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ENGLISH COLUMN
Japan Visa and Immigration Columns
Practical English guides on Japanese spouse visas, permanent residence, work visas, and residence status procedures. Based in Osaka, we support clients across Japan online.
Required Documents for the Japanese Spouse Visa by Case Type [Explained by a Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the required documents for the Japanese Spouse Visa (status of residence "Spouse or Child of Japanese National"), organized by three case types: sponsoring from overseas, changing status within Japan, and renewal. Includes specific points on common reasons for rejection.
Read articleJapanese Spouse VisaKey Points for Applying for a Japanese Spouse Visa With Low Income [Explained by a Licensed Immigration Specialist]
You can still apply for a Japanese Spouse Visa even with low income or unemployment. A licensed immigration specialist explains how immigration authorities assess "ability to sustain living expenses" and how to present savings, family support, and employment prospects.
Read articleJapanese Spouse VisaWhat to Watch Out for With a Japanese Spouse Visa After a Short Courtship [Explained by a Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains what immigration authorities suspect and verify when applying for a Japanese Spouse Visa after a short international courtship — including common red flags and how to prepare the questionnaire and supporting materials.
Read articleJapanese Spouse VisaHow to Bring Your Spouse to Japan From Abroad [Explained by a Licensed Immigration Specialist]
Bringing a foreign national spouse to Japan from overseas requires obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). A licensed immigration specialist explains every step from application to entry, including the digital COE system and important deadline considerations.
Read articleJapanese Spouse VisaReapplying After a Japanese Spouse Visa Rejection [Explained by a Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A rejection for a Japanese Spouse Visa is not the end. A licensed immigration specialist explains how to confirm the reason for rejection, what to expect at an immigration interview, and what to prepare before reapplying.
Read articlePermanent ResidencePermanent Residence Requirements Clearly Explained [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains each requirement for a permanent residence application — length of stay, income, tax payments, pension, health insurance, and conduct — based on the official guidelines of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Includes shorter-route options by visa type.
Read articlePermanent ResidenceHow Much Income Do You Need for a Permanent Residence Application? [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the income requirement for permanent residence applications — the basis for the 3 million yen benchmark, how it changes with dependents, differences by visa type, and the rules for combining household income. Also clarifies the difference between the official standard and practical thresholds.
Read articlePermanent ResidenceWhy Tax, Pension, and Health Insurance Matter for Permanent Residence [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
Tax payments, pension contributions, and health insurance premiums are central to permanent residence reviews. The question is not just whether you have paid, but whether you paid on time. A licensed immigration specialist explains the review period, the impact of late payments, and what to do if there are issues.
Read articlePermanent ResidenceWhat to Watch Out for When Applying for Permanent Residence After Changing Jobs [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
After changing jobs, permanent residence applications are reviewed for income stability, consistency with your visa status, and whether notification obligations were fulfilled. A licensed immigration specialist explains why applying immediately after a job change is risky, which job change patterns are less problematic, and what procedures are required.
Read articlePermanent ResidenceMain Reasons for Permanent Residence Application Rejection [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
The permanent residence approval rate is approximately 50%. A licensed immigration specialist organizes the main reasons for rejection by category — income, taxes, pension, days outside Japan, traffic violations, notification obligations — and explains how to address each.
Read articleEngineer / Work VisaRequired Documents for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist organizes the required documents for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (Gijinkoku) visa — covering personal documents, company documents, and job description documents, organized by company category. Includes the April 2026 regulatory changes (language proficiency proof and representative declaration).
Read articleEngineer / Work VisaWhy a Job Description Document Matters for the Gijinkoku Visa [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
The most common reason for rejection of an Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (Gijinkoku) visa is being classified as "simple labor." A licensed immigration specialist explains what to write in a job description document to pass the review, how to show the connection to academic background and field of study, and what rejection cases look like.
Read articleEngineer / Work VisaProcedures Required When Changing Jobs on a Gijinkoku Visa [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the differences between the three key procedures when a Gijinkoku visa holder changes jobs — the notification of affiliated organization (within 14 days), the Certificate of Authorized Employment, and the application to change status of residence — including how to determine which applies to your situation. Also covers the 3-month rule and renewal considerations.
Read articleEngineer / Work VisaHow to Obtain a Gijinkoku Visa for Liberal Arts Roles [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the key review points for obtaining an Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (Gijinkoku) visa in liberal arts roles such as sales, marketing, interpretation, trade, and administration — including how to show the connection between academic background and job duties, how to use the International Services category, and common rejection patterns.
