LEGAL PROCEDURES FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS

Necessary Procedures to Stay in Japan

A visa which is required of the citizens of many foreign countries to enter Japan is issued by a Japanese embassy or a consular office in their respective countries. The Status of Residence is determined when foreign nationals enter Japan. The duration of their period of stay is also determined according to the status of residence granted by Immigration. The activities you can enter into during your stay in our country are limited by your status of residence. When you wish to engage in an activity which is not allowed by your current status of residence, you are required to apply to the Immigration Office for permission. Unlawful acts may results in deportation.

Please contact an Immigration Office for further information about permission for permanent residence in Japan. Here, major procedures for staying in Japan are described. All procedures should be carried out by the applicants themselves at their local Immigration Office. Please bring your passport and Certificate of Non-Japanese Registration when you report to the office for application.

The fees vary according to the type of procedures and should be paid by revenue stamps instead of cash. It may take some time to complete the procedures.

Permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence
Permission to change status of residence
Permission to extend period of stay
Acquisition of status of residence
Permission for reentry

Permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence

This is an application for permission to engage temporarily or secondarily in an activity which is not permitted under your status of residence.

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Permission to change status of residence

You need to apply to change your status of residence when you want to engage in a new activity not permitted under your current status of residence. An application made by a short-term such as a tourist can not be granted except in special circumstances. For application, a guarantor and a letter of guarantee are required.

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Permission to extend period of stay

This permission is necessary when you want to stay in Japan beyond the authorized period of stay under the same status of residence. A guarantor and a letter of guarantee are required. The application may be rejected unless reasonable grounds are submitted.

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Acquisition of status of residence

A foreign national born in Japan or a person who has renounced (or lost) their Japanese nationality is required to acquire status of residence within 30 days after the person's birth or renouncement of Japanese nationality except when they are planning to leave Japan within 60 days. In the case of an application for a baby born in Japan, the parents are required to submit the application for their baby.

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Permission for reentry

When you wish to leave temporarily and reenter Japan within your authorized period of stay, you must obtain permission for reentry before you leave Japan. You may apply for either a single or multiple reentry permit. The reentry permit is valid unless its duration exceeds your authorized period of stay in Japan. It is valid for approximately one-year from the day of issue.

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more about visa

If you have any questions on any of these procedures, please feel free to contact city's Citizen's Affairs Section or the International Affairs Office of the Mayor's Office

| Non-Japanese Registration | Report of Birth and Report of Death |