Get a checklist and timeline based on your status of residence, expiry date and plans.
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The bar runs left to right in time: grey is already past, blue runs from today to the next deadline. The numbers on the dots match the list below and the Timeline tab. Dates are calculated from the expiry date and event dates you entered, for reference only.
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Deadlines that start when the event happens
Deadlines that start when the event happens
If you enter a date, procedures with a “within N days” deadline show a reference deadline on the timeline (the day itself counts as day 1, so the result is on the early side). You can generate the list without dates. Dates are calculated only in this device’s browser.
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Ordered by priority and date; click to see the details and official sources.
How long the examination takes (reference)
How long the examination takes (reference)
This is the nationwide average over all applications (including time waiting for additional documents) and does not tell you how long your application will take.
Filing online (在留申請オンラインシステム) requires a マイナンバーカード and a smartphone with the マイナポータルアプリ installed; you cannot apply online on the last day of your period of stay; people under 15 cannot apply as the foreign national themselves; the scope covered differs by status of residence (for example, 技能実習（団体監理型） can be filed online only by the 監理団体).
About how much is the fee (reference)
About how much is the fee (reference)
The fee is paid when permission is granted; nothing is paid if the application is denied.
The amount is based on the period of stay actually granted by immigration, which may differ from the period you requested.
People who meet certain conditions qualify for a reduction (10,000 yen regardless of period); the reduction does not apply to online applications, and the amount may also differ when applying for a 特定在留カード at the same time. See the official source for the conditions.
Applications received by 2026-09-30 pay the fee before the revision: renewal/change 6,000 yen at the counter / 5,500 yen online, permanent residence 10,000 yen.
Within 14 days of the day you move into your new address, take your residence card to the 市区町村 (municipal office) and file the 転入届 or 転居届; this counts as completing the 住居地届出 (入管法 Article 19-9, Paragraph 3). If you did not bring your residence card when filing, you must make the 住居地届出 separately.
Check your pension and health insurance enrollment and paymentsNeeds re-verification
If you are not enrolled in your employer's 厚生年金 (Employees' Pension Insurance) and 健康保険 (health insurance), you are in principle required to enroll in 国民年金 (National Pension) and 国民健康保険 (National Health Insurance) (enrollment in and withdrawal from 国民健康保険 are handled at the 市区町村 (municipal office) within 14 days). If you face financial difficulty, you can apply for an exemption from, or a postponement of, 国民年金 premiums.
Pay your 住民税 (resident tax) on timeNeeds re-verification
For company employees, the employer in principle deducts it from salary (特別徴収: special collection, i.e. payroll deduction); everyone else pays it themselves according to the 納税通知書 (tax payment notice) sent by the 市区町村 (municipal office) (普通徴収: ordinary collection, paid by the taxpayer). The ガイドライン (guidelines) on change and extension of status of residence list the fulfillment of tax obligations as a factor considered in the review.
PrioritySubmit the 出生届 to the 市区町村 within 14 days of the child's birthNeeds re-verification
Even if both parents are foreign nationals, a 出生届 must be submitted for a child born in Japan (法務省: the 戸籍法 applies equally to births of foreign nationals in Japan). The deadline is within 14 days from the date of birth (e.g., 新宿区: counted including the day of birth; if the 14th day is a day the office is closed, it is extended to the next day the office is open), and it is submitted to the 市区町村 of the place of birth or of the notifier's location; no fee. The form is a single sheet together with the 出生証明書 completed by the physician or midwife, and the 母子健康手帳 must also be brought. When the parents are foreign nationals, the child's name is in principle written in katakana (e.g., 新宿区: for nationalities that can use kanji, such as China and Korea, Japanese standard kanji may be used). When it is submitted outside the place of residence registration, the child's 住民票 is created only after several days, and various benefits may not be applicable immediately (新宿区). After acceptance, the notifier can apply at the accepting 市区町村 for the 「出生届受理証明書」 or the 「出生届書の記載事項証明書」 as proof of birth, which is used for 在留資格取得 applications and the like (e.g., 新宿区 受理証明書 350 yen). Counters and required documents may differ by 市区町村, so confirm in advance.
PriorityA child without Japanese nationality must apply for status of residence within 30 days of birthNeeds re-verification
A foreign-national child who stays in Japan because of being born there may stay without a status of residence for 60 days from the date of birth; if the child will remain in Japan after 60 days from birth, an 「在留資格取得許可申請」 must be submitted within 30 days from the date of birth to the 地方出入国在留管理官署 with jurisdiction over the address (入管法第22条の2). No fee; online application is also possible; a legal representative (parent) can apply on the child's behalf. The status of residence to apply for depends on the parents' status of residence (e.g., the child of someone with a work-type status or 留学 is 「家族滞在」; the child of a 永住者 is 「永住者の配偶者等」 or 「永住者」). Documents generally include the 在留資格取得許可申請書, 出生したことを証する書類, and the child's passport (presented), and differ depending on the status of residence applied for; no photo is needed for a child who is under 1 year old on the day the residence card is received. If the child leaves Japan within 60 days of birth, this application is not needed. If the child has no 住民票 after the residence card is issued, a 住居地届出 must be made at the 市区町村 within 14 days after permission (入管 「家族滞在」 page, 入管法第19条の8). If one parent is Japanese and the child acquires Japanese nationality at birth, no status of residence is needed.
PriorityChild of a 永住者 born in Japan: apply within 30 days for 「永住者の配偶者等」 or 永住許可Needs re-verification
「永住者の配偶者等」 covers 「永住者等の子として本邦で出生しその後引き続き本邦に在留している者」, that is, a child born in Japan to a 永住者 or 特別永住者 who continues to stay; the period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months. In addition, the 入管 「永住許可申請」 also accepts applications from 「出生等により永住者の在留資格の取得を希望する外国人」, with the same deadline of within 30 days of birth; no fee is charged when applying for permanent residence by way of 在留資格取得 (for a change to permanent residence, the permission fee is 200,000 yen; applications accepted before 2026-09-30 are at the old fee of 10,000 yen). Under the examination criteria, spouses or children of Japanese nationals, 永住者 and 特別永住者 are not required to meet the two requirements of 「素行善良」 and 「独立生計」, but must still satisfy the requirement that permanent residence is in the interest of Japan, and whether permission is granted is decided by 入管 examination. Which to choose and which documents to prepare should be confirmed within the deadline with the 地方出入国在留管理官署 or the 外国人在留総合インフォメーションセンター (0570-013904). Note: the 「永住者」 here must be one of the child's parents; it does not apply to a child born to a 永住者の配偶者等 holder (who is not a 永住者) and a non-永住者.
Families with a work-type status, 留学 or 家族滞在: the child generally applies for 「家族滞在」Needs re-verification
「家族滞在」 is the status of residence of a spouse or child supported by a person with the status of residence 教授, 高度専門職, 経営・管理, 技術・人文知識・国際業務, 企業内転勤, 介護, 技能, 特定技能２号, 文化活動, 留学, etc. (not 特定技能１号 or 技能実習). When a child born in Japan acquires 「家族滞在」 through a 在留資格取得許可申請, in addition to the application form, 出生したことを証する書類 and the passport (presented), documents proving the relationship with the supporter, the 質問書, a copy of the supporter's residence card or passport, and documents proving the supporter's occupation and income (a 在職証明書 or a copy of the 営業許可書, a 住民税課税・納税証明書, etc.) are needed. 入管 recommends attaching the child's 住民票: if attached, the residence card will show the place of residence, and no 住居地届出 at the 市区町村 is needed after permission.
One parent is Japanese: the child acquires Japanese nationality at birth and is entered in the 戸籍 via the 出生届Needs re-verification
If the father or mother is a Japanese national at the time of birth, the child acquires Japanese nationality at birth (国籍法第2条), no application for a status of residence is needed, and a child born in Japan likewise must have a 出生届 submitted within 14 days and be recorded in the 戸籍 of the Japanese parent. 'Father' and 'mother' here mean parents with a legal parent-child relationship at the time of birth: for a child born to an unmarried Japanese father and a foreign mother, Japanese nationality is acquired at birth only if the father acknowledged the child while it was still a fetus (胎児認知); if acknowledged only after birth, the child can notify the 法務大臣 to acquire nationality if certain requirements are met (国籍法第3条). If the child also holds foreign nationality (dual nationality), a person who became a dual national before age 18 must choose a nationality before age 20 (法務省 nationality Q&A).
Families with 定住者: confirm the child's status of residence with 入管 in advanceNeeds re-verification
The 入管 「定住者」 page lists the type of unmarried minor biological child supported by a 「永住者」, 「定住者」, 「日本人の配偶者等」, 「永住者の配偶者等」 or 「特別永住者」, but that page does not separately list the documents for acquiring 定住者 through a 在留資格取得許可申請 upon birth in Japan. Whichever status of residence is applied for, if the child will remain in Japan after 60 days from birth, the application must be submitted within 30 days of birth; please confirm the specific status of residence and documents with the 地方出入国在留管理官署 or the 外国人在留総合インフォメーションセンター (0570-013904).
出産育児一時金 and enrolling the child in health insuranceNeeds re-verification
When a person enrolled in public health insurance (an insured person or a dependent) gives birth, a 出産育児一時金 of in principle 500,000 yen per child is paid (for delivery at an institution participating in the obstetric compensation system, at 22 weeks of pregnancy or later; otherwise 488,000 yen, per child for multiple births). When using the direct payment system, the insurer pays the hospital directly and you pay only the excess; if the cost is lower than the lump sum, you can apply for the difference. The application deadline is within 2 years from the day after the delivery. Child's health insurance: if the parents are in company health insurance (e.g., 協会けんぽ), the insured person must submit the 「被扶養者（異動）届」 through the employer, within 5 days of the event; for 国民健康保険 enrollment, 新宿区 for example requires enrollment within 14 days after birth, and when one spouse is in company health insurance, a notice of non-recognition as a dependent from that insurer is needed (differs by 市区町村).
Apply for 児童手当 within 15 days from the day after birthNeeds re-verification
児童手当 is paid to a person raising a child residing in Japan (from age 0 until the first March 31 after the child turns 18). After the child is born, submit the 「認定請求書」 to the 市区町村 of the current address (public servants apply to their workplace). In principle, payment starts from the month after the month of application; if the birth date is near the end of the month, even if the application date falls in the following month, payment starts from the month of application as long as the application is made within 15 days from the day after birth; months for which the application is late are in principle not paid. Amounts: 15,000 yen per child per month under 3 years old, 10,000 yen from age 3 through high school age, and 30,000 yen from the third child onward; every year in the even-numbered months, the two preceding months are paid. Even if you are temporarily away from your current address, such as giving birth at your parents' home, apply to the 市区町村 of the current address.
Child medical expense subsidy (differs by 市区町村)Needs re-verification
Many 市区町村 subsidize the out-of-pocket portion of children's medical care, and eligibility, age and application deadline are set by each 市区町村. For example 新宿区: eligible are children registered as residents in 新宿区 up to the first March 31 after turning 18, with no income limit; in principle the subsidy starts from the 1st of the month of application, and if applied for within 3 months from the day after birth or moving in, the subsidy starts from the date of birth or moving in. Generally the child must first be enrolled in health insurance. Please confirm with the 市区町村 where you live.
Working parents: 出産手当金 and 育児休業等給付Needs re-verification
When the person insured under company health insurance (e.g., 協会けんぽ) takes leave because of childbirth and receives no wages, the 出産手当金 can be received for the leave period from 42 days (98 days for multiple births) before the delivery date (the expected delivery date if the delivery is later than expected) up to the 56th day counting from the day after delivery; the daily amount is approximately the average of the standard monthly remuneration for the 12 months before the payment start date ÷ 30 × 2/3 (not applicable to those insured as dependents), applied for to the 協会けんぽ branch you belong to. When a 雇用保険 insured person takes childcare leave and meets the requirements, the 雇用保険 育児休業等給付 can be received: 出生時育児休業給付金 (up to 28 days within 8 weeks after the child's birth, in principle daily wage at the start of leave × number of leave days × 67%), 育児休業給付金 (in principle until the child is 1 year old; daily wage at the start of leave × number of payment days × 67%, and 50% from the 181st day after the start of 育児休業), 出生後休業支援給付金 (up to an additional 28 days when both parents take 14 days or more of leave within a certain period; daily wage × number of leave days × 13%; together with the 67% this makes 80%, which the 厚生労働省 explains is equivalent to about 100% of take-home pay because social insurance premiums are waived during leave and the benefits are not taxed, though the daily wage has an upper limit), and 育児時短就業給付金; the first place to apply is the ハローワーク with jurisdiction over the business establishment. From 2026-08-01 the application procedures are adjusted; see the 厚生労働省 pamphlet or consult the 育児休業等給付コールセンター (0570-200-406).
After pregnancy: 妊娠届出, 母子健康手帳 and 妊婦健診 subsidiesNeeds re-verification
After becoming pregnant, submit the 「妊娠届出書」 to the health center or 市区町村 office of your place of residence to receive the 母子健康手帳, and usually also the examination vouchers (subsidy tickets) for 妊婦健診; 市区町村 provide public subsidies for 妊婦健診 (the national recommendation is about 14 visits before delivery). Bring the 母子健康手帳 also when submitting the 出生届 (e.g., 新宿区). 市区町村 also run the 妊婦等包括相談支援事業 (interview consultations) and the 「妊婦のための支援給付」 (financial support); please confirm the amounts and application method with the 市区町村 where you live.
Marriage in Japan: submit the 婚姻届 to the 市区町村Needs re-verification
For a marriage in Japan between a Japanese national and a foreign national, or between foreign nationals, a 婚姻届 must be submitted to the 市区町村 of the notifier's 本籍地 or location, and the marriage is established upon acceptance; no fee, the form requires signatures of 2 adult witnesses, and an identity verification document must be presented at the counter. The foreign national must also attach a 「婚姻要件具備証明書」 issued by the home country's embassy, consulate, etc., and a Japanese translation stating the translator's name (translating it yourself is also acceptable); if the home country does not issue it, an affidavit sworn before a consul, or a copy of the home country's law and identity documents such as a passport and birth certificate, can be used instead. A foreign national who completes the marriage in the home country's manner at the home country's embassy or consulate in Japan does not need to notify a Japanese counter again. From 2024-03-01, a 戸籍証明書 is in principle no longer required when submitting outside the 本籍地; other attachments follow the 市区町村 where you submit.
If your 世帯 or head of 世帯 changes, submit a 世帯変更届 within 14 daysNeeds re-verification
After marriage, a person whose 世帯 or head of 世帯 changes, such as by merging 世帯 at the same address or changing the head of 世帯, must submit a 世帯変更届 to the 市区町村 within 14 days of the change (住民基本台帳法第25条); if moving to a new address, handle it as a 転入届・転居届. A foreign resident who is not the head of 世帯, when the head of 世帯 is also a foreign resident, must attach a 「世帯主との続柄を証する文書」 (such as a marriage certificate) when making these notifications or when the relationship to the head of 世帯 changes. Counters and required documents follow each 市区町村.