Read articleForeign National EmploymentWhat Employers Must Verify About Visa Status Before Hiring Foreign Nationals [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the types of visa status, how to read a residence card, and how to verify employment restrictions — all of which employers must check before hiring a foreign national. Also covers the risk of the crime of facilitating illegal employment, and visa-by-visa eligibility guidelines.
Read articleForeign National EmploymentHow to Hire an International Student as a Full-Time Employee [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the status of residence change procedures, application timeline, required documents, and rejection risks for HR managers hiring international students as full-time employees. Includes the recommended application window for April start dates.
Read articleForeign National EmploymentWhat to Watch Out for When Checking a Residence Card During Foreign National Hiring [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist clearly explains the commonly overlooked points when checking a residence card during foreign national hiring — including expiration dates, the renewal-pending exception, permanent resident card validity, how to read permission to engage in activities outside the scope of status, and the risk of facilitating illegal employment.
Read articleForeign National EmploymentSocial Insurance and Employment Insurance for Foreign National Employees: The Basics [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the enrollment requirements, procedures, and foreign national-specific considerations — including social security agreements, the lump-sum withdrawal payment, and Working Holiday treatment — for social insurance (health insurance and employees' pension), employment insurance, and workers' accident compensation insurance.
Read articleForeign National EmploymentThe Relationship Between Visa Status and the Notice of Labor Conditions [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
When hiring foreign nationals, the notice of labor conditions is both a legally required document under labor law and a key document used by immigration authorities to assess visa eligibility. A licensed immigration specialist explains how the description of job duties, compensation, and contract period affect the review, and what foreign national-specific content to include.
Read articleForeign National EmploymentCompany Procedures When Foreign National Employees Join or Leave [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist organizes by deadline the procedures a company must complete when foreign national employees join or leave. Covers Hello Work notifications, social insurance, immigration notifications, certificates of resignation, and explaining the lump-sum withdrawal payment.
Read articleBusiness Manager VisaCapital Requirement for the Business Manager Visa [October 2025 Amendment — Licensed Immigration Specialist]
The capital requirement for the Business Manager Visa (status of residence "Business Manager") was raised from 5 million to 30 million yen on October 16, 2025. A licensed immigration specialist explains the full scope of the amendment — including the full-time employee requirement, Japanese language requirement, background and experience requirement, and transitional measures.
Read articleBusiness Manager VisaOffice Requirements for the Business Manager Visa [October 2025 Amendment — Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the office requirements for the Business Manager Visa. The October 2025 amendment means using a home address is no longer permitted in principle. Covers the eligibility of virtual offices, shared offices, and rental offices, lease contract considerations, and the appropriate size of a qualifying office.
Read articleBusiness Manager VisaKey Points in a Business Manager Visa Business Plan [October 2025 Amendment — Licensed Immigration Specialist]
Expert confirmation of Business Manager Visa business plans by a certified SME consultant, CPA, or tax accountant was made mandatory by the October 2025 amendment. A licensed immigration specialist explains what examiners look for, what to include, and common rejection patterns.
Read articleBusiness Manager VisaHow Chinese Nationals Can Establish a Company in Japan and Obtain a Business Manager Visa [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the steps for Chinese nationals to establish a company in Japan and obtain a Business Manager Visa — including how to use the 4-month visa, how to remit funds from China, how to prove the source of capital, and the specific review points examiners focus on.
Read articleBusiness Manager VisaBusiness Track Record Reviewed at Business Manager Visa Renewal [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
At Business Manager Visa renewal, the continuity and stability of the business, tax payments, social insurance, and operational substance are strictly scrutinized. A licensed immigration specialist explains whether a loss-making business can be renewed, how to write the activity explanation document, and common rejection patterns.
Read articleNaturalizationNaturalization Requirements Clearly Explained [April 2026 Update — Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the seven conditions required for a naturalization application (acquisition of Japanese nationality) and the April 2026 operational changes — including the practical 10-year residence requirement and expanded 5-year tax verification period. Also covers the relaxed conditions for simplified naturalization and the difference from permanent residence.
Read articleNaturalizationWhy Naturalization Applications Require So Many Documents [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
Naturalization applications can require over 60 different documents. A licensed immigration specialist explains why, and organizes the three groups of documents — those the applicant creates, those obtained in Japan, and those obtained from the home country — along with key translation considerations.
