- All non-Japanese nationals must have a valid visa in order to live in Japan.
- In the case of a short term stay, it is not so difficult for nationals of most countries to obtain a short-stay visa (or tourist visa), and people from certain countries will benefit from the visa-exemption system. Foreigners who hold passports from such certain countries will be able to travel to Japan for holiday, etc. without going through complicated visa procedures.
- However, if you wish to stay and live in Japan for a long stay, you will have to obtain a visa which will allow you to stay in Japan for a long period, and these visas can be divided into three main groups. The three main groups are: the (i) relationship type visas, (ii) work type visas and (iii) non-work type visas.
- As for the (i) relationship type visas, these types of visas are based on your relationship with a Japanese person, or strong relationship with the Japanese country. Visas based on relationships with a Japanese person typically include the “Spouse of Japanese National”, “Child of Japanese National” and “Long Term Resident (e.g. grandchildren of Japanese national)” visas. The visa based on a strong relationship with the Japanese country is the “Permanent Resident” visa. And from the combination of these two aspects, the “Spouse of Permament Resident” and “Child of Permanent Resident” are also categorized among the relationship type visas.
- The benefits of the relationship type visas are that holders of such visas will be able to engage in any kind of activity, including any kind of work, in Japan (but excluding illegal activity). This is a large advantage to the work visa, where the holder’s business activity (i.e. activity that will bring income) is restricted to the specific work category of his/her work visa.
- On the other hand, the (ii) work type visas are based on the job you have in Japan (so to put it in other words, you will not be able to get a work type visa unless you have found yourself a job in Japan. And this job cannot be just any job, it must at least be something that requires the use of your past work experience or your international background, etc.). If you are able to obtain a work type visa, the visa includes not only a permit for you to live in Japan, but it also includes a permit for you to work and earn income at a job belonging to the work category specified in your visa. However, the work visa itself will not allow you to earn income for positions belonging to other work categories. For example, if you currently have a “Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, then that visa will not allow you start your own company, because such a position belongs to another work category, being “Investor/Business Manager”. However, in some cases, you will be able to obtain a special permit to engage in other work category activites.
- As for the third main group (iii) non-work type visas, such visas will, as a general rule, not allow you to earn income. Visas belonging to this group are the “Student Visa”, “Dependent Visa (e.g. spouse or child of non-Japanese person with a work visa, etc.)”, “Trainee Visa” and “Designated Activities Visa (e.g. working holiday, etc.)”, etc. These visas will not allow you to engage in activites that will bring income. However, in some cases, you may be able to obtain a special permit which will allow you to engage in part-time working activites.
- However, please note that the Japanese immigration law sets out many requirements for each visa. Thus, you may not necessarily be able to obtain a Japanese visa unless you meet the requirements.
- Please use our free consulting e-mail service if you have any inquiries.
-
ADVANTAGES OF USING OUR IMMIGRATION SERVICES
- ◆All correspondence available in native English
- ◆No additional charges for Japanese translation of English application documents
- ◆No frustrating long waiting hours at the Immigration Office!