Useful Columns

Obtaining or renewing a status of residence (visa) is an indispensable procedure for small and medium-sized companies that accept foreign personnel. However, since the Immigration Control Act is frequently revised and the required documents are complex, it is common to ask an expert administrative scrivener to handle the process. Here, we will introduce you to some of the administrative scriveners in Kyoto who specialize in foreigner visa applications....

This column, from the perspective of an administrative scrivener firm specializing in applications for status of residence, organizes the practical points to keep in mind when hiring foreigners through a Vietnamese recruitment agency (hereinafter referred to as "Vietnamese recruitment agency") in chronological order: before hiring, during contract, during application for status of residence, and after employment. Internal sharing and practical che...

  Audio commentary Japan Considering Raising Capital Requirement for Business Manager Visa to 3 Million Yen The Immigration Services Agency of Japan is reportedly considering a significant change to the Business Manager visa. Under the c...

✅ What is naturalization? --Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national becomes a Japanese citizen. Once naturalization is granted, you will have the same rights and obligations as a Japanese national, and you will be issued a Japanese passport. ✅ Reasons why applications for naturalization are increasing Recently, the following...

Many foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan are highly specialized professionals who have completed master's or doctoral programs. In order to hire them, we would like to make use of the "advanced professional visa" (commonly known as the "advanced human resources visa"). In this article, we will provide an overview of the "advanced professional visa" and how to...

　It is a waste to say “I am not good at Japanese = not hired". There is a way to make your career successful. Many employers are concerned about hiring a foreigner who does not speak Japanese well. We hear such concerns from many employers. But in fact**, there are many foreigners who can play an active role even if their Japanese is not perfect....

　Who does the visa application?“ - Actually, the cooperation of the company is essential. One of the most common questions we receive from people in charge of companies wishing to hire foreigners is, ”Isn't it up to the person himself/herself to apply for the status of residence? In reality, it is the foreigner himself/herself who must do all the work. In reality, even if the foreigner himself/herself is the "applicant," the...

💬To companies considering hiring foreigners, "I was referred to you by an employment agency, but is it safe to hire you as is?" Please read this article before you have such concerns. 🛑 It is dangerous to leave the job to a foreign recruitment agency! Even the personnel introduced by an introduction agency may not necessarily be approved for a status of residence...

Be careful of the mismatch between the status of residence and the nature of the work! Many companies that want to hire a foreigner are first confronted with this question: “Can this foreigner really work for us? In conclusion, it is not enough to just say ”I want them to work for us", but it is also necessary to ...

The restaurant industry continues to face a serious labor shortage. One solution that is attracting attention is the employment of "specified skilled foreign nationals. However, accepting specified skilled personnel requires complex procedures and systematic schedule management. In this article, we will discuss the procedures from recruitment planning to the start of work...

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...