PriorityIf your name changes after marriage, submit the 在留カード記載事項変更届出 within 14 daysNeeds re-verification
A mid- to long-term resident whose name changes because of marriage must submit the 「在留カード記載事項変更届出」 to the 地方出入国在留管理官署 within 14 days of the change; no fee. The passport showing the new name and the marriage certificate (a 戸籍謄本 for marriage to a Japanese national) and a photo must be submitted, and the current residence card presented; it is best to have the passport changed or reissued first, otherwise a new card may not be issued on the same day. If the name has not changed, no notification is needed.
Joining the spouse's health insurance and becoming a 国民年金 No. 3 insured personNeeds re-verification
To become a dependent in the spouse's health insurance after marriage, the spouse (insured person) submits the 「健康保険 被扶養者（異動）届」 and the 「国民年金 第3号被保険者関係届」 (a single combined form) to the company, and the company submits them to the 日本年金機構 within 5 days after the event; for health insurance associations, the procedure goes through each association. The dependent must have an address (住民票) in Japan, and annual income of in principle less than 1,300,000 yen and, when living together, less than half of the spouse's income (when living apart, less than the amount the spouse sends); the spouse is not required to live together. A person aged 20 or over and under 60 who is supported by a spouse enrolled in 厚生年金 is a No. 3 insured person and pays no premiums themselves. A person who was previously enrolled in 国民健康保険 must go to the 市区町村 and withdraw within 14 days after moving to the spouse's health insurance.
Confirm the spouse deduction at 年末調整 or in the 確定申告Needs re-verification
The income tax spouse deduction (配偶者控除) is judged by the situation on December 31 of the year: a spouse under civil law (de facto marriage does not count), sharing the same livelihood as the taxpayer, with the spouse's total income at 620,000 yen or less (applies from the 令和8年 tax year; with salary only, salary income of 1,360,000 yen or less), and the taxpayer's own total income at 10,000,000 yen or less. If the spouse's total income exceeds 620,000 yen and is 1,330,000 yen or less, the special spouse deduction (配偶者特別控除) can apply. Company employees generally declare through 年末調整, and others through the 確定申告.
PriorityIf you live as a spouse, check whether a change of status of residence is neededNeeds re-verification
Marriage itself does not automatically change the status of residence; if you continue the activities of your current status of residence (such as working), you may keep it. If you marry a Japanese national or a 永住者 and no longer engage in the activities of your original status of residence but live as a spouse, the 出入国在留管理庁 asks you to promptly apply for a change to 「日本人の配偶者等」 or 「永住者の配偶者等」; not engaging in the activities of the original status of residence may lead to cancellation of the status of residence. The application period is from the occurrence of the reason for the change until the day of expiry of the period of stay. If the spouse holds a work-type status such as 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 and you are supported by the spouse, the relevant status of residence is 「家族滞在」. When an over-the-counter application is approved, a fee of 10,000 to 75,000 yen is paid according to the permitted period (applications accepted before 2026-09-30 remain at 6,000 yen); the standard processing time is 1 to 2 months.
Divorce notification and death notification: submit to the 市区町村Needs re-verification
A divorce by agreement can be notified at any time with a 離婚届 to the 市区町村 of the notifier's 本籍地 or location, with signatures of 2 adult witnesses and presentation of an identity verification document; a divorce by court decision (judgment, conciliation, adjudication) must be notified within 10 days of the date the court decision becomes final, attaching a copy of the judgment and the certificate of finality, a copy of the conciliation record, etc. When a spouse dies, a relative, cohabitant, etc. must submit a 死亡届 within 7 days of learning of the death (3 months if the death occurred abroad) to the 市区町村 of the place of death, the 本籍地, or the notifier's location, attaching a death certificate or postmortem examination certificate. No fee for either.
If you were a spouse's dependent, switch pension and health insurance within 14 daysNeeds re-verification
After divorce you are no longer a dependent of your spouse. A person who was a 国民年金 No. 3 insured person and does not join 厚生年金 after the divorce must submit a category change notification (to No. 1 insured person) to the 市区町村 of the address within 14 days of the event, and thereafter pay the 国民年金 premiums monthly yourself; failure to notify makes the pension record differ from the actual situation, and it may later be corrected retroactively with a demand for back payment, and periods that cannot be paid become unpaid periods. For health insurance, divorce is a ground for removing a dependent, which the spouse submits through the company; a person not enrolled in other health insurance must enroll in 国民健康保険 at the 市区町村 within 14 days. At divorce you may also request a division of the 厚生年金 record (年金分割), with a deadline of in principle within 5 years from the day after the divorce (2 years for divorces before 2026-04-01).
If your 世帯 or head of 世帯 changes, handle the residence registration within 14 daysNeeds re-verification
After divorce or bereavement, a person affected by a change of head of 世帯 or a split of 世帯 at the same address must submit a 世帯変更届 to the 市区町村 within 14 days of the change (住民基本台帳法第25条); when moving, handle it as a 転出・転入届 (taking the residence card to the procedure counts as completing the 住居地届出).
PriorityIf you revert to your former name after divorce, submit the 在留カード記載事項変更届出 within 14 daysNeeds re-verification
A mid- to long-term resident whose name on the residence card changes must submit the 「在留カード記載事項変更届出」 to the 地方出入国在留管理官署 within 14 days of the change; no fee. A photo and supporting documents such as a passport showing the changed name must be submitted, and the current residence card presented. It is best to have the passport changed or reissued first. The supporting documents required follow the 出入国在留管理庁 page.
If you are raising a child, check whether you can receive 児童扶養手当Needs re-verification
児童扶養手当 is for parents, etc. raising a child (until the first March 31 after turning 18; under 20 for children with disabilities) whose parents have dissolved their marriage or whose father or mother has died, and is subject to an income limit; from April 2026 the full monthly amount is 48,050 yen (expected amount), paid in January, March, May, July, September and November each year. The implementing bodies are the 都道府県, cities, and towns/villages that have established a 福祉事務所; please confirm the application method with the 市区町村 where you live.
PrioritySubmit the 「配偶者に関する届出」 within 14 days of divorce or bereavementNeeds re-verification
A mid- to long-term resident holding 「家族滞在」, 「日本人の配偶者等」 or 「永住者の配偶者等」 as a spouse must submit the 「配偶者に関する届出」 to the 出入国在留管理庁 within 14 days of the event after divorcing or being bereaved of the spouse. It can be submitted online through the electronic notification system (prior registration required), at the counter of a 地方出入国在留管理官署 (present the residence card), or by mail (attach a copy of the residence card); documents such as a divorce notification acceptance certificate are not required. It cannot be submitted in advance before the divorce. Failure to notify or false notification is subject to penalties and may also be disadvantageous in residence applications; even after the deadline, notify as soon as possible. Persons holding 「定住者」 do not need this notification.
PriorityNot engaging in spouse activities for 6 months may lead to cancellation of the status of residenceNeeds re-verification
A person holding 「日本人の配偶者等」 or 「永住者の配偶者等」 as a spouse (excluding children of Japanese nationals, 永住者, etc.) who stays for 6 consecutive months or more without engaging in the activities of a spouse is subject to cancellation of the status of residence (入管法第22条の4第1項第7号), unless there is a justifiable reason. Examples officially listed as not leading to cancellation include: temporary evacuation or need for protection because of spousal violence (DV); unavoidable separation, such as for raising a child, while sharing the same livelihood; a long absence abroad with a re-entry permit because of the illness or injury of relatives in the home country; and being in divorce mediation or divorce litigation. The 出入国在留管理庁 explains that a change of status of residence is in principle needed after divorce or bereavement; when cancellation is being considered, an opportunity to apply for a change of status of residence or permanent residence will be taken into account.
Priority家族滞在: consult about changing your status of residence promptly after divorce or bereavementNeeds re-verification
「家族滞在」 is the status of residence for daily activities as a supported spouse or child. The 出入国在留管理庁 explains that after divorce or bereavement from the spouse, a change of status of residence is in principle needed; please consult the nearest 地方出入国在留管理官署 after submitting the 配偶者に関する届出. 「家族滞在」 is a status of residence in 入管法別表第一, and not engaging in the activities of that status of residence for 3 consecutive months or more (unless there is a justifiable reason) is one of the grounds for cancellation of the status of residence.
If you wish to keep living in Japan after divorce or bereavement: a change to 「定住者」 may be possibleNeeds re-verification
The 出入国在留管理庁 has published cases where a change from 「日本人の配偶者等」 or 「永住者の配偶者等」 to 「定住者」 was permitted and not permitted: the permitted cases involve raising a biological child of Japanese nationality (parental authority, guardianship and record of raising), a relatively long marriage and period in Japan, a certain income, and marriage breakdown due to DV; the non-permitted cases involve criminal convictions, long periods alone abroad, and a very short period of actual cohabitation in the marriage. Whether permission is granted is decided comprehensively by the 地方出入国在留管理局, and the conclusion may differ even in a case similar to these. In addition, even if you have not engaged in spouse activities for 6 consecutive months or more, a change to another status of residence may be permitted in cases such as raising a biological child of Japanese nationality.
PrioritySubmit the 「所属機関に関する届出」 to 入管 within 14 days of leaving a jobNeeds re-verification
Within 14 days of leaving a job (termination of the contract with the 契約機関, or leaving the 活動機関), you must notify the 出入国在留管理庁 yourself. Holders of 技人国, 高度専門職１号イ・ロ, 特定技能, etc. submit the 「所属（契約）機関に関する届出」 (reference form 1の4 for contract termination); holders of 経営・管理, 技能実習, 高度専門職１号ハ, etc. submit the 「所属（活動）機関に関する届出」. It can be submitted via the 電子届出システム, at the counter, or by mail; no fee. After that, when you sign a contract with a new employer, you must notify again within 14 days of signing.
PriorityNot engaging in the activities of your status of residence for 3 consecutive months or more may lead to cancellation of the status of residenceNeeds re-verification
A person holding a status of residence in 入管法別表第1 (技人国, 特定技能, 技能実習, 経営・管理, etc.) who, without a justifiable reason, does not engage in the activities of that status for 3 consecutive months or more (6 months for 高度専門職２号) falls under the grounds for cancellation of the status of residence (入管法第22条の4). The 出入国在留管理庁 gives an example: a person who, after leaving a job, is recognized as conducting concrete job-seeking activities such as company visits to find a new employer may be regarded as having a 「正当な理由」 and not be subject to cancellation, but whether there is a justifiable reason is judged individually and concretely. When a status of residence is cancelled, a departure preparation period of up to 30 days is in principle designated.
PriorityHealth insurance after leaving a job: 任意継続 (within 20 days) or 国民健康保険 (within 14 days)Needs re-verification
If you do not immediately join a new employer's health insurance after leaving, you must choose: ① 協会けんぽ 任意継続 — if you were an insured person for 2 or more consecutive months up to the day before the date of loss of eligibility, submit the application form to the 協会けんぽ branch for your address within 20 days from the date of loss of eligibility (the day after the retirement date) (if the 20th day falls on a weekend or holiday, it is extended to the next business day; by mail it must arrive); up to 2 years, and since you must pay the part previously borne by the former employer, the premium is about 2 times the amount at retirement (with an upper limit). ② 国民健康保険 — people who have an address in Japan and are not covered by other health insurance are insured persons, and the enrollment notification must be submitted to the 市区町村 within 14 days; e.g., 新宿区 requires a 健康保険の資格喪失証明書, and for late submission premiums must be paid retroactively to the month eligibility arose (differs by 市区町村). ③ If conditions are met, become a dependent under a family member's health insurance. For 特定受給資格者 who left because of bankruptcy, dismissal, etc., or 特定理由離職者, the 国民健康保険 premium is calculated at 30/100 of the previous year's salary income (until the end of the following fiscal year while unemployed). The above 任意継続 rules are those of 協会けんぽ.
Join 国民年金 No. 1 within 14 days of leaving a job; if you cannot pay, apply for exemption or defermentNeeds re-verification
A person aged 20 or over and under 60 living in Japan who leaves 厚生年金 (and does not become a spouse's dependent) becomes a 国民年金 No. 1 insured person, and must submit the 「国民年金被保険者関係届書（申出書）」 to the 市区町村 of the address within 14 days from the day after the retirement date, bringing a 基礎年金番号通知書 etc. or a マイナンバーカード; a 離職票 or other proof of the date of loss of eligibility may be needed. A spouse who was a No. 3 dependent must also change to No. 1. If premiums are hard to pay, you can apply for exemption or deferment (免除・納付猶予); when applying because of unemployment, the 「失業等による特例免除」 applies, in which the applicant's own income of the previous year is not considered, with a copy of the 離職票 or the 雇用保険受給資格者証 attached. Retroactive application is possible for the period up to 2 years and 1 month before the time of application; for periods left unpaid without completing the procedure, the half of the 老齢基礎年金 corresponding to the national treasury share is also not received.
Apply for the 雇用保険 基本手当 at the ハローワークNeeds re-verification
Conditions for receiving it: a total of 12 months or more as a 雇用保険 insured person within the 2 years before leaving (6 months or more within the 1 year before leaving for 特定受給資格者 and 特定理由離職者), and being unemployed with the will and ability to work. Flow: receive the 「雇用保険被保険者離職票（－１、２）」 delivered by the company → make the 「求職の申込み」 at the ハローワーク with jurisdiction over your address and submit the 離職票 etc. → eligibility decision → attend the briefing → in principle, unemployment recognition once every 4 weeks. The 7 days after the job application are the 「待期」 and are not paid; for those who left for their own reasons on or after 2025-04-01, after the waiting period there is in principle a further 1-month benefit restriction (3 months for a second or further time within 5 years of leaving on one's own without a justifiable reason, or being dismissed for serious misconduct). The receipt period is in principle 1 year from the day after leaving, and after it expires you cannot receive benefits even if days remain.
Resident tax: the part not yet deducted after leaving a job is paid by yourself (普通徴収)Needs re-verification
Individual resident tax is assessed on the previous year's income, based on the address as of January 1. While employed, the company deducts it from wages (特別徴収); when you no longer receive wages after leaving, except where it is deducted in a lump sum at the time of leaving, the remaining tax amount becomes 普通徴収 and you pay it yourself according to the 納税通知書 sent by the 市区町村 (e.g., 新宿区; differs by 市区町村). If you had income in the year you left, the following fiscal year will still be taxed on that income.
Left a job during the year and have not found a new job: a tax refund may be possible by filing the following yearNeeds re-verification
A person who leaves a job during the year and does not take another job that year cannot receive 年末調整, and income tax and special income tax for reconstruction may have been overpaid; you can file a final tax return (refund return) with the 税務署 with jurisdiction within 5 years starting January 1 of the year after leaving to receive a refund. If you take another job in the same year, in principle the new employer combines the former employer's wages in the 年末調整. The company must deliver the 「給与所得の源泉徴収票」 within 1 month after the retirement date, so keep it carefully.
PriorityIf you leave without a 再入国許可, your status of residence and period of stay expireNeeds re-verification
A foreign resident of Japan who leaves without obtaining a 再入国許可 (including the みなし再入国許可) loses the status of residence and period of stay they hold; to come to Japan again later, you must obtain a visa again and pass landing examination. If you might return, then for a return within 1 year, tick the box on the re-entry ED card when leaving and indicate to the examiner that you are applying the みなし再入国許可; beyond 1 year, you must apply for a 再入国許可 in advance. If you are leaving Japan for good, these procedures are not needed.
