Useful Columns

The job of an administrative scrivener is to prepare documents, submit them to government offices, and obtain "permission. However, what we at Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Alex International Office truly value is how we can be there for "the dawn of each individual's life" beyond that process. The other day, I was at a ca...

Starting a business in Kyoto means more than just pursuing profits for a single company. It means to be a part of the grand story of passing on to the next generation the "beauty of Japan" that has been preserved over the millennia. Today, many foreign entrepreneurs are attracted to Kyoto, while...

Since the October 2025 revision, the term "business sustainability" has been treated more seriously than ever before in immigration inspections. In this article, we will discuss how to avoid denial of visa application based on the latest screening trends in 2026....

Job change is an unavoidable theme in the employment of foreign nationals with specific skills. Supporting foreigners who are seeking career advancement or improved conditions to follow the appropriate procedures will not only prevent problems, but will also help build confidence in the Japanese labor market as a whole. 1. the "field" barrier: the same...

If we wait for the new system to take effect, the tradition will cease to exist. Current issue: While waiting for the new system to take effect, skilled craftsmen are pulling...

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...

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...

The nature of Japan's program to promote entrepreneurial activities by foreign nationals has undergone a major transformation since its last revision in October 2025. The former "grace period for preparation for starting a business" is no longer applicable. Investors should pay close attention to the fact that the Japanese government, through this public notice, has effectively created a "management...

When applying for a status of residence (visa), many people are most concerned about how long it will take to examine their application. The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Agency (Immigration Bureau) sets a standard "target number of days for examination" for each application. However, in practice, it is not always...

With the Kyoto gubernatorial election coming up in the spring, we would like to make a strong appeal for a major reorganization of the "support system for foreign entrepreneurial activities" for the sustainable development of Kyoto. Currently, many foreign entrepreneurs are attracted to Kyoto, but are confronted with complex visa systems and administrative barriers. In order to break through this current situation, a mere window...

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...?