Read articleNaturalizationNaturalization Applications With a Traffic Violation History [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
In naturalization reviews, a driving record certificate covering the past 5 years is examined as part of the good conduct assessment. A licensed immigration specialist explains the difference between blue and red citations, practical guidelines for acceptable violation counts, the impact of license suspensions and drunk driving, and how violations during the application period are handled.
Read articleNaturalizationKey Documents and Points to Watch for Chinese Nationals Applying for Naturalization [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
Chinese nationals applying for naturalization must obtain all home country documents as notarial deeds (公证书). A licensed immigration specialist explains the types of notarial deeds required, how to obtain them at a Chinese notary office, the consular certificate, how loss of Chinese nationality works, and common pitfalls.
Read articleNaturalizationHow Much Japanese Proficiency Is Required for Naturalization? [Licensed Immigration Specialist]
A licensed immigration specialist explains the Japanese language proficiency benchmark for naturalization (approximately 3rd–4th grade elementary school level / JLPT N3–N4 equivalent), the five situations where Japanese is assessed, what the language test involves, cases where it may be waived, and how to prepare for the interview.
Read articleOther visasWhat Is the Long-Term Resident Visa? Eligible Cases, Required Documents, and Denial Points Explained
Explanation of Japan's Long-Term Resident visa, eligible cases, required documents, common denial points, and when to consult a specialist.
Read articleOther visasBringing a Stepchild to Japan: Conditions and Application Notes for the Long-Term Resident Visa
How to bring a stepchild to Japan using the Long-Term Resident visa, including eligibility, required documents, age and custody issues, and application notes.
Read articleOther visasLong-Term Resident Visa After Divorce: Staying in Japan and Key Checkpoints
Key points for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Japan after divorce, including Long-Term Resident visa eligibility, documents, and practical risks.
Read articleSpouse visaMarried a Permanent Resident? Understanding the Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident Visa
Explanation of Japan's Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident visa, who qualifies, required documents, and differences from the Japanese spouse visa.
Read articleSpouse visaWhy Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident Visa Applications Are Denied and How to Approach Re-application
Common reasons for denial of Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident visa applications and how to prepare evidence for re-application.
Read articleFamily stay visaBringing a Permanent Resident's Child to Japan: Residence Status and Required Documents
Residence status options and required documents when bringing a permanent resident's child to Japan, including Long-Term Resident and family-related cases.
Read articleWork visa and hiring foreign nationalsWhat Is the Highly Skilled Professional Visa? Points Calculation, Required Documents, and Special Benefits Explained
Guide to Japan's Highly Skilled Professional visa, including points calculation, required documents, benefits, and application checkpoints.
Read articlePermanent residenceApplying for Permanent Residence from Highly Skilled Professional Status: Requirements and Notes
Requirements and practical notes for applying for permanent residence from Highly Skilled Professional status in Japan.
Read articleWork visa and hiring foreign nationalsWhat Companies Need to Know When Welcoming Highly Skilled Professionals
For employers hiring highly skilled professionals in Japan: visa status, job duties, points, salary, family matters, and document preparation.
Read articleWork visa and hiring foreign nationalsWhat Is the Intra-Company Transferee Visa? Conditions and Required Documents for Transferring from an Overseas Office to Japan
Explanation of Japan's Intra-Company Transferee visa for employees transferred from overseas group companies to a Japanese office.
Read articleWork visa and hiring foreign nationalsThe Difference Between Intra-Company Transferee Visa and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
Comparison of Japan's Intra-Company Transferee visa and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, including when each route may fit.
Read articleWork visa and hiring foreign nationalsProcedures and Notes for Bringing a Foreign National Employee from an Overseas Subsidiary to Japan
Visa options, procedures, and documents for bringing a foreign national employee from an overseas subsidiary or affiliated company to Japan.
Read articleWork visa and hiring foreign nationalsWhat Is the Skilled Labor Visa? Conditions and Required Documents for Employing Foreign Chefs and Cooks in Japan
Guide to Japan's Skilled Labor visa for foreign chefs and cooks, including experience requirements, documents, employer materials, and risks.
Read articleWork visa and hiring foreign nationalsBringing a Foreign Cuisine Chef to Japan: Notes on Skilled Labor Visa Applications
Practical notes for inviting a foreign cuisine chef to Japan under the Skilled Labor visa, including work history evidence and restaurant documents.
Read articleWork visa and hiring foreign nationalsWhat to Confirm Before Hiring a Foreign Chef: Residence Status, Years of Experience, and Required Documents
Checklist for employers before hiring a foreign chef in Japan: residence status, Skilled Labor visa requirements, years of experience, and documents.
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