When leaving without a 再入国許可, return the residence card at the port of departureNeeds re-verification
When a mid- to long-term resident leaves Japan (except when leaving with a 再入国許可), the residence card becomes invalid and must be returned immediately; the place of return is the port of departure. If you leave with a 再入国許可 but do not re-enter within its validity period, the residence card likewise becomes invalid, and must be returned within 14 days of the date it became invalid (it can be mailed to the 東京出入国在留管理局 おだいば分室). Failure to return it within the deadline may result in a fine.
Priority永住者: leaving without a 再入国許可 means losing permanent resident statusNeeds re-verification
The same applies to a 永住者: if you leave without obtaining a 再入国許可 (including みなし), the status of residence 「永住者」 expires, and to return to Japan afterward you must apply again for a visa as a new entrant. If you might return in the future, use the みなし再入国許可 for up to 1 year (if the residence card expiry date comes earlier than 1 year, that date applies, and it cannot be extended overseas); for more than 1 year, you must apply for a 再入国許可 before leaving (maximum validity 5 years, fee 4,000 yen for single and 7,000 yen for multiple re-entry); if you do not re-enter within the validity period, you likewise lose the status.
Before departure, submit the 転出届 (moving abroad) to the 市区町村Needs re-verification
Moving abroad also requires submitting a 転出届 to the 市区町村 of your address. For example 新宿区: it can be submitted from 14 days before moving out (or within 14 days after moving out), handled by the person themselves or a member of the same 世帯, an agent needs a power of attorney, and foreign residents bring the residence card as an identity verification document (differs by 市区町村). Submitting the 転出届 is also a prerequisite for later claiming the 脱退一時金.
国民健康保険 withdrawal and loss of 国民年金 eligibilityNeeds re-verification
国民健康保険: once you no longer have an address in Japan you are no longer an insured person, and withdrawal must be submitted to the 市区町村 within 14 days (e.g., 新宿区: withdrawal must be handled when leaving and the 資格確認書 returned; if you keep using the ward's 国保 for medical care without withdrawing, the medical costs must be returned later). 国民年金: a No. 1 insured person loses eligibility when residing overseas and is no longer subject to mandatory enrollment; voluntary enrollment for overseas residents is limited to Japanese nationals.
Priority脱退一時金: claim within 2 years of the date you cease to have an address in JapanNeeds re-verification
A person without Japanese nationality can claim the 脱退一時金 after losing eligibility for 国民年金 and 厚生年金 and leaving Japan. Main conditions: 6 months or more of 国民年金 premium payment periods, etc. or 厚生年金 enrollment period (the two are not combined), not having met the qualifying period for the old-age pension (10 years), not having an address in Japan, and claiming within 2 years from the date you cease to have an address in Japan; the maximum number of months counted is 60. If your address is still in Japan when the 日本年金機構 receives the claim, you cannot claim, so submit the 転出届 first; if it is mailed before leaving, it must arrive on or after the moving-out (scheduled) date. After receipt, all previous enrollment periods are no longer counted as pension enrollment periods; for countries that have a social security agreement with Japan, the periods may be totalized, so consider carefully. The claim form is submitted to the 日本年金機構 by mail or electronic application (separate rules apply if there is a 共済 association period).
Resident tax: appoint a 納税管理人 or prepay/pay in full before departureNeeds re-verification
Individual resident tax is imposed on those who have an address in a 市区町村 on January 1, and the tax for that fiscal year must be paid even if you leave during the year. For example 新宿区: if you leave before the 納税通知 in early June, you must appoint a 納税管理人 or prepay (予納); if you leave after receiving the 納税通知, you must appoint a 納税管理人 or pay the full amount. To designate a 納税管理人, a declaration signed by both you and the 納税管理人 must be submitted (procedures differ by 市区町村).
Income tax: file a final tax return before departure (準確定申告) or appoint a 納税管理人Needs re-verification
'Leaving Japan' under tax law means having neither an address nor a residence in Japan without submitting a 納税管理人 notification. A person who needs to file a final tax return, when 'leaving Japan', must complete the final tax return before departure (準確定申告). A person who still needs to file, receive tax documents, or receive a refund after leaving must appoint a 納税管理人 and submit the 「所得税・消費税の納税管理人の選任・解任届出書」 to the 税務署 with jurisdiction before the departure date (e-Tax can be used). A person who left a job during the year and did not go through 年末調整 may have overpaid income tax, which can be refunded through a refund return.
マイナンバーカード: continued use overseas is limited to Japanese nationalsNeeds re-verification
From 2024-05-27, Japanese nationals who complete the procedure before moving abroad can continue to use their マイナンバーカード overseas; that procedure is for Japanese nationals (per the explanations of, e.g., 新宿区 and 岡崎市). How the card is handled when a foreign national moves abroad is explained differently by each 市区町村, so please confirm at the counter when submitting the 転出届.
Moving to another 市区町村: file the 転出届 in advance and the 転入届 within 14 days of moving inNeeds re-verification
People moving to another 市区町村 must file the 転出届 with the previous address "in advance" (住民基本台帳法 Article 24; at the 新宿区 counter, from 14 days before the move or within 14 days after it), and file the 転入届 with the new address within 14 days of moving in (Article 22); when moving within the same 市区町村, file the 転居届 within 14 days (Article 23). Neither the 転入届 nor the 転居届 can be filed before you start living at the new address. Holders of a マイナンバーカード with a valid electronic certificate can file the 転出届 online through マイナポータル (available nationwide since February 6, 2023); the 転入届 must still be filed in person at the counter of the new address. Failing to file without a valid reason, or filing falsely, is subject to a non-penal fine (過料) of up to 50,000 yen (Article 52).
PriorityNot reporting a new 住居地 within 90 days of moving out is a ground for cancelling your 在留資格Needs re-verification
If a mid- to long-term resident moves out of the reported 住居地 and does not report a new 住居地 within 90 days of moving out without a valid reason, the Minister of Justice can cancel the 在留資格; reporting a false 住居地 is also a ground for cancellation (入管法 Article 22-4, Paragraph 1, Items 9 and 10). The 90 days is not the reporting deadline; the deadline is still 14 days. When cancelled for this reason, a period of up to 30 days is designated for departure. Not reporting a new 住居地 is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 yen, and a false report by 拘禁刑 of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 200,000 yen (Articles 71-5 and 71-2).
マイナンバーカード holders: submit the card together with the 転入届, or it becomes invalidNeeds re-verification
Card holders must submit the マイナンバーカード to the 市区町村 of the new address at the same time as the 転入届 (番号利用法 Article 17, Paragraph 6); when moving within the same 市区町村, the card must also be submitted within 14 days (same Article, Paragraph 8). The card becomes invalid if, after the 転出届, the first 転入届 is not filed by the time 30 days have passed from the scheduled move-out date or 14 days have passed from the day of moving in, or if the card is not submitted at the new address (継続利用 procedure) within 90 days of the 転入届 (番号利用法施行令 Article 14). Using 文京区 as an example, the procedure requires the 住民基本台帳用暗証番号 (4 digits).
国民健康保険: report within 14 days; 国民年金: depends on whether your マイナンバー is linkedNeeds re-verification
For those enrolled in 国民健康保険, the 世帯主 reports within 14 days: when moving to another 都道府県, file a loss-of-eligibility notification with the previous address and an acquisition notification with the new address; when moving to another 市区町村 within the same 都道府県, report the address change to both (国民健康保険法施行規則). Using 新宿区 as an example, late filing means paying premiums retroactively to the month eligibility arose. 国民年金: if your マイナンバー is linked to your 基礎年金番号, an address-change report is in principle not needed; people whose numbers are not linked, short-term foreign residents and others must report: 第1号被保険者 file a change notification with the 市区町村 within 14 days (国民年金法施行規則 Article 8), and people enrolled in 厚生年金 report to their employer.
If you receive 児童手当: apply at the new address within 15 days from the day after the scheduled move-out dateNeeds re-verification
People receiving 児童手当 who move to another 市区町村 must apply (認定請求) to the 市区町村 of the new address within 15 days from the day after the move-out date (scheduled move-out date) to keep receiving it; if more than 15 days pass, in principle the allowance for the delayed months cannot be received. Public servants apply through their workplace.
General requirements for 帰化 (naturalization) under Article 5 of the 国籍法 (Nationality Act)Needs re-verification
Having had a domicile in Japan continuously for 5 years or more; being 18 or older and having legal capacity under the law of your home country; good conduct; being able to support yourself; having no nationality or losing your original nationality upon naturalization; never having plotted to overthrow the Constitution or the government by violence; and so on. The 法務省 (Ministry of Justice) also states that Japanese language ability needed for daily life is required.
First consult the 法務局 (Legal Affairs Bureau) for your place of domicileNeeds re-verification
Applications are made at the 法務局 or 地方法務局 (District Legal Affairs Bureau) with jurisdiction over your domicile. Applicants aged 15 or older must go in person and apply in writing; there is no fee. Required documents differ depending on nationality, family relationships and occupation, and the authorities ask you to consult them before applying; no standard processing period has been set officially.
PriorityFirst confirm that taxes, pension and health insurance have been paid on timeNeeds re-verification
The 永住ガイドライン (Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence) list the proper fulfillment of public obligations, such as paying taxes and public pension and public medical insurance premiums and making the notifications required under the 入管法 (Immigration Control Act), as one of the requirements; even if you have paid the arrears by the time you apply, payments not made by the original deadline will in principle be evaluated negatively.
Prepare documents: certificates must have been issued within the last 3 monthsNeeds re-verification
Applicants with a work-related status of residence or 家族滞在 (Dependent) need resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificates and tax payment certificates for the most recent 5 years, the national tax 「納税証明書（その３）」 (tax payment certificate, Form 3), and proof of public pension and medical insurance payments for the most recent 2 years. The standard processing period is 4 to 6 months.
Spouses are exempt from some requirementsNeeds re-verification
Spouses or children of Japanese nationals, 永住者 (Permanent Residents) or 特別永住者 (Special Permanent Residents) are exempt from two requirements, "good conduct" and "having assets or skills sufficient for independent living", but must still meet the requirement that "permanent residence is in the interest of Japan" (including the fulfillment of public obligations).
PriorityNew 永住ガイドライン apply from April 1, 2027Needs re-verification
The 永住ガイドライン (Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence) revised on October 1, 2026 in principle apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2027. Main changes: (1) the special rule for spouses of Japanese nationals, 永住者 and 特別永住者 becomes "a genuine marriage of 5 years or more and continuous residence of 3 years or more" (3 years or more of continuous residence for biological children, etc.); (2) Japanese ability at B1 level or above is in principle a consideration (except for highly skilled foreign professionals and their families, people who received 6 or more years of primary/secondary education in Japan, etc.); (3) understanding of Japan's systems and rules is checked, and school-age children must attend elementary or junior high school; (4) without a reasonable reason, being away for 6 months or more on one trip, or 2 years 6 months or more in total, within the past 10 years is in principle evaluated negatively; (5) for income, whether the household income continuously exceeds the average income of Japanese households of the same size (income from permitted activities outside status by people without a work status, such as 家族滞在, is not counted); for pensions, the expected future benefit amount; (6) the "5 years with a work status" excludes 技能実習, 育成就労, 特定技能1号, 企業内転勤, etc.; having been subject to a 「滞納処分」 (enforced collection) or similar in the past will in principle also be evaluated negatively. The income and "not becoming a public burden" items also apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 that are still under examination on October 1. The specific amounts have not been published.
Permanent residence fee: 200,000 yen from October 1, 2026Needs re-verification
When permission is granted, 200,000 yen is paid with 収入印紙 (revenue stamps). Applications received by September 30, 2026 pay the pre-revision fee of 10,000 yen even if permission is granted on or after October 1. People who meet certain conditions may have the fee reduced to 20,000 yen; see the official page for details.
PriorityYour period of stay has already expiredNeeds re-verification
If you filed an application for extension or change before the expiry date, you may continue to stay until the decision is made (特例期間, special grace period: up to 2 months from the expiry date). If you did not file an application, consult the 地方出入国在留管理官署 (regional immigration services bureau) with jurisdiction over your place of residence directly and immediately.
PriorityLess than 3 months until your period of stay expiresNeeds re-verification
Whatever you plan to do next, you need to file an application such as 在留期間更新 (extension of period of stay) or 在留資格変更 (change of status of residence) before the expiry date. If your period of stay is 6 months or longer, you can apply from 3 months before the expiry date.
Prepare the documents for your extension earlyNeeds re-verification
Required documents vary by status of residence, so first check the official page for your own status of residence. Request tax assessment and tax payment certificates from the 市区町村 (municipal office) where you lived on January 1 of that year, and ask your employer early for any documents it needs to issue. The official ガイドライン (guidelines) list the fulfillment of tax obligations as a factor considered in the review.
PriorityYou can apply for 在留期間更新 (extension of period of stay) from 3 months before expiryNeeds re-verification
If your period of stay is 6 months or longer, you can submit your application from 3 months before the expiry date at the 地方出入国在留管理官署 (regional immigration services bureau) with jurisdiction over your place of residence, or apply online through the 在留申請オンラインシステム (online residence application system). The officially published standard processing period is 2 weeks to 1 month.
PriorityApply no later than the expiry date of your period of stayNeeds re-verification
Applications at the counter must be submitted by the expiry date at the latest; online applications cannot be submitted on the expiry date itself. If you applied before expiry and no decision has been made by the expiry date, you may continue to stay during the 特例期間 (special grace period; up to 2 months from the expiry date).
Fees: tiered by the period granted from October 1, 2026Needs re-verification
The fee is paid after approval. For counter applications it is paid with 収入印紙 (revenue stamps), and the amount ranges from 10,000 yen (3 months or less) to 75,000 yen (5 years or more) depending on the period of stay granted; for online applications, see the official page for the amount and payment method.
PriorityYour residence card's validity date has passedNeeds re-verification
永住者 (Permanent Residents) have no period of stay, but the residence card has a validity date, and the renewal of its validity period must be completed before it ends. Please consult the 地方出入国在留管理官署 (regional immigration services bureau) with jurisdiction over your place of residence as soon as possible.
Priority永住者: you can renew your residence card from 3 months before it expiresNeeds re-verification
永住者 (Permanent Residents) aged 16 or older can file the 「在留カードの有効期間の更新申請」 (application for renewal of the residence card's validity period) from 3 months before the validity period ends; there is no fee, and the card is in principle issued the same day. Cards issued on or after June 14, 2026 are valid until the holder's 10th birthday after the date of issue.
PriorityRenew before your residence card's validity dateNeeds re-verification
The renewal of the residence card's validity period must be completed before the validity period ends. Check the validity date printed on the front of the card.
Returning within 1 year: みなし再入国許可 (special re-entry permit)Needs re-verification
If you re-enter within 1 year of the day you leave, you only need to tick the みなし再入国 box on the ED card when leaving and tell the immigration inspector; no advance procedure is required. If your period of stay expires before 1 year has passed, you must return before your period of stay expires; the validity of a みなし permit cannot be extended from overseas.
