Useful Columns

Attracting foreign entrepreneurs and highly specialized human resources is key to revitalizing local economies. However, there is a major barrier that cannot be avoided in order for the government to maximize their potential. That is the "management and...

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For foreign entrepreneurs aiming to establish and manage a business in Japan, obtaining the "Business Manager" Visa (Status of Residence) is the crucial However, with the revisions implemented on October 16, 2025, the permit ...

Audio Commentary If you wish to work in Japan from April 1, 2026, it is recommended that you submit an application for change of status from "College Student" to "Work" (mainly "Technical/Humanities/International Services" or "Research") between December 1, 2025 and the end of January 2026. ⚠️ Early Application for...

If you're a foreigner looking to obtain Japan's "Business/Management" visa (also known as the Business Manager Visa), there have been significant These changes, implemented on October 16, 2025, aim to...

The status of residence "Management/Administration" is applicable to foreign nationals who start a business in Japan or engage in management/administration of an existing business. The following basic requirements must be met for this status to be granted. - Substantial participation in management: ...

As of November 2025, the "Digital Nomad Visa" (official name yet to be determined), which is said to be almost on track within the government and ruling party, is expected to be introduced in the spring and summer of 2026. This is a groundbreaking visa that will allow people to work remotely in Japan, which is prohibited under a tourist visa. As of this writing, the following information is known...

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. ...

The "Information and Strategy Gap" Behind the Generous Support While Kyoto Prefecture's startup visa support has a generous accompaniment system oriented toward economic growth, it also faces two significant structural and strategic challenges that threaten the sustainability of Kyoto as a historical city and the ultimate certainty of success for applicants...

1. Why Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Face Foreign Cases Now The number of foreign residents in 2024 will be approximately 3.4 million (according to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Agency), a record high. Since the revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (2019), applications for status of residence such as specified skills, technology, humanities, international services, and family stay have increased rapidly, and foreign ...

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...?