Useful Columns

We receive many inquiries from hotel and inn owners and cleaning companies about hiring foreign nationals with specified skills for guest room cleaning. In fact, when hiring foreign nationals with specific skills for room cleaning, there are two ways of hiring: one is to hire them in the "lodging field" and the other is to hire them in the "building cleaning field.

Seeking Young Visionaries for the Kyomachiya International Co-Creation Project Craft the next 100 years of Kyoto. Imagine opening a window to f...

In recent years, an increasing number of international students have entered Japanese schools with great aspirations. At the same time, however, there have been many cases of mental health problems due to a sense of isolation caused by language barriers and the inability to adjust to the unique group culture. In fact, when I myself was working for the Kyoto Prefectural Government, I was a JET program...

Under the Specified Skill System, receiving organizations and registered support organizations are required to submit a "notification" to report the status of activities and implementation of support for foreign nationals. This change is intended to improve the efficiency and transparency of the administrative work. 1. significant simplification of documents to be submitted With this rule change...

A short stay (90 days) is not enough time to experience the true charm of Japan. In response to such a request, the "Designated Activities" Notification No. 40 and No. 41 have been prepared. This system, commonly referred to as the "Long Stay Visa for the Affluent," is designed for those who deeply love Japan and want to spend a relaxing time...

While we work every day as professionals to support our clients' businesses and important procedures, we actually have an important responsibility that is as strictly required by the government as fulfilling our "confidentiality" obligation. We are also required by the Japanese government to comply with the "Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act...".

Unparalleled in Kyoto, we highly integrate "management consulting" and "obtaining status of residence". We are more than just an agent for administrative procedures. We provide a full support system to help you get your business in Japan off the ground.  Three Core Values...

Dear Municipal Officials, Thank you so much for your daily work in supporting startups. It is not the documents that you are stamping. It is the view of this city 10 years from now. Last October, the environment surrounding foreign entrepreneurs changed drastically. The examination requirements for the "Management/Administration" visa were substantially tightened...

The first major hurdle for foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in Japan is to obtain a "business administration visa. However, it is not enough to simply prepare the necessary documents. The Immigration Bureau's screening process is becoming stricter and stricter every year, and the continuity and stability of the business is strictly required. Therefore, a full-fledged application...

After establishing a company in Japan and getting your business off the ground, the next question you may be wondering is, "Can I live in Japan with my family or significant other? The status of residence "Management/Administration" is the foundation for business operations, and "Family Residency" is utilized when bringing your family over....

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...

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...