PriorityMore than 1 year: apply for a 再入国許可 (re-entry permit) before leavingNeeds re-verification
Apply before departure at the 地方出入国在留管理官署 (regional immigration services bureau) with jurisdiction over your place of residence; the validity period is up to 5 years, within your current period of stay. The fee is 4,000 yen for a single-entry permit and 7,000 yen for a multiple-entry permit, and the standard processing time is same-day. If you leave Japan without a 再入国許可 (including みなし), your status of residence will be lost.
Priority在留期間更新 is not possible from overseasNeeds re-verification
You cannot apply for 在留期間更新 (extension of period of stay) at a Japanese embassy or consulate overseas; you need to return to Japan before your period of stay expires to complete the procedure.
Leaving Japan long-term: 住民税 and 納税管理人Needs re-verification
住民税 (resident tax) is assessed based on your address on January 1, so leaving Japan partway through the year does not affect the 住民税 already incurred for that fiscal year. If you will no longer have an address in Japan but still need to handle matters such as tax filing, appoint a 納税管理人 (tax agent) and submit the notification before the day you leave; if you need to file a 確定申告 (final tax return) and have not appointed one, you must complete the filing before you leave.
PriorityNotify immigration within 14 days of leaving or joining a companyNeeds re-verification
You must submit the 「所属機関に関する届出」 (notification regarding the affiliated organization) yourself within 14 days of the date of the event (契約機関, the contracting organization, for 技人国 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services), 高度専門職 (Highly Skilled Professional), 特定技能 (Specified Skilled Worker) and similar; 活動機関, the organization of activity, for 経営・管理 (Business Manager) and similar). It can be submitted via the 電子届出システム (electronic notification system), at a counter or by mail. Even if you have already received extension permission, you still need to file this notification separately.
PriorityKeep the gap after leaving a job under 3 monthsNeeds re-verification
For holders of a work-related status of residence, not engaging in the activities of that status for 3 consecutive months or more without a justifiable reason is grounds for revocation of status of residence. Concrete job-seeking activities aimed at re-employment may be considered a justifiable reason, but this is judged case by case.
Check that the new job falls within the activities of your current status of residenceNeeds re-verification
If the duties of the new job are outside the scope of your current status of residence, you need to apply for 在留資格変更 (change of status of residence). If you want to confirm in advance, you can apply for a 「就労資格証明書」 (certificate of authorized employment) (optional; fee 2,000 yen, or 1,600 yen online).
PriorityChanging status of residence: obtain permission before starting new activitiesNeeds re-verification
If you will engage in the activities of a different status of residence (for example, starting work after graduation), file the 「在留資格変更許可申請」 (application for change of status of residence) between the time the reason for the change arises and the expiry date of your period of stay. If you are not engaging in the activities of your original status of residence, your status of residence may be revoked.
Priority経営・管理 (Business Manager): new criteria apply from October 16, 2025Needs re-verification
The new criteria include capital or equivalent of 30,000,000 yen or more; employing at least 1 full-time staff member; at least 1 person among the applicant or full-time staff having Japanese ability equivalent to B2; a relevant degree or 3 years or more of business management experience; and a business plan that must be checked by an expert. For extension applications filed before October 16, 2028, even if the new criteria are not met, a comprehensive judgment will be made taking into account the business's condition and other factors.
The 育成就労 (Employment for Skill Development) system takes effect on April 1, 2027Needs re-verification
The 育成就労 system replaces 技能実習 (Technical Intern Training). People already undergoing technical intern training in Japan when it takes effect can continue under their originally approved plans, but cannot transfer from 技能実習 to 育成就労.
Documents to prepare
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Choose a plan such as renewal, permanent residency, long trip abroad, job change or moving to see the documents to prepare.
Materials for renewal (在留期間更新): 技術・人文知識・国際業務 (カテゴリー1)
For employees of Category 1 organizations such as listed companies, national and local public bodies, independent administrative agencies, and public interest corporations. In principle, no materials other than the category proof are needed.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Copy of 四季報 or proof of listing (copy)
Used by a Category 1 affiliated organization (company listed in Japan) to prove its category.
Listed company
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of establishment permit from the competent authority (copy)
Used by a Category 1 affiliated organization (public interest corporation, etc.) to prove its category.
Corporation established with the permission of the competent authority
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of innovation-creating company (e.g., copy of notice of grant decision)
Used by a Category 1 affiliated organization (innovation-creating company) to prove its category.
Innovation-creating company
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of "company, etc. meeting certain conditions" (e.g., copy of certification)
Used by a Category 1 affiliated organization (company, etc. meeting certain conditions) to prove its category.
"company, etc. meeting certain conditions"
📍 Your employer (organization)
Pledge on dispatched work by the applicant (reference form)
a. 1 copy for the affiliated organization (dispatching company, 派遣元); b. 1 copy for the dispatch destination (派遣先).
Only for those working under a dispatch contract (the applicant is the dispatched worker)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials explaining the activities at the dispatch destination and the dispatch contract period (copies)
a. 労働条件通知書 (employment contract), b. 労働者派遣個別契約書, c. 派遣元管理台帳, d. 派遣先管理台帳, e. 就業状況報告書, 1 copy each; materials covering the most recent period of stay must also be submitted.
Only for those working under a dispatch contract (the applicant is the dispatched worker)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials for renewal (在留期間更新): 技術・人文知識・国際業務 (カテゴリー2)
For employees of organizations whose withholding tax amount on salaries for the previous fiscal year was 10 million yen or more (or organizations approved to be handled as Category 2 under the online system). In principle, no materials other than the category proof are needed.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
Document used by Category 2 and Category 3 affiliated organizations to prove their category; provided by the company.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Category proof; or submit the proof of approval under the online system listed below
Only if it applies to you
Proof of approval of the application to use the 在留申請オンラインシステム (approval notification email, etc.)
Only for organizations that wish to apply with the same materials as Category 2, submitted the category review materials, and were approved to use the online system.
Only for organizations handled as Category 2 because their application to use the online system was approved
📍 Your employer (organization)
Pledge on dispatched work by the applicant (reference form)
a. 1 copy for the affiliated organization (dispatching company, 派遣元); b. 1 copy for the dispatch destination (派遣先).
Only for those working under a dispatch contract (the applicant is the dispatched worker)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials explaining the activities at the dispatch destination and the dispatch contract period (copies)
a. 労働条件通知書 (employment contract), b. 労働者派遣個別契約書, c. 派遣元管理台帳, d. 派遣先管理台帳, e. 就業状況報告書, 1 copy each; materials covering the most recent period of stay must also be submitted.
Only for those working under a dispatch contract (the applicant is the dispatched worker)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials for renewal (在留期間更新): 技術・人文知識・国際業務 (カテゴリー3)
For employees of organizations that filed the previous year's total statement of legal records (法定調書合計表) but are not in Category 2. Resident tax assessment and payment certificates are required; for applications from 2026-04-15 onward, a declaration by the representative of the affiliated organization must also be added. A first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company additionally requires company documents, etc.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
Document used by Category 2 and Category 3 affiliated organizations to prove their category; provided by the company.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Category proof
Declaration by the representative of the affiliated organization (reference form)
1 copy. For applications from April 15, 2026, Category 3 and Category 4 must additionally submit it.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate
1 copy each, issued by the 区市町村 office of the place of residence as of January 1; if a single certificate states both the total income for the whole year and the tax payment status, submitting that one is sufficient. If you cannot obtain it because you have just arrived or because of moving, consult your nearest regional immigration services bureau.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Pledge on dispatched work by the applicant (reference form)
a. 1 copy for the affiliated organization (dispatching company, 派遣元); b. 1 copy for the dispatch destination (派遣先).
Only for those working under a dispatch contract (the applicant is the dispatched worker)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials explaining the activities at the dispatch destination and the dispatch contract period (copies)
a. 労働条件通知書 (employment contract), b. 労働者派遣個別契約書, c. 派遣元管理台帳, d. 派遣先管理台帳, e. 就業状況報告書, 1 copy each; materials covering the most recent period of stay must also be submitted.
Only for those working under a dispatch contract (the applicant is the dispatched worker)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials explaining the applicant's activities (any one)
(1) When signing an employment contract: the document stating working conditions delivered under Article 15, paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of its Enforcement Regulations; (2) When assuming office as a director of a company in Japan: a copy of the articles of incorporation or shareholders' meeting resolution record that sets directors' remuneration; (3) When transferred to a Japanese branch of a foreign corporation or assuming office as a director of a body other than a company: a document of the affiliated body stating position (duties in charge), period, and remuneration. 1 copy each.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
📍 Your employer (organization)
Certificate of registered matters (corporate register)
Can be requested online through the 法務局 website.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Materials explaining the business (any one)
(1) A company brochure giving details of history, directors, organization, and business (including main customers and transaction record); (2) an equivalent document prepared by the company. 1 copy.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
📍 Your employer (organization)
Copy of the most recent fiscal year's financial statements
1 copy. The 技術・人文知識・国際業務 page notes: for a newly established business, submit a business plan.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
📍 Your employer (organization)
For a newly established business, submit a business plan
Proof of CEFR B2-level proficiency in the language used for work
1 copy. For Japanese, the following are regarded as having B2-level proficiency: JLPT N2 or above, BJT 400 points or above, EJU Japanese 200 points or above, JPT 525 points or above, 20 or more years in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident, graduation from a university in Japan or completion of a specialized course at a 高専 or 専修学校, or completion of compulsory education in Japan and graduation from high school.
Only if you mainly use language ability in customer-facing work (translation/interpreting, hotel reception and other hospitality) and either: you are applying for your first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company; or your duties at a Category 3/4 company have changed from those originally applied for to this kind of work
📍 You prepare it
In principle not required for renewals where you have continued the same kind of work since before (it may be requested during examination). Applies to applications from 2026-04-15 onward.
Materials for renewal (在留期間更新): 技術・人文知識・国際業務 (カテゴリー4)
For employees of organizations not in Categories 1 to 3 (e.g., newly established companies). Resident tax assessment and payment certificates are required; for applications from 2026-04-15 onward, a declaration by the representative must also be added. A first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company additionally requires company documents and documents explaining why the total statement of legal records cannot be submitted (this explanatory document is also needed only at the first renewal after the job change).
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Declaration by the representative of the affiliated organization (reference form)
1 copy. For applications from April 15, 2026, Category 3 and Category 4 must additionally submit it.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate
1 copy each, issued by the 区市町村 office of the place of residence as of January 1; if a single certificate states both the total income for the whole year and the tax payment status, submitting that one is sufficient. If you cannot obtain it because you have just arrived or because of moving, consult your nearest regional immigration services bureau.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Pledge on dispatched work by the applicant (reference form)
a. 1 copy for the affiliated organization (dispatching company, 派遣元); b. 1 copy for the dispatch destination (派遣先).
Only for those working under a dispatch contract (the applicant is the dispatched worker)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials explaining the activities at the dispatch destination and the dispatch contract period (copies)
a. 労働条件通知書 (employment contract), b. 労働者派遣個別契約書, c. 派遣元管理台帳, d. 派遣先管理台帳, e. 就業状況報告書, 1 copy each; materials covering the most recent period of stay must also be submitted.
Only for those working under a dispatch contract (the applicant is the dispatched worker)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials explaining the applicant's activities (any one)
(1) When signing an employment contract: the document stating working conditions delivered under Article 15, paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act and Article 5 of its Enforcement Regulations; (2) When assuming office as a director of a company in Japan: a copy of the articles of incorporation or shareholders' meeting resolution record that sets directors' remuneration; (3) When transferred to a Japanese branch of a foreign corporation or assuming office as a director of a body other than a company: a document of the affiliated body stating position (duties in charge), period, and remuneration. 1 copy each.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
📍 Your employer (organization)
Certificate of registered matters (corporate register)
Can be requested online through the 法務局 website.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Materials explaining the business (any one)
(1) A company brochure giving details of history, directors, organization, and business (including main customers and transaction record); (2) an equivalent document prepared by the company. 1 copy.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
📍 Your employer (organization)
Copy of the most recent fiscal year's financial statements
1 copy. The 技術・人文知識・国際業務 page notes: for a newly established business, submit a business plan.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
📍 Your employer (organization)
For a newly established business, submit a business plan
Proof of CEFR B2-level proficiency in the language used for work
1 copy. For Japanese, the following are regarded as having B2-level proficiency: JLPT N2 or above, BJT 400 points or above, EJU Japanese 200 points or above, JPT 525 points or above, 20 or more years in Japan as a mid- to long-term resident, graduation from a university in Japan or completion of a specialized course at a 高専 or 専修学校, or completion of compulsory education in Japan and graduation from high school.
Only if you mainly use language ability in customer-facing work (translation/interpreting, hotel reception and other hospitality) and either: you are applying for your first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company; or your duties at a Category 3/4 company have changed from those originally applied for to this kind of work
📍 You prepare it
In principle not required for renewals where you have continued the same kind of work since before (it may be requested during examination). Applies to applications from 2026-04-15 onward.
Materials explaining why the previous year's 法定調書合計表 cannot be submitted
(1) Organizations exempt from withholding: certificate of exemption from withholding for a foreign corporation, etc.; (2) Other organizations: a. copy of 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書, b. a calculation statement of withheld income tax for the most recent 3 months (copy bearing the receipt date stamp) or materials proving that the 納期の特例 was approved.
Only for those applying for the first renewal after changing jobs to a Category 3 or Category 4 company
For people engaged in 経営・管理 activities at a Category 1 organization (listed company, national or local public body, independent administrative agency, public interest corporation, innovation-creating company, etc.); the renewal 提出書類一覧 also lists a JETRO-certified Japan investment support company as proof of Category 1. Apart from the category proof, no other documents are required in principle.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Copy of 四季報 or proof of listing (copy)
Used by a Category 1 affiliated organization (company listed in Japan) to prove its category.
Listed company
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of establishment permit from the competent authority (copy)
Used by a Category 1 affiliated organization (public interest corporation, etc.) to prove its category.
Corporation established with the permission of the competent authority
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of innovation-creating company (e.g., copy of notice of grant decision)
Used by a Category 1 affiliated organization (innovation-creating company) to prove its category.
Innovation-creating company
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of JETRO-certified Japan investment support company
One of the category proofs for Category 1 affiliated organizations in the 経営・管理 renewal 提出書類一覧; excluding companies whose business address is a co-working space (コワーキングスペース).
Only for companies certified by JETRO as Japan investment support companies (excluding those whose business address is a shared office space)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of "company, etc. meeting certain conditions" (e.g., copy of certification)
Used by a Category 1 affiliated organization (company, etc. meeting certain conditions) to prove its category.
