Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

We will answer all the questions and consultations received from Climb, an administrative scrivener corporation, by item.

▼ General immigration

Will I be unable to work if my residence card expires after I apply for a visa?: If you apply for a visa renewal or change before your period of stay expires, you can stay in Japan for a special period of two months. For example, if you have a resident status in Japan for Engineers, you can continue working at your current company.
Could you please confirm when the screening results will be available at the Immigration Bureau?: You can check the status of the examination with the Immigration Bureau, but they cannot tell you when the examination results will be available. Even if you check with the Immigration Bureau about the status of your application, you will only receive responses such as ``The examination is in progress'' or ``The examination is in the final stages.''
I'm in Japan for a short stay. Can I change to medium- to long-term residence status?: It is not possible to change from a short-term stay to a medium- to long-term residence status such as a work visa. However, if the conditions are metApplying for Certificate of EligibilityYou can.
I am currently applying for refugee status on a specified activity visa, but can I change to another visa?: Yes, you can apply for a change if you meet the requirements for each visa (status of residence). However, whether or not you will be granted permission depends on the examination, and I believe that the approval rate is generally lower than for those who have not applied for refugee status.
My residence card had expired. What should I do? Also, can I apply for renewal?: First of all, please go directly to the nearest immigration office as soon as possible. Then, explain your circumstances and apply. If you apply mutatis mutandis to the special period and apply within two months after the expiration date, there is a good chance that you will be able to renew it.
I am an international student currently attending a Japanese language school. Can I quit school and apply for a work visa?: Yes, you can apply for a change if you meet the requirements for a work visa. However, if your status as an international student, such as your attendance rate, is poor, you may be refused permission.
I am currently attending a Japanese language school. I would like to change to a family stay, is that possible?: You can apply for a change depending on your spouse's residence status. For more information"Dependent visa - application process, conditions, required documents, etc."Please read the page.
I lost my residence card. Can it be reissued?: After reporting the lost item to the police, please go through the procedures for reissuance at the Immigration Bureau.
Can I apply for a visa at any immigration office?: In principle, the application should be made to the immigration office that has jurisdiction over the applicant's address (or for work visas, the immigration office that has jurisdiction over the location of the organization to which the applicant belongs).
Is translation required when submitting documents written in Vietnamese (university transcripts, etc.)?: Yes, you must attach a Japanese translation. Generally speaking, translation is not required for English and Chinese.
I moved during the screening process. Do I need to do anything?: Basically, a notification of moving in or moving out (including an endorsement on the residence card) at a government office is sufficient, but if you want to change the recipient of your new residence card, you will need to complete the procedure at the immigration office.
I would like to renew my visa early. When can I apply for visa renewal?: You can apply for visa renewal from three months before the expiration date of your current residence card. You cannot apply for renewal earlier than 3 months in advance.
I have dual Japanese and foreign nationality, but I do not have a Japanese passport. I want to return to Japan as a Japanese person, but is it okay to just use a foreign passport?: If you can confirm that you have Japanese nationality by presenting proof such as a copy of your family register that has not been issued for more than 6 months, you can return to Japan as a Japanese citizen.

