Applicationから発給までの期間

Detailed explanation of Applicationから発給までの期間 based on official information from 出入国在留管理庁. Japan

Published: January 12, 2026

Application for Residence Status in Japan

1. Overview

Residence status (在留資格, zairyū shikaku) is the legal permission granted by the Japanese government that defines a foreign national's eligibility to reside and engage in activities within Japan. It is the cornerstone of legal stay for all non-Japanese citizens beyond short-term tourism. Proper application and maintenance of a valid residence status is mandatory under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (出入国管理及び難民認定法). Failure to comply can result in penalties, deportation, and future entry bans. The application process is administered by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁, ISA).

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

This process applies to foreign nationals who wish to:

  • Enter Japan for purposes other than short-term tourism (e.g., work, study, family stay).
  • Change their current residence status to a different one (e.g., from Student to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services).
  • Renew their existing residence status before its period of stay expires.
  • Apply for permanent residency after meeting long-term residency requirements.
  • Replace a lost or damaged residence card (在留カード).

It is not required for nationals of countries with visa exemption agreements entering for short-term stays (e.g., tourism, business meetings under 90 days), though they receive a temporary visitor status upon entry.

3. Core Conclusions

  • Permission-Based System: You must obtain permission for your specific activity. Engaging in activities outside your granted status (e.g., working on a tourist visa) is illegal.
  • Application Timing is Critical: Applications for renewal or change of status must be initiated well before your current permission expires. Last-minute applications risk lapse of legal status.
  • Sponsorship is Often Key: Most statuses (Work, Student, Dependent) require a sponsor in Japan (employer, school, family member) to initiate or support the application.
  • Residence Card is Central: Upon receiving mid-to-long-term status, you will be issued a Residence Card, which must be carried at all times.
  • Local Municipal Registration is Separate but Mandatory: After receiving your Residence Card, you must register your address at your local municipal office, independent of immigration procedures.

4. Procedures & Steps

The exact procedure varies slightly depending on whether you are applying from overseas (Certificate of Eligibility route) or from within Japan.

Step 1: Preparation

  • Identify the Correct Status: Determine the residence status that matches your primary activity in Japan (e.g., "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" for office work, "Professor" for academic research).
  • Gather Required Documents: This is the most crucial step. A standard application requires:
    • Application form (specific to the type of request: change, renewal, etc.).
    • Passport and current Residence Card (if in Japan).
    • Passport-style photograph (4cm x 3cm).
    • Documents proving eligibility for the desired status. This typically includes:
      • For Work Statuses: Contract, company registration documents, financial statements of the sponsoring company, your academic/professional credentials.
      • For Student Status: Letter of acceptance, proof of tuition payment, proof of sufficient financial support.
      • For Dependent Status: Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate), proof of the sponsor's ability to support you (tax certificates, employment proof).
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for First-Time Entry: If applying from overseas, your sponsor in Japan must first apply for a COE at the regional immigration bureau. The COE is not a visa but a pre-approval that greatly simplifies the visa application at the Japanese embassy/consulate.

Step 2: Application & Submission

  • From Overseas: After receiving the original COE, submit it along with a visa application form, passport, and photo to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
  • From Within Japan: Submit the complete application packet in person at the nearest regional immigration services bureau. Some applications may be submitted by a certified administrative scrivener or your sponsor/representative. Mailing applications is generally not accepted for first submissions.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

  • Processing Time: Varies from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on status type, complexity, and time of year. Please verify processing times with official sources.
  • Notification: You will receive a postcard or notification when a decision is made. For in-country applications, you must return to the immigration bureau to receive the result.
  • Outcome:
    • Approval: Your passport will be stamped (if applying from overseas), and/or your Residence Card will be updated with the new status and period of stay.
    • Denial: You will receive a notice explaining the reason. You may have options for appeal or re-application depending on the circumstances.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How early can I apply to renew my residence status? A: You can apply up to 3 months before your current status expires. It is highly recommended to apply at least 1 month prior to the expiry date to avoid any gaps.

Q2: Can I apply to change my status from "Student" to "Worker" while in Japan? A: Yes, you can apply for a "Change of Status of Residence" at the immigration bureau. You must secure a job offer and meet all requirements for the new work-related status before your student visa expires.

Q3: What happens if I continue to stay after my residence status expires? A: You become an "overstayer," which is a violation of immigration law. This can result in detention, deportation, a 1-5 year ban on re-entering Japan, and difficulty obtaining visas for other countries.

Q4: Do I need to apply for a new status if I change jobs within the same field? A: If you change employers but your job role still falls under the same residence status category (e.g., Engineer), you must submit a Notification of Contract Organization within 14 days of the change. If the job role itself changes to a different category, you must apply for a Change of Status.

Q5: Can I leave and re-enter Japan while my renewal application is being processed? A: No. If you leave Japan while a renewal application is pending, the application is considered withdrawn. If you need to travel, you must apply for a Special Re-Entry Permit before departure, but only if your current status is still valid.

Q6: What is the difference between a visa and a residence status? A: A visa is a sticker or endorsement in your passport issued by a Japanese embassy, allowing you to request entry at the port of entry. The residence status is the official permission to stay and engage in activities, granted by an immigration officer at the airport or through an in-country application. The visa is for entry; the status is for residence.

Q7: My residence card is about to expire, but my status is valid for longer. What should I do? A: Residence Cards for mid-to-long-term residents expire after 7 or 16 years, while the status period may be 1, 3, or 5 years. If your status is still valid but your card is expiring, you must apply for a re-issuance of the card at the immigration bureau before the card's expiry date.

6. Risks & Compliance

  • False Documentation: Submitting forged or altered documents is a serious criminal offense and will result in application denial, deportation, and likely a permanent entry ban.
  • Status Violation: Never engage in paid activities not permitted by your status. Even unpaid activities that could be considered "work" may be scrutinized.
  • Address Notification: You are legally required to notify immigration of any change of address within 14 days via your local municipal office or online. Failure to do so can lead to fines and status complications.
  • Disclaimer: Immigration laws and procedures are subject to change. The information provided here is a general guide. For the most current fees, forms, and specific requirements, always consult official sources or a licensed immigration professional before proceeding.

7. References & Sources

8. Related Topics

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Residence Card (在留カード)
  • Re-entry Permit (再入国許可)
  • Permanent Residency (永住許可)
  • Status of Residence Renewal (在留期間更新許可)
  • Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可)
  • Japan Visa Types and Requirements
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