For those engaged in 経営・管理 activities at an organization whose withholding tax amount on salaries for the previous fiscal year was 10 million yen or more. In principle, no materials other than the category proof are needed.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
For business operators and managers of Category 3 organizations that have submitted the 法定調書合計表. Materials on financial statements, registration, licenses and permits, full-time employees, Japanese language ability, and fulfillment of public obligations must be submitted. New standards took effect on October 16, 2025; for existing residents, renewals before October 16, 2028 will not be denied solely because the new standards are not met.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
Document used by Category 2 and Category 3 affiliated organizations to prove their category; provided by the company.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Category proof
Copy of the most recent fiscal year's financial statements
1 copy. The 技術・人文知識・国際業務 page notes: for a newly established business, submit a business plan.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of acquisition of the permits required to run the business
(1) 申請に当たっての説明書 (reference form), 1 copy; (2) copies of permits, etc. proving that the permits have been obtained.
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials proving Japanese language ability
(1) 申請に当たっての説明書 (reference form); (2) 住民票 of the person with Japanese language ability (excluding the applicant); (3) proof that the business operator or a full-time employee has Japanese language ability (test pass certificate or score report, or proof of educational background or career); (4) if that person is a full-time employee (excluding the applicant), their salary payment documents. 1 copy each.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Specific description of the business management activities during the most recent period of stay (free format)
If there are changes from the time of the previous application for status of residence, the reason must be explained.
📍 You prepare it
Resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate
1 copy each, issued by the 区市町村 office of the place of residence as of January 1; if a single certificate states both the total income for the whole year and the tax payment status, submitting that one is sufficient. If you cannot obtain it because you have just arrived or because of moving, consult your nearest regional immigration services bureau.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Proof that the affiliated organization has fulfilled public obligations such as taxes and social insurance
(1) 申請に当たっての説明書 (reference form); (2) Corporations: proof of enrollment in and payment of labor insurance and social insurance; proof of payment of withholding income tax and special reconstruction income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax and local consumption tax; proof of payment of corporate resident tax and corporate business tax. Sole proprietors: proof of enrollment in and payment of labor insurance, social insurance, and National Health Insurance; proof of payment of withholding income tax, income tax under final return, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax; proof of payment of individual resident tax and individual business tax. A sole proprietor who has no obligation to enroll in social insurance must submit explanatory materials.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of registered matters (corporate register)
Can be requested online through the 法務局 website.
Only for those running a business as a corporation
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Submit a copy of that corporation's certificate of registered matters
Declaration by the representative of the affiliated organization (reference form)
1 copy. For applications from April 15, 2026, Category 3 and Category 4 must additionally submit it.
Only if the applicant is engaged in managing the business (rather than operating it)
For business operators and managers of organizations that do not fall under Categories 1 to 3 (such as newly established companies and sole proprietorships). The materials are the same as for Category 3, plus a certificate of exemption from withholding, etc. New standards took effect on October 16, 2025; for existing residents, renewals before October 16, 2028 will not be denied solely because the new standards are not met.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Copy of the most recent fiscal year's financial statements
1 copy. The 技術・人文知識・国際業務 page notes: for a newly established business, submit a business plan.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proof of acquisition of the permits required to run the business
(1) 申請に当たっての説明書 (reference form), 1 copy; (2) copies of permits, etc. proving that the permits have been obtained.
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Materials proving Japanese language ability
(1) 申請に当たっての説明書 (reference form); (2) 住民票 of the person with Japanese language ability (excluding the applicant); (3) proof that the business operator or a full-time employee has Japanese language ability (test pass certificate or score report, or proof of educational background or career); (4) if that person is a full-time employee (excluding the applicant), their salary payment documents. 1 copy each.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Specific description of the business management activities during the most recent period of stay (free format)
If there are changes from the time of the previous application for status of residence, the reason must be explained.
📍 You prepare it
Resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate
1 copy each, issued by the 区市町村 office of the place of residence as of January 1; if a single certificate states both the total income for the whole year and the tax payment status, submitting that one is sufficient. If you cannot obtain it because you have just arrived or because of moving, consult your nearest regional immigration services bureau.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Proof that the affiliated organization has fulfilled public obligations such as taxes and social insurance
(1) 申請に当たっての説明書 (reference form); (2) Corporations: proof of enrollment in and payment of labor insurance and social insurance; proof of payment of withholding income tax and special reconstruction income tax, corporate tax, consumption tax and local consumption tax; proof of payment of corporate resident tax and corporate business tax. Sole proprietors: proof of enrollment in and payment of labor insurance, social insurance, and National Health Insurance; proof of payment of withholding income tax, income tax under final return, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax; proof of payment of individual resident tax and individual business tax. A sole proprietor who has no obligation to enroll in social insurance must submit explanatory materials.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Certificate of exemption from withholding for a foreign corporation, etc.
1 copy.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of registered matters (corporate register)
Can be requested online through the 法務局 website.
Only for those running a business as a corporation
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Submit a copy of that corporation's certificate of registered matters
Declaration by the representative of the affiliated organization (reference form)
1 copy. For applications from April 15, 2026, Category 3 and Category 4 must additionally submit it.
Only if the applicant is engaged in managing the business (rather than operating it)
For people staying as 高度専門職1号イ (advanced academic research activities), ロ (advanced specialized/technical activities) or ハ (advanced business management activities) who continue the activities currently designated. The types of documents to submit are the same for all three categories; the differences are the application form format, the field of the point calculation table, and the documents tied to the status of residence of the activity performed. The points need not be kept at 70 throughout the period of stay, but if the total is under 70 at the time of the renewal application, permission cannot be obtained. 高度専門職2号 has no expiry of the period of stay and needs no renewal.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
1号イ: use Form I for 「教授」 activities and Form N for 「研究」; 1号ロ: Form L for 「企業内転勤」, Form N for 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」, Form U for 「法律・会計業務」 or 「医療」; 1号ハ: Form M for 「経営・管理」, Form U for 「法律・会計業務」; for other activities, use the application form from the page of the corresponding status of residence.
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the day the residence card is issued.
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Materials required for the status of residence corresponding to the activities to be engaged in
Prepare according to the page of the status of residence corresponding to the intended activities; if that status of residence's materials are divided by category, submit the materials for the corresponding category.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Prepare according to the page of the status of residence corresponding to the activity performed; if that status is divided by category of affiliated organization, submit the documents for the corresponding category (other than the application form, photo and passport). For example, for 1号ロ engaged in 技術・人文知識・国際業務 activities, refer to renew-engineer-humanities-cat1 to cat4; for 1号ハ engaged in 経営・管理 activities, refer to renew-business-manager-cat1 to cat4.
Points calculation table (reference format)
1 table for the relevant field according to the activity type (No. 1 イ/ロ/ハ); an English version is available.
📍 You prepare it
Use 1 table for the field matching your 1号イ/ロ/ハ activity category (an English version is available).
Supporting materials for each item in the points calculation table
Only materials sufficient to confirm a total of 70 points or more need to be submitted; proof for all applicable items is not required.
📍 You prepare it
Official 「疎明資料（基本例）」: academic background, work history, annual income, and special bonus points such as for innovation support companies are common to イ・ロ・ハ; research achievements (patents, research funding, papers, etc.) apply only to イ・ロ; qualifications (Japanese national qualifications, IT notification examinations) apply only to ロ; position (representative director, director, etc.) applies only to ハ; bonus points related to the investment management business apply to ロ・ハ. It is enough that a total of 70 points or more can be confirmed.
Only if it applies to you
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only if submitted by someone other than the applicant
This applies to people staying under 特定技能 (Specified Skilled Worker) No. 1 who continue working at the same 所属機関. For renewal, submit 第1表 (about the applicant) and 第3表 (about the field); 第2表 (about the 所属機関) is not required. The total period of stay may in principle not exceed 5 years. Field-related documents are prepared according to the field the person belongs to (for 林業・木材産業, only the 協議会 member certificate is needed); if all implementation of the support plan is entrusted to a 登録支援機関, that organization's documents are also required.
List of submitted documents for 特定技能 No. 1 (for renewal)
That is, Table 1 (including the cover sheet) and the applicable sheets among Tables 3-1 to 3-3, placed at the very front in numerical order, with "present/absent" circled in the submission confirmation column. Table 2 is not needed for renewal.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Form of 別記第30号の2
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
The list requires it to be attached to the application form: taken within 6 months before application, 4 cm tall x 3 cm wide, name written on the back
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Copy of the 特定技能 employment contract
Reference form No. 1-5; must bear the applicant's signature and be written in a language the applicant can fully understand.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Employer-side materials
Copy of the employment conditions document
Reference form No. 1-6; must bear the applicant's signature and be written in a language the applicant can fully understand.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Employer-side materials
Copy of wage payment (details)
Attachment to reference form No. 1-6; must be written in a language the applicant can fully understand.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Employer-side materials
Applicant's individual resident tax payment certificate for the most recent fiscal year (for which all payment due dates have passed)
If a tax relief measure such as deferred payment applies and this is not stated on the certificate, a copy of the relevant notice is also required.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
(May be omitted if it was already submitted in an application for status of residence within the past year and its content has not changed)
Copy of the applicant's 源泉徴収票 for the same year as the tax assessment certificate
If there are multiple 源泉徴収票 and the last workplace did not make a year-end adjustment, a final tax return must be filed and a tax payment certificate (その3) issued by the 税務署 must be attached separately.
📍 Your employer (organization)
(May be omitted if it was already submitted in an application for status of residence within the past year and its content has not changed)
Only if it applies to you
Applicant list
Required when the same receiving organization applies for multiple foreign nationals at the same time.
Only when the same receiving organization applies for multiple foreign nationals at the same time
📍 Your employer (organization)
Copy of the annual calendar also written in a language the applicant can understand
Required when the one-year variable working hours system is adopted.
Only when the one-year variable working hours system is adopted
📍 Your employer (organization)
Employer-side materials
Copy of the agreement for the one-year variable working hours system
Required when the one-year variable working hours system is adopted.
Only when the one-year variable working hours system is adopted
📍 Your employer (organization)
Employer-side materials
Medical insurance eligibility information (downloaded from Mynaportal) or copy of the eligibility confirmation document
Required if the applicant is a National Health Insurance insured person at the time of application; the insurer number and the insured person's symbol and number must be blacked out.
Only for those who are National Health Insurance insured persons at the time of application
📍 You prepare it
(May be omitted if it was already submitted in an application for status of residence within the past year and its content has not changed)
Applicant's National Health Insurance premium (tax) payment certificate for the most recent fiscal year
Required if the applicant is a National Health Insurance insured person at the time of application; the insurer number, etc. must be blacked out.
Only for those who are National Health Insurance insured persons at the time of application
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
(May be omitted if it was already submitted in an application for status of residence within the past year and its content has not changed)
Applicant's insured person record inquiry reply form (National Pension)
Can be requested at the counter of a 年金事務所, or by post to the 日本年金機構 特定技能担当係 using the 【特定技能・本人用】 issuance application form (in principle sent to your own address, about 4 business days after acceptance); required if you were a 国民年金 insured person (被保険者) at the time of application, and can be omitted when copies of the receipts for 24 months are submitted. The 基礎年金番号 must be blacked out.
Only for those who are National Pension insured persons at the time of application
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
(May be omitted if it was already submitted in an application for status of residence within the past year and its content has not changed); also may be omitted if copies of receipts for 24 months are submitted
Documents related to public obligations that were to be fulfilled at the time of the previous application
Required for a person who submitted a 公的義務履行に関する誓約書 at the previous application because tax or social insurance obligations could not be fulfilled (including the tax payment certificates, etc. that should have been submitted at the previous application).
Only for those who submitted a 公的義務履行に関する誓約書 at the previous application
📍 You prepare it
Pledge to fulfill public obligations
Reference form No. 1-26; required if there are arrears in resident tax, withholding-related taxes, National Health Insurance, or National Pension.
Only for those with arrears in resident tax, withholding-related taxes, National Health Insurance premiums, or National Pension premiums
📍 You prepare it
Certificate of membership in the 特定技能 council (affiliated organization)
Issued by the 協議会 of each field; in 第3表 it is mandatory for all fields except 工業製品製造業 (which submits a printout of the JAIM member list instead) and 建設. For 介護, it must be a certificate stating the name of the place of work and the type code on the back; for 自動車整備, the 入会届出書兼構成員資格証明書 etc. bearing a receipt stamp (受理印).
Only if the field is other than 工業製品製造業 and 建設
📍 Other
For 介護, the place of work must be written on the back; for 自動車整備, the 入会届出書兼構成員資格証明書 etc. bearing a receipt stamp (受理印)
Outline of the establishment where 介護分野 work is carried out
Uses 分野参考様式第1-2号; the 所属機関 fills in an outline of the establishment where the applicant works; required for renewal in the 介護分野.
Only if the field is 介護
📍 Your employer (organization)
分野参考様式第1-2号
Copy of the registration certificate for the building cleaning business or the building environmental sanitation general management business
Choose one of the two; can be omitted if you have already submitted the ビルクリーニング分野協議会構成員資格証明書 stating this registration (within its validity period), or if it was submitted in a residence application within the past 3 years with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is ビルクリーニング
📍 Your employer (organization)
Can be omitted if the omission conditions are met
Copy of the document certifying accreditation of laundry facility hygiene standards (リネンサプライ)
Either the hygiene standard accreditation of the 日本リネンサプライ協会 or the bedding laundry business standard accreditation of the 医療関連サービス振興会 (either one), which must be for the establishment where the applicant works; can be omitted if the 協議会構成員資格証明書 stating the accreditation has already been submitted, or if it was submitted in a residence application within the past 3 years with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is リネンサプライ
📍 Other
Can be omitted if the omission conditions are met
Printout of the JAIM member list
A member list printed from the JAIM website, showing the 所属機関 and the name of the applicant's place of work; in the 工業製品製造業 field it is submitted in place of the 協議会 member certificate.
Only if the field is 工業製品製造業
📍 Other
Substitutes for the 協議会 member certificate
Copy of the accreditation certificate of the 建設 特定技能 acceptance plan
Must state the applicant's name; the accreditation procedure is handled at the 国土交通省 regional development bureau (地方整備局); can be omitted if it was submitted in the applicant's past residence applications with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 建設
📍 Other
Can be omitted if previously submitted
Notice of confirmation of the 造船・舶用工業 business operator
Issued by the 国土交通省; can be omitted if it was submitted in past residence applications with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 造船・舶用工業
📍 Other
Can be omitted if previously submitted
Copy of the notice of joining or the certificate of qualification of the Narita International Airport National Strategic Special Zone Air Logistics Foreign Human Resources Utilization Council
Required when working in a 保税蔵置場 or 総合保税地域 within the special zone under the National Strategic Special Zone Air Logistics Foreign Human Resources Utilization Project; can be omitted if it was submitted in a residence application within the past 3 years with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 航空 (when working in a bonded area within a National Strategic Special Zone)
📍 Other
Copy of the business license for a 旅館・ホテル
Must be a license for the establishment where the applicant works; in the 宿泊 field, in principle the addressee (名宛人) must be the same as the 所属機関; it is also required in the 外食業 field when working at a 旅館・ホテル, and if the addressee differs, a statement of reasons (理由書) and copies of the related contracts etc. are also needed. Can be omitted if it was submitted in a residence application within the past 3 years with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 宿泊, or the field is 外食業 and the person works at a 旅館・ホテル
📍 Other
Copy of the 風俗営業 permit under the 風営法
In the 外食業 field, 第3表之1 lists it as a document submitted depending on the case; the official note says 「旅館・ホテルで業務に従事する場合は必要」 (required when working at a 旅館・ホテル), so please confirm with the 入管 whether it applies to you. Can be omitted if it was submitted in a residence application within the past 3 years with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 外食業 (the official note says when working at a 旅館・ホテル)
📍 Other
Copy of the pass certificate of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (N3 or higher)
Required for applicants who have passed N3 or higher and are engaged in the タクシー driver category or the バス driver category; can be omitted if it was submitted in the applicant's past residence applications with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 自動車運送業 (passed N3 and engaged in the タクシー or バス driver category)
📍 Other
Japanese-language study plan certified by the 自動車運送業 council subcommittee
Required for applicants who have not passed N3 and are engaged in the タクシー or バス driver category (分野参考様式第15-16号, certified by the タクシー分科会 or the バス分科会 respectively); it must be a plan whose scheduled exam date has not yet arrived; can be omitted if it was submitted in the past with no change.
