Religious visa

What is a religious visa?

A religious visa is a visa relating to missionary work and other religious activities conducted by religious workers dispatched to Japan by foreign religious groups.
Specifically, it is a visa required for religious activities in Japan, such as monks, bishops, priests, evangelists, pastors, monks, priests, etc dispatched by foreign religious organizations.

Requirements for obtaining a religious visa

A religious visa is sent to Japan by a foreign religious organization to conduct religious activities and corresponds to a case where a religious doctor aims to conduct missionary work in Japan.

1. A foreign religious group does not necessarily have to be the headquarters of a particular denomination.
   Even if you are invited to a religious group headquartered in Japan, the applicant is currently belonging to a foreign religious group (whether or not you have a direct relationship with a religious group in Japan), In addition, if you have received a letter of recommendation or a letter of recommendation from the relevant organization, it will be a person dispatched from a foreign religious organization.
2. Even in the case of conducting activities of language education, medicine, social projects as well as missions, if these are done as part of missionary work etc. based on the instructions of the affiliated religious organization, and are done without compensation Are recognized as religious activities.
   ※ When you do receive with compensation, you need permission for activities outside your status.
3. Even a religious activity, the content of which violates national laws or harm the public welfare must not be.

Notes on religious visa application

In order to obtain a religious visa, it is difficult to obtain a visa without sufficiently demonstrating in writing that you have the above requirements.
For foreign visitors residing in Japan, in principle, the applicant himself must visit the regional immigration bureau (immigration office, branch office, branch office), etc. and submit documents such as application etc. Hmm.
Religious visas can be obtained for 3 years or 1 year.

Application flow

1. Prepare application documents and other necessary documents.

1. ① Application documents and attached documents
2. ② Picture (Vertical 4 cm × Width 3 cm) 1 Leaves
   　　※ Captured from the front within 3 months before application, sharp with no background.
   　　Please describe the name of the applicant on the back of the photo and paste it in the photo column of the application form.
3. ③ Other
   

   [Application for Certificate of Eligibility]

   • ・ Response envelope (one with a 392 yen postage stamp (for simple registered mail) after stating the address on a standard envelope)

   【Application for permission to change status of residence and application for renewal of period of stay】

   • · Present passport and residence card
   • · Postcard (write address and name)

2. Apply to the Immigration Bureau

Submit the above documents.

3. Notification of results

An envelope or postcard delivered to the Immigration Bureau at the time of application will receive notification of the result.

4. Procedures at the Immigration Bureau

[Application for Certificate of Eligibility]

You do not need.

【Application for permission to change status of residence and application for renewal of period of stay】

Go to Immigration Bureau, purchase revenue stamps and sign a receipt.

Religious visa category

Religious visas are not particularly categorized.

Attachment documents necessary for application

[Application for Certificate of Eligibility]

1. Document proving the dispatch period, status, and remuneration from the dispatching organization (one of ① to ④)

1. ① Documents to clarify the outline of dispatching organizations and host institutions
2. ② Documents certifying the position and work experience as a religionist
3. ③ Materials to clarify the achievements on artistic activities
4. ④ A copy of dispatch letters etc from foreign religious organizations

2. Documents clarifying the outline of the sending organization and receiving organization (one of ① to ②)

1. ① To clarify the outline of the information by foreign religious group guides etc.
2. ② Those which clarify the outline by the guidance letter etc of the host institution

3. Documents proving your status and work history as a religious person

1. ① A certificate or the like from a temporary agency etc. to certify the applicant's position as a religious owner or employment history
   　* It is not necessary when it is stated in a dispatch letter etc.

【Application for permission to change status of residence】

1. Document proving the dispatch period, status, and remuneration from the dispatching organization (one of ① to ④)

1. ① Documents to clarify the outline of dispatching organizations and host institutions
2. ② Documents certifying the position and work experience as a religionist
3. ③ Materials to clarify the achievements on artistic activities
4. ④ A copy of dispatch letters etc from foreign religious organizations

2. Documents clarifying the outline of the sending organization and receiving organization (one of ① to ②)

1. ① To clarify the outline of the information by foreign religious group guides etc.
2. ② Those which clarify the outline by the guidance letter etc of the host institution

3. Documents proving your status and work history as a religious person

1. ① A certificate or the like from a temporary agency etc. to certify the applicant's position as a religious owner or employment history
   　* It is not necessary when it is stated in a dispatch letter etc.

【Application for extension period application period】

1. Documents certifying the continuation of the dispatch from the sending agency, such as a copy of the letter of dispatch from a foreign religious organization

2. One copy each of resident tax taxation (or tax exemption) certificate and tax payment certificate (one year's total income and tax payment status)

Points to note when preparing application documents

1. 1. Please submit all certificates issued in Japan within the period of 3 months from issue date.
2. 2. If the documents to be submitted are in foreign languages, please attach a translation.