▼ Technology/Humanities/International Affairs

My university major is liberal arts, but is it possible to work in IT?: It is best if there is a connection between your major and the type of job you will be engaged in, but if you are a university graduate, you will have a high probability of being recognized as this is widely recognized.
I work in technology, humanities, and international affairs.I'm thinking of changing jobs, what steps do I need to take?: You must notify the Immigration Bureau within two weeks from the time you retire or join the company. For more information"Procedures for renewing work visas and other necessary procedures when foreign workers change jobs"Please read the page.
The company I currently work for does not have social insurance coverage, but can I apply for renewal?: Since participation in social insurance is not a requirement for a work visa, there is a high possibility that it will be renewed, but if the business is covered by social insurance, participation is required by law, so please do not enroll. There is a non-zero possibility that your application will be rejected for any reason.Also, considering the possibility of applying for permanent residence later, I think it would be better to have a membership.
I graduated from a specialized course (no degree) at a Chinese university. Is it possible to apply for a residence status in a country of engineers?: If you are deemed to be equivalent to a university degree, you can also apply based on your educational background.If you apply based on work history, you will need 3 to 10 years of experience in the same job, depending on the job.
Do I need to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in order to apply for the Engineers' Country?: Japanese language ability is basically not required for engineering, humanities, and international work.However, in the case of jobs that require Japanese language proficiency, there are cases in which the Immigration Bureau requires documents to pass a Japanese language proficiency test, etc.
I have previously withdrawn from a university in Japan. Will this affect my application for a Certificate of Eligibility for Residence in the Engineer's Country?: It depends on the circumstances leading up to withdrawal and the activities involved.If your residence status is determined to be poor, there is a high possibility that a strict examination will be conducted.
Is it possible to apply for certification of my own country as a technician and for certification of my family's stay at the same time?: It is possible.
The company I work for does not participate in social insurance, so I pay National Health Insurance and National Pension.Is there a possibility that my visa will be refused when renewing my visa?: If the company you work for is covered by social insurance, your renewal may be refused because you are not covered by social insurance.
I currently have an engineer country visa and my period of stay is until April 2024, but I have resigned from my company and returned to Vietnam. I'm in Vietnam now. It's been 4 months since I left my job, but now that I've found a new company, can I join and work at that company using my current visa? Or is it better to apply for certification?: If a person with technical skills, humanities expertise, or international work retires, if he or she does not work for more than three months after retiring, it will fall under grounds for revocation of the status of residence, but since the residence itself is legal, the status of residence will be revoked. If not, it is possible to work at a new company.
I am currently applying for an extension of my period of stay.Can I return to my home country during the examination?: Available
I have a visa for engineering, specialist in humanities, and international work, but I changed jobs. Do I need to report anything to the immigration office?: Once you have decided to change jobs to a new company, you must notify the Immigration Bureau within 14 days of changing jobs. For more information"Procedures for renewing work visas and other necessary procedures when foreign workers change jobs"Please read the page.

▼ Management/Management

I would like to establish a company in Japan. Do I need to come to Japan?: There is no particular need to come to Japan.
Is it possible to have a virtual office when establishing a company in Japan?: A virtual office is not allowed in order to obtain a business management status of residence.A separate private room is required.However, unless you intend to obtain a business management residence status, you can have a virtual office or your home.
I would like to establish a company in Japan, but approximately how many months does it take?: The registration process will be completed within a few days after applying for registration.
I would like to obtain a business/management visa and run a restaurant, but what procedures do I need to do?: We need an office and a store.You will also need a restaurant business license.In some cases, you may also need to obtain a late night liquor license.
I would like to establish a company in Japan, how much capital do I need?: If you want to obtain a business/management status of residence, the average amount is 500 million yen or more.However, if you do not obtain a business/management status of residence, you can apply for just 1 yen.
I would like to establish a company in Japan, but can I do so even if the representative does not plan to come to Japan?: Is possible.However, if you want to open a corporate bank account, many banks will not allow you to do so unless the representative has an address in Japan.
If I have no relatives or acquaintances in Japan, how should I transfer the capital?: If neither the promoter nor the officer has an address in Japan and there is no bank account to transfer the capital to, a third party's bank account can be used.
What is the difference between a corporation and a limited liability company?: Expenses such as registration and license tax required at the time of establishment are different, and a limited liability company can be established at less than one-third of the cost of a joint stock company.However, in many cases, a stock company is easier to trust than a limited liability company.For more information"Company formation"Please read the page.
Does the company's capital have to be 500 million yen or more in order to obtain a business management residence status?: If the capital is less than 500 million yen, the requirements can be met by hiring two or more full-time employees (Japanese or permanent residents) (part-time employees are not allowed). For more information“What is the requirement for capital of 500 million yen for a business manager visa?”Please read the page.
Is it possible to change the company name, location, and purpose after establishing the company?: Although it is possible, there will be a stamp duty and if you ask a specialist, it will be expensive, so we recommend establishing it in a way that makes as few changes as possible.