Only if the field is 自動車運送業 (not passed N3 and engaged in the タクシー or バス driver category)
📍 Other
Copy of the fishing/aquaculture license or 免許指令書, etc.
If the 所属機関 operates under a license or permit (免許), submit copies of public documents such as the license and the 免許指令書; if it operates as a member of a 漁業協同組合, submit copies of certificates etc. issued by that cooperative. Can be omitted if it was submitted in past residence applications with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 漁業
📍 Other
Copy of the fishing boat register transcript or the fishing boat registration slip
Required when operating 漁業 or 養殖業 using a fishing boat; can be omitted if it was submitted in past residence applications with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 漁業 (when using a fishing boat)
📍 Other
Pledge for accepting 特定技能 foreign nationals (登録支援機関)
When all implementation of the support plan for 特定技能 No. 1 foreign nationals is entrusted to a 登録支援機関, that organization issues it using the 参考様式 of each field (e.g. 外食業第14-2号, 農業第11-4号); can be omitted if it was submitted in the applicant's past residence applications with no change in content.
Only if the field is one of 造船・舶用工業, 自動車整備, 航空, 宿泊, 自動車運送業, 鉄道, 物流倉庫, 飲食料品製造業, 外食業, 農業 or 漁業, and all implementation of the support plan is entrusted to a 登録支援機関
📍 Other
協議会 member certificate (登録支援機関)
Required when all implementation of the support plan is entrusted to a 登録支援機関; for 自動車整備, the 協議会入会届出書兼構成員資格証明書 or 構成員資格証明書発行申請書 of that organization bearing a receipt stamp (it must be for the 支援責任者・担当者 etc.).
Only if the field is one of 造船・舶用工業, 自動車整備, 航空, 宿泊, 自動車運送業, 鉄道, 物流倉庫, 飲食料品製造業 or 外食業, and all implementation of the support plan is entrusted to a 登録支援機関
📍 Other
Support staff's 自動車整備士 qualification certificate or proof of practical experience (自動車整備)
A copy of the 1st- or 2nd-grade 自動車整備士技能検定 pass certificate of the 登録支援機関's 支援責任者・担当者 etc., or a practical experience certificate (分野参考様式第8-3号) proving at least 5 years of instruction experience at a training facility; can be omitted if it was submitted in past residence applications with no change in content (within its validity period).
Only if the field is 自動車整備, and all implementation of the support plan is entrusted to a 登録支援機関
📍 Other
Documents on dispatch employment (派遣元・派遣先)
When employed in the form of dispatch in the 農業 or 漁業 field, submit the dispatching agency's certificate of eligibility, a copy of the 労働者派遣事業許可証, the 派遣計画書, a copy of the 労働者派遣契約書, the 就業条件明示書, an outline of the host company (派遣先概要書), and the host company's labor insurance, social insurance and tax payment certificates, etc.; see 第3表之2之2・之3 and 第3表之3之2・之3 for details. It cannot be omitted when the end date of the dispatch authorization period falls within 7 months from the end date of the applicant's period of stay.
Only if employed through dispatch in the 農業 or 漁業 field
📍 Your employer (organization)
Cannot be omitted when the dispatch authorization period is about to expire
For those extending the period of stay within the same number (such as 技能実習 No. 2 or No. 3); moving from No. 1 to No. 2, or from No. 2 to No. 3, is an application for change of status of residence (在留資格変更), and this checklist does not apply.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate
1 copy each, issued by the 区市町村 office of the place of residence as of January 1; if a single certificate states both the total income for the whole year and the tax payment status, submitting that one is sufficient. If you cannot obtain it because you have just arrived or because of moving, consult your nearest regional immigration services bureau.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Required for an applicant technical intern trainee who did not temporarily return to their home country during Technical Intern Training No. 3 because of unrest in Myanmar.
Only for technical intern trainees who did not temporarily return to their home country during 技能実習 No. 3 because of unrest in Myanmar
For people continuing to study under 「留学」. Documents depend on the school category — ① universities (including junior colleges and graduate schools), quasi-university institutions, and 高等専門学校; ② 専修学校 and 各種学校 (courses not exclusively Japanese-language); ③ Japanese-language education institutions designated by notification or accredited; ④ high schools, junior high schools and elementary schools — and on whether the school is a 「適正校」 (クラスⅠ/Ⅱ); follow the 「提出書類一覧表」 provided by the school. Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are among the countries/regions listed in 「別表」. In what follows, the 'lenient group' = students from the 別表 countries/regions (regardless of school), or students at a 適正校 of universities etc. or at a 適正校 クラスⅠ of 専修学校 / Japanese-language education institutions; the 'other group' = students not from 別表 countries/regions who attend a non-適正校 of universities etc., or a クラスⅡ or non-適正校 of 専修学校 / Japanese-language education institutions. Funding documents (declaration, tax assessment certificate, remittance certificate, etc.) do not apply to ④ high schools, junior high schools and elementary schools; for ④, see the dedicated documents at the end.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the day the residence card is issued.
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
List of submitted documents (including the attachment 「各種確認書」)
Filled in by the educational institution where the applicant is (or will be) enrolled, not by the applicant; different forms are used depending on the type of school and whether it is a 「適正校」.
📍 Your school
This list is submitted for all school types and filled in by the school. The attached 'various confirmation forms' are needed only when transferring to a new school: not needed when renewing at the same school (except where the student originally studied only Japanese at that school); also not needed for those attending 専修学校・各種学校 (non-Japanese-language courses) or high school, but the 「日本語能力」 or 「日本語学習歴」 field of the application form must be filled in.
📍 Your school⏳ Within 3 months of issue (official general rule: all certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date)
Attendance certificate (where it can be issued), transcript, and graduation certificate
Certificates from all educational institutions attended since the previous application for status of residence.
📍 Your school⏳ Within 3 months of issue (official general rule: all certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date)
Categories ① and ②: submit the attendance certificate when it can be issued; ③ Japanese-language education institutions: the attendance certificate must be submitted; ④ high schools, junior high schools and elementary schools: submit the attendance certificate and the transcript (a graduation certificate is not listed in the document list).
Only if it applies to you
Only for ① universities etc.: enrolled as a graduate student other than one exclusively auditing courses
📍 Your school
Only for ① universities etc.: confirmed to be enrolled as an auditing student, a 科目等履修生, or a graduate student exclusively auditing courses
📍 Your school
Only for ① universities etc.: studying exclusively at night in a graduate school that offers evening classes
📍 Your school
Documents on Japanese language ability
For those attending a 専修学校 or 各種学校, submit one of the following: education of 1 year or more in a student course at a Japanese-language education institution designated by notification or accredited; passing a prescribed Japanese-language test (same as for university admission, e.g., JLPT N2 or above); or education of 1 year or more at a school defined in Article 1 of the School Education Act (excluding kindergartens).
Only for ② 専修学校・各種学校 (non-Japanese-language courses) and not renewing at the same school (excluding those who originally studied only Japanese at that school and then moved to another course)
📍 You prepare it
Declaration on bearing of living expenses (滞在費負担の申告書)
Official form, downloadable from the 「留学」 page.
Only for categories ①②③: the lenient group submits it only if, at the last (most recent) application for extension of period of stay, they received guidance related to permission to engage in activity outside the status of residence (part-time work); the other group must submit it
📍 You prepare it
Only if you are under 18, living alone (excluding dormitories, etc.), and your circumstances have changed since the last residence application (for ④, the case of living alone after entering high school)
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
Only for ①②③ where you bear your own stay costs, cover them with income from part-time work in Japan (activity outside the status of residence), and have worked for at least 1 year: the other group must submit it; the lenient group must also have received guidance related to permission for part-time work at the last (most recent) application for extension of period of stay
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Submit together with the tax payment certificate; if there is a document stating both the total income for 1 year and the tax payment status, a copy of the passbook showing the part-time income or a screenshot of online banking transactions may also be used instead.
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
Same as above (paired with the tax assessment certificate)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
A copy of a passbook showing part-time income or a screenshot of online banking transaction records may be used instead.
Only for ①②③ where you bear your own stay costs, cover them with income from part-time work in Japan, and have worked for less than 1 year: the other group must submit it; the lenient group must also have received guidance related to permission for part-time work at the last (most recent) application for extension of period of stay
📍 Your employer (organization)
Only for ①②③ where you bear your own stay costs: the lenient group submits it only if they received guidance related to permission for part-time work at the last (most recent) application for extension of period of stay; the other group must submit it (however, for ② 専修学校・各種学校 クラスⅡ, regardless of nationality, submit it only if such guidance was received)
📍 Other
Only for ①②③ where the stay costs are borne by another person: same submission conditions as 'proof of income or assets in the home country'
📍 Other
Depending on how the funds are delivered, submit whichever of this and 'proof of identity of the person bringing cash into Japan' applies.
Only for ①②③ where the stay costs are borne by another person and the funds are brought into Japan in cash by another person: same submission conditions as 'proof of income or assets in the home country'
📍 Other
Only if costs are borne by another person and circumstances (of the person bearing the costs, etc.) have changed since the last residence application; also applies to ④
📍 Other
Only for ①②③ if the person bearing the costs lives in Japan (the lenient group must also have received guidance related to part-time work); for ④, if circumstances have changed since the last residence application
📍 Other
For ④, it must be proof of the income of the person bearing the costs for the past 1 year.
Scholarship payment certificate
For the specific certificates accepted, see the official 「奨学金の給付に関する証明書一覧」.
Only for ①②③ where a scholarship has been newly obtained since the last residence application (for ①②, excluding government-sponsored students)
📍 Other
Statement of expense payment
For high school, junior high school and elementary school students; the official reference format can be downloaded from the 「留学」 page.
Only for ④ high school, junior high school and elementary school students whose circumstances have changed since the last residence application
📍 You prepare it
Bank balance certificate (original)
One of the funding documents for high school, junior high school and elementary school students; the original must be submitted.
Only for ④ high school, junior high school and elementary school students whose circumstances have changed since the last residence application
📍 Other⏳ Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date (general rule of the 出入国在留管理庁)
Only for ④ high school, junior high school and elementary school students whose circumstances have changed since the last residence application
📍 Other⏳ Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date (general rule of the 出入国在留管理庁)
Only for ④ high school, junior high school and elementary school students whose circumstances have changed since the last residence application
📍 Other
Only for ④ high school, junior high school and elementary school students whose circumstances have changed since the last residence application
📍 Other⏳ Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date (general rule of the 出入国在留管理庁)
Only for ④ high school, junior high school and elementary school students whose circumstances have changed since the last residence application
📍 Other
Only for ④ high school, junior high school and elementary school students whose circumstances have changed since the last residence application
📍 Your school⏳ Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date (general rule of the 出入国在留管理庁)
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
For the spouse or child of a person with a work visa, 留学, etc. who continues to live in Japan with the status 「家族滞在」. The main items prove the family relationship with the supporter and the supporter's occupation and income; if the supporter is working, submit tax assessment and payment certificates, and otherwise submit a deposit balance or scholarship certificate.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
No photo is needed for a person under 1 year old, a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or a person who wishes to renew for a period of 3 months or less.
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the supporter
Any one of the following: 戸籍謄本, 婚姻届受理証明書, marriage certificate (copy), birth certificate (copy), or an equivalent document.
📍 Other
Any one of 戸籍謄本, 婚姻届受理証明書, marriage certificate (copy), birth certificate (copy), etc.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of employment
Issued by the workplace. The 入管 explains that there is no fixed format; it is recommended to state the applicant's name, nationality, date of birth and sex, department, date of joining the company, position and salary amount, and job duties, with the certifying company's name, address, title and name at the end. Listed as 1 copy to be submitted for a permanent residency application (会社等に勤務している場合).
Only if the supporter is engaged in income-earning work or business activities
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
The page says 「在職証明書又は営業許可書の写し等」; it is enough to submit proof showing the supporter's occupation (for self-employed persons, a copy of the business license may be submitted).
Only if the supporter runs a business (instead of the certificate of employment)
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
Only if the supporter is engaged in income-earning work or business activities
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
The supporter's certificate; it must state the total income for 1 year and the tax payment status. If it cannot be issued because you have just arrived or moved, consult Immigration.
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
Same as above (the supporter's tax payment certificate)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Only if the supporter is engaged in activities other than the above (such as an international student)
📍 Other
Submit either this or the scholarship certificate, or as appropriate.
Only if the supporter is engaged in activities other than the above and receives a scholarship
📍 Other
Only if the supporter is engaged in activities other than the above, as a supplement
📍 Other
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
For the spouse of a Japanese national who continues to stay on the basis of the marriage. The Japanese spouse's 戸籍謄本, the personal sponsorship letter (身元保証書), and the 住民票 must be submitted, as well as the tax assessment and payment certificates of the person who bears the living expenses. Renewal for a biological child / special adopted child of a Japanese national has a separate checklist: no 戸籍謄本 is listed, the 住民票 submitted is the applicant's own, and the personal sponsor is usually the Japanese parent.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not needed for a person under 1 year old.
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Must be presented even if someone else submits the application.
Copy of family register (戸籍謄本; 全部事項証明書)
Proof of a Japanese national's family register, issued by the 市区町村 of the registered domicile.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of issue (official general rule: all certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date)
The Japanese spouse's 戸籍謄本, which must record the fact of marriage with the applicant. (Not listed in the renewal checklist for the application of a biological child / special adopted child of a Japanese national.)
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Certificate for the person who bears the applicant's stay expenses for the most recent 1 year; if the applicant bears the cost themselves, the applicant's own.
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
The personal sponsor is the Japanese spouse living in Japan. (For a biological child application: a Japanese parent or adoptive parent, etc. serves as sponsor.)
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
The Japanese spouse's 住民票 covering all household members. (For a biological child application: submit the applicant's own 住民票.)
A screenshot of an online banking page (showing transaction records) is also acceptable, but it must be a printout that can no longer be edited (Excel, etc. is not accepted).
Only when stay expenses cannot be proven by a tax assessment/payment certificate, such as when you have just arrived or moved
📍 You prepare it
A notice of informal job offer, etc. or other equivalent materials may also be submitted.
