns

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...?

The demand for foreign part-time workers, particularly in the convenience store, restaurant, and logistics industries, is increasing every year. While this contributes to the labor shortage, there is also a risk that companies may be charged with encouraging illegal employment if they fail to check the status of residence. How many hours per week can a foreign student work? What is the "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence..."?

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...

In recent years, an increasing number of companies have been hiring foreign nationals as full-time employees in response to labor shortages and globalization in Japan. Especially in fields such as IT, trade, tourism, and food & beverage, it is not uncommon for the hiring of foreign employees to be directly linked to corporate growth. However, hiring foreign nationals as regular employees...

The requirements for the Business/Management visa will be revised. The minimum capital requirement will be raised to 30 million yen or more, six times the current amount. In addition, the employment of at least one full-time employee wil...

Introduction When applying for naturalization, the applicant's living conditions and eligibility are strictly checked through interviews and examination of submitted documents at the Legal Affairs Bureau. The most important of these checks is the applicant's "Japanese language ability. After naturalization, the applicant will live as a Japanese citizen, so daily life and social...

Introduction Foreign students who have graduated from a Japanese university or vocational school need to apply for a change of status of residence to "Technical/Humanities/International Business" (so-called "Employment Visa") in order to find a job in Japan. However, did you know that in recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases where applications have been denied? This co...

Introduction In recent years, there has been a growing shortage of human resources in the field of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Especially in the manufacturing, nursing care, and lodging industries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure the human resources needed by domestic job seekers alone. Under such circumstances, the acceptance of "specified skilled foreigners" is a means of securing human resources who can work immediately...

  Video Explanation Amid the continuing labor shortage, the system for accepting foreign human resources is undergoing major changes. The new system is intended to "train workers in the workplace and bring them up to the level of specific skills" and is positioned as a replacement or successor to the existing technical internship system....

From 2025 onward, the Japanese government is considering raising the minimum capital requirement for the Business Manager Visa from 5 million yen to 30 Before this significant change takes effect, now is the best timing to es...

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...