procedures to stay in Japan ・・・ 在留の手続き

When a person of foreign nationality enters Japan, they are given a status of residence and a period of stay is decided. This status and period are then indicated on the individual’s passport.

An application is required when an individual is involved in activities beyond those of their status or stays in the country longer than the permitted period of stay.

If these conditions are not obeyed, the individual may be punished or forcedly deported.

 

The status of residence is the status given by the immigration officer on entering the country in accordance with one’s reason for entering the country and reason for staying in the country. There are a total of 27 different kinds of statuses. Foreign nationals are allowed to be involved in activities within those defined by the status held.

 

The period of stay is defined according to each status of residence. Foreign nationals are allowed to stay in Japan only for a period within the period of stay.

Staying in Japan longer than the period of stay is not permitted.

 

English, Chinese, Portuguese, and others are available for inquiry of procedures of immigration or stay.

Osaka Gaikokujin Zairyu Sogo Information Center(TEL 06-6941-3701)

 

 2  Renewing a period of stay

In order to renew your period of stay, you must apply at the immigration bureau for your district before the expiration date of your present period permit. A fee is charged for processing the application.

After you lodge your application, the immigration bureau will examine it. Notification of your acceptance or rejection will be sent to you.

The renewal of a period of stay will be given if the Justice Minister decides there are suitable reasons for renewing the permit.

 

The documents required will vary depending on your status of residence and conditions of stay. For details inquire at the immigration bureau for your district.

  

If you wish to change the status of your present status of residence, it is necessary to apply at the immigration bureau for your district. A fee is charged for processing the application.

Example scenarios:

An overseas student who has graduated and found a job wants to continue living in Japan

 

The documents required will depend on one’s status of residence and the conditions of

stay. For details, inquire at the immigration bureau for your district.

A child born to a foreign couple in Japan who does not have Japanese nationality but intends to reside in Japan must apply within 30 days after birth for a status of residence at the immigration bureau for its district.

However, if the child will leave the country within 60 days this is not necessary.

Even if a passport has not been obtained, an application should be made.

 

If you wish to engage in activities which are not allowed by your present status permit and from which you will earn an income, you must apply for a permit at the immigration bureau for your district.

Example: An overseas student who wants to work part-time

 

The documents required will vary depending on ones status of residence and conditions of stay. For details, inquire at the immigration bureau for your district.

 

If a foreign national living in Japan who intends to leave temporarily and re-enter Japan makes an application at the immigration bureau for a re-entry permit, they will not need to apply for a new visa.

In principle, this permit is a one-time permit, but for those who go abroad regularly, a multiple re-entry permit may be granted.

A fee is charged for processing the permit. The fee for a one-time permit differs from that of a multiple re-entry permit.

 

The documents required will vary depending on one’s status of residence and conditions of stay. For details, inquire at the immigration bureau for your district.

 

 

People who wish to live permanently in Japan must either obtain a Permanent Residency Permit (eiju kyoka) or become a naturalized Japanese citizen (kika).

 

With a Permanent Residency Permit an individual may live permanently in Japan as a foreign national. If you wish to apply for a Permanent Resident Permit, inquire at the immigration bureau for your district.

 

Naturalization (kika) means a foreign national forfeits his/her foreign nationality and obtains a Japanese nationality.

To become a naturalized Japanese citizen, a permit form the Minister of Justice is necessary, so you should inquire at the Regional Legal Affairs Bureau (Chiho Homu Kyoku) for your district.

Your name will be registered in kanji (Chinese style letters), hiragana or katakana.

 

 

An individual who holds both a foreign nationality and Japanese nationality (dual nationality) must choose one nationality before the age of 22.

 

Those who obtain dual nationality after the age of 20 must choose one of the nationalities within 2 years of obtaining the nationalities.

 

Ministry of Justice, Homepage (Website): http://www.moj.go.jp/