Only when stay expenses cannot be proven by a tax assessment/payment certificate (as one of the alternative materials)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
For spouses of a 永住者 or 特別永住者 who continue to stay on the basis of the marriage. The official renewal list consists of: the application form, a photo, documents proving the marriage is continuing, proof of stay costs (resident tax assessment and payment certificate of the person bearing the costs, etc.), the personal sponsorship letter of the 永住者 spouse, the 世帯 住民票 listing all members of the 永住者 spouse's household, and presentation of the passport and residence card. The 「質問書」 required for recognition/change applications is not on the renewal list.
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the day the residence card is issued, for those who are not mid- to long-term residents applying for renewal, or for those wishing to renew to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Documents proving the marriage is continuing
The official page does not specifically list which documents can be used.
📍 Other
1 copy. Neither the official page nor the 提出書類一覧 lists which documents can be used.
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Certificate for the person who bears the applicant's stay expenses for the most recent 1 year; if the applicant bears the cost themselves, the applicant's own.
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
The sponsor is the spouse (永住者) residing in Japan.
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
1 copy of the 永住者 spouse's 住民票 listing all household members; omit the My Number (マイナンバー), but do not omit other items.
A screenshot of an online banking page (showing transaction records) is also acceptable, but it must be a printout that can no longer be edited (Excel, etc. is not accepted).
Only when stay expenses cannot be proven by a tax assessment/payment certificate, such as when you have just arrived or moved
📍 You prepare it
A notice of informal job offer, etc. or other equivalent materials may also be submitted.
Only when stay expenses cannot be proven by a tax assessment/payment certificate (as one of the alternative materials)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
The official source lists types: third-generation persons of Japanese descent (日系3世), spouses of second- or third-generation persons of Japanese descent, dependent unmarried minor biological children, and dependent adopted children under 6. The common materials are the application form, photo, 住民票, tax assessment and payment certificates, and the personal sponsorship letter (身元保証書); the rest are added or removed according to status and income method (employed / self-employed / unemployed).
Application for extension of period of stay
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of 出入国在留管理庁; 高度専門職, 特定技能, etc. use the form specified on their own pages.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
No photo is needed for a person under 1 year old, a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or a person who wishes to renew for a period of 3 months or less.
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
The applicant's own 住民票 covering all household members.
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
The certificate of the person of Japanese descent or the spouse, whichever has the higher income; for a dependent (biological child / adopted child / dependent third-generation person of Japanese descent), the supporter's certificate.
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
The personal sponsor is usually: for a third-generation person of Japanese descent themselves, a Japanese national or Permanent Resident living in Japan; for the spouse of a second- or third-generation person of Japanese descent, that second- or third-generation person; for a dependent child, the supporter.
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of employment
Issued by the workplace. The 入管 explains that there is no fixed format; it is recommended to state the applicant's name, nationality, date of birth and sex, department, date of joining the company, position and salary amount, and job duties, with the certifying company's name, address, title and name at the end. Listed as 1 copy to be submitted for a permanent residency application (会社等に勤務している場合).
Only if the higher earner (or the supporter) works for a company, etc.
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Copy of the file copy of the final tax return
Self-employed persons must prove their occupation and income themselves.
Only if the higher earner (or the supporter) is self-employed, etc.
📍 You prepare it
Only if self-employed and holding a business license
📍 You prepare it
Copy of passbook
A screenshot of an online banking page (showing transaction records) is also acceptable, but it must be a printout that can no longer be edited (Excel, etc. is not accepted).
Only if both spouses (or the supporter) are unemployed
📍 You prepare it
Copy of family register (戸籍謄本; 全部事項証明書)
Proof of a Japanese national's family register, issued by the 市区町村 of the registered domicile.
Only for: the first renewal after a third-generation person of Japanese descent enters Japan (submit the 戸籍謄本 or 除籍謄本 of the Japanese grandparent); or a biological child supported by a Japanese national (or the spouse of a Japanese national), or an adopted child under 6 supported by a Japanese national (submit that Japanese national's 戸籍謄本)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of issue (official general rule: all certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date)
Only for the first renewal after a third-generation person of Japanese descent enters Japan
📍 Other
Only for the first renewal after a third-generation person of Japanese descent enters Japan
📍 Other
Certificate of acknowledgment of paternity (認知) (issued by the authority of the home country)
Submitted only by a person who holds an acknowledgment certificate.
Only for the first renewal after a third-generation person of Japanese descent enters Japan, and only if you hold an acknowledgment certificate
📍 Other
Documents proving the marriage is continuing
The official page does not specifically list which documents can be used.
Only for a second-generation person of Japanese descent or the spouse of a third-generation person of Japanese descent
📍 Other
The page words it as 「お二方の婚姻が継続していることを証明する資料」.
Applicant's certificate of no criminal record (issued by the authority of the home country)
Only for a person who has never submitted it to the immigration authorities.
Only for a third-generation person of Japanese descent themselves, the spouse of a third-generation person of Japanese descent, or a child of a person of Japanese descent who is supported by a 「定住者」; and only if you have never submitted it to Immigration
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
Proof of Japanese language ability (any one)
a. Proof of having received at least 6 months of Japanese language education at a Japanese language education institution designated by the Minister of Justice's notice; b. Proof of reaching a level equivalent to B1 or above of 「日本語教育の参照枠」 (passed JLPT N2; or passed N3 with a total score of 104 or more; or BJT 400 points or more); c. Proof of having received at least 1 year of education at a school prescribed in Article 1 of the School Education Act (excluding kindergartens).
Only for a third-generation person of Japanese descent themselves and the spouse of a second- or third-generation person of Japanese descent who wish to obtain a 5-year period of stay (except minors)
📍 Other
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
📍 Other
Materials for renewal of residence card validity period: 永住者
A Permanent Resident (aged 16 or over) must apply to renew the card (not to extend the period of stay) between 3 months before the residence card's expiry and the expiry date; there is no fee, and in principle it is issued on the same day. When applying in person, only the application form, photo, passport, and currently held residence card are needed; when applying through an agent or application intermediary, the related materials are also needed.
Application for renewal of residence card validity period
Can be downloaded from the official website (PDF/Excel); print on A4.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Currently held residence card to be presented
When someone else handles the application, have the applicant carry a copy of the residence card.
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Statement of reasons for being unable to present a passport
Official form; reasons such as having left it at home do not qualify.
Only if you cannot present your passport (reasons such as forgetting it do not count)
📍 You prepare it
Application for kanji name notation on the residence card
Submit if you wish to have your kanji name also written on the residence card.
Only if you wish to have your kanji name also written on the residence card
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Only if applying early, before the application period, and the reason is not a long-term stay abroad (as needed)
📍 You prepare it
Document stating the reason, etc. (for late applications)
An official reference format is provided.
Only if applying after the application period has passed
📍 You prepare it
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only when submitted by an application intermediary (administrative scrivener, lawyer, authorized staff of an approved organization, etc.)
📍 Other
The page words it as 「身分を証する文書等の提示」.
Materials proving the relationship between the agent and the applicant (住民票, etc.)
Must be an original obtained within 3 months.
Only when handled by an agent such as a relative living with the applicant, or by an intermediary such as a legal representative or a relative/cohabitant
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Original obtained within 3 months
Only when an agent or intermediary applies on the applicant's behalf because the applicant is ill
📍 Other
Power of attorney
An official form can be downloaded.
Only when a relative aged 16 or over living with the applicant applies on the applicant's behalf at the applicant's request
📍 You prepare it
Photo ID of the agent / application intermediary
If there is no photo ID, an equivalent document may be used.
Only when handled by an agent or intermediary
📍 You prepare it
Permanent residency application checklist: work-related statuses and 家族滞在
Submit to the regional immigration services bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence; the standard processing period is 4 to 6 months. The fee upon approval (revenue stamp) is 200,000 yen (applications accepted before September 30, 2026 still pay the old fee of 10,000 yen); certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date.
Application for permanent residency
The 出入国在留管理庁 website provides PDF/Excel formats and filling-in examples.
📍 You prepare it
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Statement of reasons
Explains in free format the reasons why permanent residency is needed; if written in a language other than Japanese, a Japanese translation must be attached.
📍 You prepare it
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Most recent 5 years; for 家族滞在, the applicant's or the supporter's
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Proof of on-time payment of resident tax (copy of passbook, receipts, etc.)
If there was any period not covered by payroll deduction (特別徴収), submit materials for that period; if all periods were under 特別徴収, nothing needs to be submitted. Online banking screens must be non-editable printouts.
📍 You prepare it
Periods within the most recent 5 years not covered by payroll deduction
National tax payment certificate (その3: certificate of no unpaid tax)
Issued by the 税務署, certifying that there is no unpaid tax for the specified tax items; for a permanent residency application, the 5 tax items must be stated: withholding income tax, income tax under final return, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax.
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Any one of 「被保険者記録照会回答票」, 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅰ)」, or 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅱ)」 issued by the pension office; or 「ねんきん定期便」 (records for the whole period), the printed screen of monthly pension records from 「ねんきんネット」, or 「国民年金保険料領収証書(写し)」. The basic pension number, etc. must be blacked out.
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Most recent 2 years; if there was any National Pension period, receipts for 24 months must be submitted, and if that is difficult, attach a statement of reasons
Proof of payment of public medical insurance premiums
Copies of the 健康保険/国民健康保険 insured person's card (被保険者証) for all household members; for any period of National Health Insurance enrollment, submit the 「国民健康保険料(税)納付証明書」 and copies of the receipts. A person using a マイナ保険証 submits either a copy of the マイナポータル screen (within 3 months) confirming the date of eligibility acquisition or a copy of the 「資格確認証」. The insurer number, etc. must be blacked out.
Any one of the following: 預貯金通帳の写し, 不動産の登記事項証明書, or an equivalent document.
📍 You prepare it
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Personal sponsorship letter
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
📍 Other
Acknowledgment form
Must be submitted from October 1, 2021; available in multiple languages including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, and Korean.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Documents proving family relationship
Any one of the following: 戸籍謄本 (全部事項証明書), 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, 認知届の記載事項証明書, or an equivalent document.
Only for 家族滞在
📍 Other
Any one of 戸籍謄本, 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, or 認知届の記載事項証明書, etc.
Certificate of employment
Issued by the workplace. The 入管 explains that there is no fixed format; it is recommended to state the applicant's name, nationality, date of birth and sex, department, date of joining the company, position and salary amount, and job duties, with the certifying company's name, address, title and name at the end. Listed as 1 copy to be submitted for a permanent residency application (会社等に勤務している場合).
Only if employed by a company, etc. (for 家族滞在, the supporter's employment)
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Copy of the file copy of the final tax return
For self-employed persons to prove their occupation; if the business requires a license, also attach 「営業許可書の写し」.
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Statement of occupation (free format)
Submit with supporting materials if you are neither a company employee nor self-employed; it must also be stated when both the applicant and spouse are unemployed.
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
Proof of payment of social insurance premiums (for business owners)
Submitted by a person who is the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application; or submit 「健康保険・厚生年金保険料領収証書(写し)」.
Only if you are the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Materials related to contributions to Japan
Copies of 表彰状, 感謝状, 叙勲書, etc., letters of recommendation, etc.; submit only if you have them.
Only if you have such materials
📍 Other
Identification of the agent (to be presented)
To be presented when someone other than the applicant (such as an 申請取次者) submits the materials.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
Submit to the regional immigration services bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence; the standard processing period is 4 to 6 months. The fee upon approval is 200,000 yen (a spouse or child who meets conditions such as financial hardship can have it reduced to 20,000 yen, which must be applied for at the counter); certificates must be within 3 months of the issue date.
Application for permanent residency
The 出入国在留管理庁 website provides PDF/Excel formats and filling-in examples.
📍 You prepare it
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Documents proving family relationship
Any one of the following: 戸籍謄本 (全部事項証明書), 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, 認知届の記載事項証明書, or an equivalent document.
📍 Other
Spouse: the Japanese spouse's 「戸籍謄本(全部事項証明書)」 or a 婚姻証明書 issued by the home country's authority; biological child: the Japanese parent's 戸籍謄本
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Most recent 3 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Most recent 3 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Proof of on-time payment of resident tax (copy of passbook, receipts, etc.)
If there was any period not covered by payroll deduction (特別徴収), submit materials for that period; if all periods were under 特別徴収, nothing needs to be submitted. Online banking screens must be non-editable printouts.
📍 You prepare it
Not needed if all periods were covered by payroll deduction
National tax payment certificate (その3: certificate of no unpaid tax)
Issued by the 税務署, certifying that there is no unpaid tax for the specified tax items; for a permanent residency application, the 5 tax items must be stated: withholding income tax, income tax under final return, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax.
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Any one of 「被保険者記録照会回答票」, 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅰ)」, or 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅱ)」 issued by the pension office; or 「ねんきん定期便」 (records for the whole period), the printed screen of monthly pension records from 「ねんきんネット」, or 「国民年金保険料領収証書(写し)」. The basic pension number, etc. must be blacked out.
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Most recent 2 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Proof of payment of public medical insurance premiums
Copies of the 健康保険/国民健康保険 insured person's card (被保険者証) for all household members; for any period of National Health Insurance enrollment, submit the 「国民健康保険料(税)納付証明書」 and copies of the receipts. A person using a マイナ保険証 submits either a copy of the マイナポータル screen (within 3 months) confirming the date of eligibility acquisition or a copy of the 「資格確認証」. The insurer number, etc. must be blacked out.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Most recent 2 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Personal sponsorship letter
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
The personal sponsor is usually the spouse
📍 Other
Acknowledgment form
Must be submitted from October 1, 2021; available in multiple languages including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, and Korean.
📍 You prepare it
Self-check sheet for permanent residency application
Excel versions are provided for each status of residence; the official website recommends checking it before applying and submitting it together.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of employment
Issued by the workplace. The 入管 explains that there is no fixed format; it is recommended to state the applicant's name, nationality, date of birth and sex, department, date of joining the company, position and salary amount, and job duties, with the certifying company's name, address, title and name at the end. Listed as 1 copy to be submitted for a permanent residency application (会社等に勤務している場合).
Only if employed by a company, etc.
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Copy of the file copy of the final tax return
For self-employed persons to prove their occupation; if the business requires a license, also attach 「営業許可書の写し」.
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Statement of occupation (free format)
Submit with supporting materials if you are neither a company employee nor self-employed; it must also be stated when both the applicant and spouse are unemployed.
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
Proof of payment of social insurance premiums (for business owners)
Submitted by a person who is the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application; or submit 「健康保険・厚生年金保険料領収証書(写し)」.
Only if you are the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
List of the applicant's relatives
Submitted only by spouses under 「日本人の配偶者等」 or 「永住者の配偶者等」 (not required for biological children or special adopted children).
Only for a spouse (not needed for a biological child or special adopted child)
📍 You prepare it
Identification of the agent (to be presented)
To be presented when someone other than the applicant (such as an 申請取次者) submits the materials.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
Submit to the regional immigration services bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence; the standard processing period is 4 to 6 months. The fee upon approval is 200,000 yen (a spouse or child who meets conditions such as financial hardship can have it reduced to 20,000 yen, which must be applied for at the counter); certificates must be within 3 months of the issue date.
Application for permanent residency
The 出入国在留管理庁 website provides PDF/Excel formats and filling-in examples.