▼ Specific skills

I'm an international student.I would like to change to a specific skill, what conditions are required?: If you have no experience of staying in Japan as a technical intern, you will need to pass a Japanese language proficiency test and a skill evaluation test. For more information"Explanation of the examination required for specific skill visa"Please read the page.
I have a specific skills visa, can I change jobs?I still have my period of stay expired, can I work at a new company with that visa?: Foreigners with specific skills can change jobs.However, as specified skills are permitted in conjunction with a company, you will not be able to work at a new workplace unless you apply for a change of residence status (from specified skill No. 1 to specified skill No. 1).
I am currently in Japan as a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1. Can I bring my wife from my home country?: Those who reside in Japan with Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 cannot invite their family members. You can call for short-term visits to relatives, etc.
I have specific skill level 1. Can I change to Engineering/Humanities/International Affairs?: If you meet the requirements such as academic background and work history, you can apply for a change, but if your status of residence before acquiring Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 is a status of residence that does not allow changes such as technical intern training, you cannot change it. there is.
Can I change from a specific skill visa to a dependent visa?: Yes, I can.
If I stay in Japan for 1 years as a Specified Skilled Worker No. 5, do I have to return to my country after that?: Specified Skills No. 1 is recognized for a total of 5 years. You will need to return to your home country unless you change your status of residence to another.
Is it possible to return to Japan and come back to Japan after 1 years with Specified Skilled Worker No. 5? Do I need to take the test again?: As a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1, you are only permitted to stay for a maximum of 5 years, so you cannot come to Japan as a Specified Skilled Worker No. 5 after 1 years have passed. The same applies if you take a new exam.
If you return to Japan before 5 years have passed, you can stay in Japan for the remaining years as long as it is within 10 years of passing the specific skill test.

▼ Family stay

I gave birth. Within how many days after birth do I need to apply for residence status?: Please apply within 30 days. However, you can legally stay in Japan for 60 days even if you have not applied.
My wife and children are in my home country. When renewing a visa, is it possible to apply for a visa even if the two people are not in Japan?: When applying for a visa (change/renewal), the applicant must be in Japan. Applicants must also be staying in Japan when obtaining a new residence card.
If I renew my family stay visa, will I automatically be able to work part-time for 28 hours a week?: Even if you are already permitted to work part-time for 28 hours a week under your dependent status, you will need to obtain permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence again when renewing your visa.
Is there an age limit for coming to Japan as a family stay?: There are no clear restrictions as long as you are receiving support, but if you are in your 20s or older, you may need to explain the reason for receiving support.
A child was born to a foreign couple. What should I do?: You will need to apply for a status of residence. Please apply for this application within 30 days from the date of birth at the local immigration office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. For more information"Application for permission to acquire status of residence"Please read the page.
I currently have a dependent visa. I would like to change to engineering/humanities/international services. Is it possible?: If you have graduated from a university or vocational school, meet the criteria for technical/specialist in humanities/international work, and are engaged in work that falls under technical/specialist in humanities/international work, you may be able to change your status.

▼ Naturalization

I am thinking of applying for naturalization, but what conditions are required?Also, how long does it take to review a naturalization application?: You must have lived in Japan continuously for at least 5 years, and if you came to Japan as an international student, you must have worked for at least 3 years after getting a work visa. It is better to have an annual income of 300 million yen or more, and you can apply for naturalization even if you earn less than 300 million yen, but the chances of getting permission will be lower. Also, your Japanese reading and writing ability will be checked, so I would like you to have passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and to have studied Japanese well. It is also necessary to pay Japanese taxes properly. Regarding the examination period, it takes about half a year for some people to get their results, but it usually takes about a year.
I am currently applying for naturalization, but can I return to Japan temporarily?: Yes. It is possible.However, you must report to the person in charge at the Legal Affairs Bureau before returning to your home country.
How long does it take to get naturalization permission?: Generally, it takes about six months to one year after the naturalization application is received by the Legal Affairs Bureau.
I am an international student, can I naturalize?: There is a high possibility that your application for naturalization will not be accepted if your residence status remains as a student.For at least 5 years out of the 3 years after coming to Japan, you are required to have a work-related residence status such as engineer, humanities specialist, international service, etc., or a status-related residence status such as spouse of a Japanese national.
Can I freely choose my name after naturalization?: Yes, feel free to decide.
However, there are restrictions on the characters that can be used, so“How do you choose your name after naturalization?”Please also read this page.
I can't speak Japanese very well, but can I apply for naturalization?: The Japanese language level for naturalization application is required to be at the second grade level of elementary school. Naturalization may not be approved due to insufficient level, so even if you can speak it, it is better not to apply if you cannot read or write kanji, hiragana, or katakana.
For more information on the required Japanese level"Japanese language test when applying for naturalization. What is the content? What is the level? How should I prepare?"Please read the page.
I am enrolled in national health insurance rather than social insurance. Can I apply for naturalization?: Yes, you can apply. However, even with National Health Insurance, you are required to pay your pension, taxes, and insurance on time.
I have been out of the country for more than three months due to the effects of the new coronavirus. Can I apply for naturalization?: It is possible if you can prove that you have been out of the country for more than three months due to the effects of the new coronavirus (round-trip air tickets or records of official government announcements).
I have a long-term resident visa. I have been living in Japan for 10 years. Can I apply for naturalization?: Since the address requirements are met, I believe that naturalization will be possible depending on other requirements.
What level of Japanese language do I need to apply for naturalization?: The Japanese language ability required is approximately that of a Japanese 2nd or 3rd grade elementary school student. For more information"Japanese language test when applying for naturalization. What is the content? What is the level? How should I prepare?"Please read the page.

