Application for extension of period of stay - application process, required documents, etc.

What is an application for renewal of a period of stay?

If you intend to continue your stay after the current period of stay with your current status of residence, please contact us by the date of your period of stay.Period of stay renewal permission application procedureMust be done.

▼ Timing of application

If your period of stay is 6 months or more, you can basically apply from 3 months before your period of stay expires.
Companies that employ foreigners should manage their period of stay and prepare documents early so that they can apply three months before their period of stay.

If the period of stay is not extended or changed, the foreign national willIllegal stayA heavy penalty will be imposed.
Also, companiesIllegal employment promotion crimeasked,Imprisonment of up to 3 years / Fine of up to 300 million yenWill be imposed.

If your application for renewal is accepted by the expiration date of your period of stay, you will not be immediately illegally resident even if your period of stay expires before your permission is granted.

▼ Special period - If the period of stay expires during the examination -

If you are applying for permission to extend your period of stay and the disposition of your application is not completed by the expiry date of your period of stay,when the disposition is madeor sending us a message onWhen the period of stay ends on the day two months have passed since the expiration dateYou can continue to reside in Japan with your previous status of residence until whichever comes first.

For further information, please read Apply for extension of period of stay<Immigration Bureau of Japan>Please refer to the page.

Flow of application for permission to renew the period of stay and necessary documents

▼ When renewing the period of stay (if there are no changes)

Flow from application to permission

1. ① Submit the required documents to the Immigration Bureau of Japan (hereinafter referred to as immigration)
2. ② After application, if there is no problem, you will receive a postcard from the Immigration Bureau.
3. ③ The person or the agent brings the following documents to the Immigration Bureau
   
   • ・ Postcards received from the Immigration Bureau
   • ・ Application acceptance slip (received when applying for renewal permission)
   • ・ Passport (original)
   • ・ Residence card (original)
   • ・ Fee payment slip (attached 4,000 yen revenue stamp)
4. ④ Receive a new residence card and complete the renewal procedure

Required documents

The documents required for application are as follows.

• ■ Application (Application for permission to renew the period of stay)
  　Can be downloaded from here<Immigration Bureau of Japan>
  　* The application form to be used differs depending on the status of residence (purpose of residence).
  　* If you have a Japanese spouse or a Japanese-American spouse, you will need an identity guarantee.
• ■ One photo of the applicant (attached to the application form)
• ■ Materials according to the content of activities in Japan
  　* Because it depends on the status of residence, please seeImmigration Bureau of Japan pageSee
• ■ Residence card (presentation)
  　* Including Alien Registration Card
  　* If someone other than the person applies, show a copy of the residence card.
• ■ Passport or Certificate of Residence (presentation)
  　* If you cannot show your passport or certificate of residence, you will need a written reason stating the reason.
• ■ Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted (only if presented and issued)
• ■ Presentation of documents proving your identity (only when the agent submits the application)

Applicant

Local Immigration Bureau of Japan that has jurisdiction over the place of residence

Applicant

In principle, the person himself (legal agents and agents can also apply)

Cost (fee)

Revenue stamp 4,000 yen (only when the application is approved)
* A separate request fee is required when requesting an agent.

Examination period (standard)

2 weeks to 1 month

Date of the application

Before the expiration date of the period of stay
If you have a period of stay of 6 months or more, you can apply from approximately 3 months before your period of stay expires.
However, if special circumstances such as hospitalization or long-term business trip are recognized, the application may be accepted from 3 months or more in advance.

▼ If it is necessary to change the status of residence (if there are any changes)

When changing from the current status of residence to a different status of residence, please refer to "Apply for change of status of residenceIs required.
In the case of a work visa, you can apply for the "Apply for change of status of residenceIs required.
If you change jobs, you will be examined for the work content and salary at your new place of employment.

Apply for change of status of residence<Immigration Bureau of Japan>

FAQ

What if I get disapproved?

You will have to reapply or return to Japan and get a visa again to come to Japan.
Please contact us as it depends on your status of residence, period of stay and other circumstances.

Can I renew my status of residence overseas?

If you wish to renew your residence status, please apply to the local immigration office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Therefore, it cannot be applied for or issued outside of Japan.
When renewing the status of residence, the foreigner applying must return to Japan. Even if you ask someone else, such as an administrative scrivener, to apply on your behalf, the applicant must be present in Japan at the time of application.

Other information

▼About updating “Short-term stay”

As a general rule, renewal of the period of stay pertaining to the status of residence "Short-term stay" is permitted only when there are truly unavoidable humanitarian circumstances or special circumstances equivalent thereto.
This is the case, for example, when you need to be treated for an illness.

For more information,Immigration Control Agency

▼ About the online procedure for applying for residence

From March 2020, the online residence application procedure has started.
Some procedures can be done online.
However, online application is not available to foreigners themselves, and can only be used by the staff of the institution to which they belong and the application agent who received a request from the institution to which they belong.
In addition, it is necessary to apply for use and obtain approval in advance.

For more information,Online procedure for residence applicationPlease refer to.