The citizens of foreign countries who seek to enter and stay in Japan are first required to obtain a visa corresponding to the purpose of their visit from a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.

　If you intend to engage in an activity other than that which is allowed by your visa status, you are required to obtain permission to do so at the Immigration Bureau.

　Procedures necessary for staying in Japan are conducted at the Immigration Bureau.

　The fees for procedures vary according to the type of procedure and should be paid using revenue stamps (shunyu-inshi) instead of cash.　Revenue stamps are available at the post office or at other shops which sell stamps. It may take some time for the results of the procedures to be issued.

　When foreign nationals intend to cease their present activity and engage in a new activity which is not permitted under their current status of residence, they must obtain Permission to Change Status of Residence.　An application filed by individuals whose visa status is that of a temporary visitor such as tourists cannot be granted a change of status except under special circumstances.

　Materials neccesary differ according to one's status of residence so please inquire in advance or consult the homepage of the immigration office.

　Foreign nationals are permitted to remain in Japan within the period of stay allowed by their visa status.　If foreign nationals wish to remain in Japan longer than the authorized period of stay, they must obtain an Extension of Period of Stay. Extension applications are accepted beginning two months prior to a visa’s expiration date. Renewals may not be granted without a suitable reason.

　Materials neccesary differ according to one's status of residence so please inquire in advance or consult the homepage of the immigration office.

　Foreign nationals who have been born in Japan or individuals who have renounced (or lost) Japanese nationality are required to acquire a Status of Residence within a period of 30 days of the occurrence of the cause (e.g. birth, renouncement or loss of Japanese nationality) except when planning to leave Japan within 60 days. In the case of an application for a baby born in Japan, parents are requested to submit the application for their baby.

Necessary Documents: 1 copy each

1. Birth in Japan
*Application to Acquire Status of Residence
*Certification of Birth (e.g. “Certificate of Acceptance of Birth Report” issued by the City Office)
*Questionnaire (obtainable at the Immigration Bureau)

2. For reasons other than birth
*Application to Acquire Status of Residence
*Statement of reason for application
*Documents proving the reasons for applying for Acquisition of Status of Residence
*Materials explaining the activities to be engaged in after Acquisition of Status of Residence
*Letter of guarantee
*Material certifying the guarantor’s financial capability to guarantee

　When foreign nationals wish to leave Japan temporarily to travel to their home country or other countries with the intention of reentering Japan and continuing their residence within their granted period of stay, they need not obtain a visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad if they have received permission to reenter prior to departing from Japan.　If they leave Japan without this permission, they may not reenter the country without applying for a new visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad. There are two types of reentry permits. One is valid only for a single reentry and the other is a multiple reentry permit that is valid for multiple reentries.

• Application for Reentry Permit-1 copy
• Passport
• Alien Registration Card
• Revenue Stamp
  ¥ 3,000(single)
  ¥ 6,000(multiple reentry)

　Permanent residence is permitted only when a foreign national has established a permanent base of livelihood after many years of living in Japan and his/her permanent residence is considered to be in accord with the interests of Japan.
Consult the Immigration Bureau for more information.

　Foreign nationals who are allowed to be employed under their current status of residence can obtain a Certificate of Authorized Employment. The forms necessary for application will differ according to a person’s status of residence. Please inquire beforehand or please see the homepage of the immigration office.