▼ Permanent residence

I am thinking of applying for permanent residence from an engineer country visa, but what conditions do I need?Also, how long does it take to get the results of my permanent residence application?: In order for a person holding an engineer country visa to apply for permanent residence, they must have lived in Japan continuously for 10 years or more since coming to Japan, and have worked in Japan with a work visa for 5 years or more. Is required. In addition, the period of stay on the residence card of the country of the engineer must be at least 3 years. Currently, it is extremely unlikely that you will be granted permission even if you apply unless you have an annual income of 300 million yen or more. Even if your annual income is 300 million yen or more, the more dependents you have, the higher your required annual income will be. It is also necessary to pay Japanese taxes without delay.
When I started working at my previous company, I paid the national pension because I was not enrolled in the employees' pension.Will it affect my permanent residence application?: Although there may be repercussions, this is often acknowledged as it is out of the employee's control.
If I support two people, how much annual income do I need?: Although it is not clearly determined, we think that it is desirable to have 330 million yen or more, and 380 million yen or more. For more information“Requirements for applying for a permanent residence visa! How much savings and income do I need to obtain permanent residence? What other assets do I have?”Please read the page.
I have a history of traffic violations, will this affect my permanent residence application?: Although there are many cases where permission is granted even if there are minor violations, we believe that if there are many or serious violations, there will be a major impact. However, the judgment is not based solely on the traffic violation, so the judgment will depend on other examination details.
When applying for permanent residence as a highly skilled professional, can I apply for permanent residence at the same time as my family staying in the country as dependents?: In principle, this is not possible.
My previous application for permanent residence was rejected.After how many years should I apply?: If your permanent residence is denied, first ask the Immigration Bureau to confirm the reason for the denial.If you can eliminate the reason for the denial, there is no problem in applying immediately.
I am currently applying for permanent residence.The period of stay is approaching, do I need to renew it?: Even if you are applying for permanent residence, it is necessary to renew your period of stay.
Is it possible to leave the country after submitting a permanent residence application?: It is possible.
I lived in Japan for 10 years, but two years ago I committed a traffic violation.Can I apply for permanent residence?: It is possible to apply, but the review may be affected.
I would like to apply for permanent residence. I don't have a guarantor, but can I apply for permanent residence?: Permanent residence will not be granted without a guarantor.
Can I apply for naturalization and permanent residence at the same time?: Since the application destinations are different (naturalization application = Legal Affairs Bureau, permanent residence application = Immigration Bureau), it is possible to apply at the same time. However, since these two have different properties,“Difference between naturalization application and permanent residence application”We recommend that you read this page once.
How many years do I need to stay in Japan to apply for permanent residence from a long-term resident visa?: If you are a long-term resident, you must have lived in Japan for 5 years or more. For more information"Permanent residence application (permanent residence)"Please read the section for "Persons with a long-term visa" on the page.

▼ Japanese spouse, etc.

I have a Japanese spouse visa. But I am planning to get divorced soon. Can I continue living in Japan?: It is possible to stay in Japan by changing to another status of residence within six months of divorce (marital breakdown). For more information“If a foreigner gets divorced in Japan, what will happen to their visa?”Please read the article.

▼ Activities other than that permitted under the qualification

I'm worried that I've overworked.What should I do?: In principle, you should not overwork, but rather limit your work to no more than 1 hours a week. When applying for visa renewal or change, there is a possibility that the immigration authorities will point out that you are overworked. At that time, be sure to honestly declare to the Immigration Bureau how much overwork you have done and how much income you have earned, and submit a written statement of remorse. Please note that the Immigration Bureau has information on the amount of your salary, etc., and if you provide false information, you may be denied permission.
I'm a 4th year university student. I would like to participate in an internship at a company for more than 28 hours a week. Is that possible?: Individual permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted must be obtained. Yes, if you get permission.
My status of residence is "Dependent", but since I want to work part-time, I am planning to apply for permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted. What documents are required?: You can apply only by submitting an application for permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted. For more information“Application for permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted”Please read the page.