📍 You prepare it
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Documents proving family relationship
Any one of the following: 戸籍謄本 (全部事項証明書), 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, 認知届の記載事項証明書, or an equivalent document.
📍 Other
Spouse: 「配偶者との婚姻証明書」 or an equivalent document; biological child of a Permanent Resident or Special Permanent Resident: 「出生証明書」 or an equivalent document
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Most recent 3 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Most recent 3 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Proof of on-time payment of resident tax (copy of passbook, receipts, etc.)
If there was any period not covered by payroll deduction (特別徴収), submit materials for that period; if all periods were under 特別徴収, nothing needs to be submitted. Online banking screens must be non-editable printouts.
📍 You prepare it
Not needed if all periods were covered by payroll deduction
National tax payment certificate (その3: certificate of no unpaid tax)
Issued by the 税務署, certifying that there is no unpaid tax for the specified tax items; for a permanent residency application, the 5 tax items must be stated: withholding income tax, income tax under final return, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax.
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Any one of 「被保険者記録照会回答票」, 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅰ)」, or 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅱ)」 issued by the pension office; or 「ねんきん定期便」 (records for the whole period), the printed screen of monthly pension records from 「ねんきんネット」, or 「国民年金保険料領収証書(写し)」. The basic pension number, etc. must be blacked out.
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Most recent 2 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Proof of payment of public medical insurance premiums
Copies of the 健康保険/国民健康保険 insured person's card (被保険者証) for all household members; for any period of National Health Insurance enrollment, submit the 「国民健康保険料(税)納付証明書」 and copies of the receipts. A person using a マイナ保険証 submits either a copy of the マイナポータル screen (within 3 months) confirming the date of eligibility acquisition or a copy of the 「資格確認証」. The insurer number, etc. must be blacked out.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Most recent 2 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Personal sponsorship letter
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
The personal sponsor is usually the spouse
📍 Other
Acknowledgment form
Must be submitted from October 1, 2021; available in multiple languages including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, and Korean.
📍 You prepare it
Self-check sheet for permanent residency application
Excel versions are provided for each status of residence; the official website recommends checking it before applying and submitting it together.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of employment
Issued by the workplace. The 入管 explains that there is no fixed format; it is recommended to state the applicant's name, nationality, date of birth and sex, department, date of joining the company, position and salary amount, and job duties, with the certifying company's name, address, title and name at the end. Listed as 1 copy to be submitted for a permanent residency application (会社等に勤務している場合).
Only if employed by a company, etc.
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Copy of the file copy of the final tax return
For self-employed persons to prove their occupation; if the business requires a license, also attach 「営業許可書の写し」.
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Statement of occupation (free format)
Submit with supporting materials if you are neither a company employee nor self-employed; it must also be stated when both the applicant and spouse are unemployed.
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
Proof of payment of social insurance premiums (for business owners)
Submitted by a person who is the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application; or submit 「健康保険・厚生年金保険料領収証書(写し)」.
Only if you are the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
List of the applicant's relatives
Submitted only by spouses under 「日本人の配偶者等」 or 「永住者の配偶者等」 (not required for biological children or special adopted children).
Only for a spouse (not needed for a biological child or special adopted child)
📍 You prepare it
Identification of the agent (to be presented)
To be presented when someone other than the applicant (such as an 申請取次者) submits the materials.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
Submit to the regional immigration services bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence; the standard processing period is 4 to 6 months. The fee upon approval is 200,000 yen; certificates must be within 3 months of the issue date, and before applying please check the 「提出書類チェックシート(定住者)」.
Application for permanent residency
The 出入国在留管理庁 website provides PDF/Excel formats and filling-in examples.
📍 You prepare it
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Statement of reasons
Explains in free format the reasons why permanent residency is needed; if written in a language other than Japanese, a Japanese translation must be attached.
📍 You prepare it
Documents proving family relationship
Any one of the following: 戸籍謄本 (全部事項証明書), 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, 認知届の記載事項証明書, or an equivalent document.
📍 Other
Any one of 戸籍謄本, 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, or 認知届の記載事項証明書, etc.
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Proof of on-time payment of resident tax (copy of passbook, receipts, etc.)
If there was any period not covered by payroll deduction (特別徴収), submit materials for that period; if all periods were under 特別徴収, nothing needs to be submitted. Online banking screens must be non-editable printouts.
📍 You prepare it
Periods within the most recent 5 years not covered by payroll deduction
National tax payment certificate (その3: certificate of no unpaid tax)
Issued by the 税務署, certifying that there is no unpaid tax for the specified tax items; for a permanent residency application, the 5 tax items must be stated: withholding income tax, income tax under final return, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax.
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
All 5 tax items, issued by the 税務署 for your place of residence
Any one of 「被保険者記録照会回答票」, 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅰ)」, or 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅱ)」 issued by the pension office; or 「ねんきん定期便」 (records for the whole period), the printed screen of monthly pension records from 「ねんきんネット」, or 「国民年金保険料領収証書(写し)」. The basic pension number, etc. must be blacked out.
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Most recent 2 years; if there was any National Pension period, receipts for 24 months must in principle be submitted
Proof of payment of public medical insurance premiums
Copies of the 健康保険/国民健康保険 insured person's card (被保険者証) for all household members; for any period of National Health Insurance enrollment, submit the 「国民健康保険料(税)納付証明書」 and copies of the receipts. A person using a マイナ保険証 submits either a copy of the マイナポータル screen (within 3 months) confirming the date of eligibility acquisition or a copy of the 「資格確認証」. The insurer number, etc. must be blacked out.
Any one of the following: 預貯金通帳の写し, 不動産の登記事項証明書, or an equivalent document.
📍 You prepare it
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Personal sponsorship letter
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
📍 Other
Acknowledgment form
Must be submitted from October 1, 2021; available in multiple languages including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, and Korean.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of employment
Issued by the workplace. The 入管 explains that there is no fixed format; it is recommended to state the applicant's name, nationality, date of birth and sex, department, date of joining the company, position and salary amount, and job duties, with the certifying company's name, address, title and name at the end. Listed as 1 copy to be submitted for a permanent residency application (会社等に勤務している場合).
Only if employed by a company, etc.
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Copy of the file copy of the final tax return
For self-employed persons to prove their occupation; if the business requires a license, also attach 「営業許可書の写し」.
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Statement of occupation (free format)
Submit with supporting materials if you are neither a company employee nor self-employed; it must also be stated when both the applicant and spouse are unemployed.
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
Proof of payment of social insurance premiums (for business owners)
Submitted by a person who is the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application; or submit 「健康保険・厚生年金保険料領収証書(写し)」.
Only if you are the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Materials related to contributions to Japan
Copies of 表彰状, 感謝状, 叙勲書, etc., letters of recommendation, etc.; submit only if you have them.
Only if you have such materials
📍 Other
Identification of the agent (to be presented)
To be presented when someone other than the applicant (such as an 申請取次者) submits the materials.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
📍 Other
Permanent residency application checklist: Highly Skilled Professional (70 / 80 points or more)
Submit to the regional immigration services bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence; the standard processing period is 4 to 6 months, and the fee upon approval is 200,000 yen. For those with 80 points or more, tax and social insurance certificates are needed for only the most recent 1 year; for those with 70 points or more, resident tax is for the most recent 3 years, and pension and medical insurance for the most recent 2 years.
Application for permanent residency
The 出入国在留管理庁 website provides PDF/Excel formats and filling-in examples.
📍 You prepare it
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Statement of reasons
Explains in free format the reasons why permanent residency is needed; if written in a language other than Japanese, a Japanese translation must be attached.
📍 You prepare it
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
80 points: most recent 1 year; 70 points: most recent 3 years (applicant and supporters)
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
80 points: most recent 1 year; 70 points: most recent 3 years
Proof of on-time payment of resident tax (copy of passbook, receipts, etc.)
If there was any period not covered by payroll deduction (特別徴収), submit materials for that period; if all periods were under 特別徴収, nothing needs to be submitted. Online banking screens must be non-editable printouts.
📍 You prepare it
80 points: most recent 1 year; 70 points: most recent 3 years
National tax payment certificate (その3: certificate of no unpaid tax)
Issued by the 税務署, certifying that there is no unpaid tax for the specified tax items; for a permanent residency application, the 5 tax items must be stated: withholding income tax, income tax under final return, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax.
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Any one of 「被保険者記録照会回答票」, 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅰ)」, or 「被保険者記録照会(納付Ⅱ)」 issued by the pension office; or 「ねんきん定期便」 (records for the whole period), the printed screen of monthly pension records from 「ねんきんネット」, or 「国民年金保険料領収証書(写し)」. The basic pension number, etc. must be blacked out.
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
80 points: most recent 1 year; 70 points: most recent 2 years
Proof of payment of public medical insurance premiums
Copies of the 健康保険/国民健康保険 insured person's card (被保険者証) for all household members; for any period of National Health Insurance enrollment, submit the 「国民健康保険料(税)納付証明書」 and copies of the receipts. A person using a マイナ保険証 submits either a copy of the マイナポータル screen (within 3 months) confirming the date of eligibility acquisition or a copy of the 「資格確認証」. The insurer number, etc. must be blacked out.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
80 points: most recent 1 year; 70 points: most recent 2 years
1 table for the relevant field according to the activity type (No. 1 イ/ロ/ハ); an English version is available.
📍 You prepare it
Calculated as of the time of application; for an 80-point applicant holding a status of residence other than 高度専門職, the points as of 1 year before the application are used, and for a 70-point applicant, the points as of 3 years before the application
Supporting materials for each item in the points calculation table
Only materials sufficient to confirm a total of 70 points or more need to be submitted; proof for all applicable items is not required.
📍 You prepare it
Not needed if a notice of points calculation result has been submitted (80-point ア page); to reuse previously submitted materials, submit the 「資料転用願出書」 (70-point ア page)
Proof of assets
Any one of the following: 預貯金通帳の写し, 不動産の登記事項証明書, or an equivalent document.
📍 You prepare it
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Personal sponsorship letter
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
📍 Other
Acknowledgment form
Must be submitted from October 1, 2021; available in multiple languages including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, and Korean.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of employment
Issued by the workplace. The 入管 explains that there is no fixed format; it is recommended to state the applicant's name, nationality, date of birth and sex, department, date of joining the company, position and salary amount, and job duties, with the certifying company's name, address, title and name at the end. Listed as 1 copy to be submitted for a permanent residency application (会社等に勤務している場合).
Only if employed by a company, etc.
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Copy of the file copy of the final tax return
For self-employed persons to prove their occupation; if the business requires a license, also attach 「営業許可書の写し」.
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
or a certificate of registered matters of the corporation, etc.
Proof of payment of social insurance premiums (for business owners)
Submitted by a person who is the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application; or submit 「健康保険・厚生年金保険料領収証書(写し)」.
Only if you are the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Notice of points calculation result for 高度専門職 (copy)
Submit if you hold this notice; it exempts you from submitting points supporting materials.
Only if you hold this notice
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Materials related to contributions to Japan
Copies of 表彰状, 感謝状, 叙勲書, etc., letters of recommendation, etc.; submit only if you have them.
Only if you have such materials (listed on the 70-point page)
📍 Other
Identification of the agent (to be presented)
To be presented when someone other than the applicant (such as an 申請取次者) submits the materials.
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant (listed on the 70-point page)
Apply to the regional immigration services bureau with jurisdiction over your place of residence; the standard processing period is the same day. Fee upon approval (revenue stamp): 4,000 yen for single-entry, 7,000 yen for multiple-entry; the validity is up to 5 years (6 years for Special Permanent Residents) within the existing period of stay. A person with a valid passport who returns within 1 year of departure can use the 「みなし再入国許可」 and does not need to apply.
Application for re-entry permit
The new form must be used.
📍 You prepare it
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Present the residence card or 特別永住者証明書
📍 You prepare it
Present the passport; if you cannot present it, submit a statement of reasons stating the reason
Only if it applies to you
Identification of the agent (to be presented)
To be presented when someone other than the applicant (such as an 申請取次者) submits the materials.
Only when an application intermediary submits on your behalf
📍 Other
Notification of affiliated organization upon changing jobs or leaving a job
Within 14 days of the date a contract ends (leaving a job) or a contract with a new organization is concluded (changing jobs), the person themselves submits it to 出入国在留管理庁; there is no fee. You can use the electronic notification system (24 hours, no attachments needed), go to the nearest regional immigration counter (present your residence card), or send it by mail to: 〒160-0004 東京都新宿区四谷1丁目6番1号 四谷タワー14階 東京出入国在留管理局在留調査部門届出受付担当 (write 「届出書在中」 or "NOTIFICATION ENCLOSED" in red on the front of the envelope; sending by a trackable method is recommended).
Notification form regarding the affiliated (contracting) organization
Reference forms: termination of contract = 様式1の4; conclusion of a new contract = 様式1の5; both at the same time = 様式1の7; change of name or location of the organization, or its dissolution = 様式1の1. Not needed when using the electronic notification system.
📍 You prepare it
Use 様式1の4 for leaving a job, 様式1の5 for changing jobs, and 様式1の7 for submitting both at the same time; the electronic notification system does not require this form or any supporting materials
Only if it applies to you
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
Only for counter submission
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Present the original
Copy of residence card
Enclose it when submitting the notification form by mail.
Only for submission by mail
📍 You prepare it
Moving: moving-out notification and moving-in notification (foreign residents)
When moving to a different 市区町村, first submit a 転出届 to the 市区町村 of your former address before the move (people with a My Number card can also do this online via マイナポータル; details such as the period in which it can be submitted differ by 市区町村, e.g. in 新宿区 from 14 days before the move to within 14 days after the move); then submit a 転入届 to the 市区町村 of your new address within 14 days of the date you move in. For a move within the same 市区町村, submit a 転居届 (within 14 days). Mid- to long-term residents (中長期在留者) who file the 転入・転居届 while carrying their 在留カード are regarded as having completed the 「住居地の届出」 (notification of place of residence) with the immigration authorities, free of charge. Failing to report on time without a justifiable reason may result in an administrative fine (過料); if you do not report your new place of residence within 90 days after leaving your former place of residence, you may become subject to revocation of your status of residence.
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Required when filing the 転入・転居届; for 特別永住者, the 特別永住者証明書
Only if it applies to you
Identity verification document
A valid driver's license, passport, etc.; foreign residents use the residence card or 特別永住者証明書 as the identity verification document.
Only if handled by a member of the same 世帯 or by an agent
📍 You prepare it
Identity document of the person making the notification
Certificate of moving out
Obtained after filing the moving-out notification (転出届) with the 市区町村 of the previous address; not issued when moving out using a My Number card (special case for the moving-in notification).
Only if moving in from another 市区町村
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Not issued when the move-out is done with a My Number card (転入届特例)
My Number card (individual number card)
Must be presented to the 市区町村 of the new address when a card holder moves in. The card becomes invalid if the 転入届 is not filed within 30 days from the scheduled move-out date or within 14 days from the move-in date, or if the card is not presented at the new address within 90 days after moving in; when the address changes because of a move, the electronic certificate for signature becomes invalid.
Only if you hold one
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
For example, 新宿区 asks you to bring the cards of all members of the same 世帯
Document proving relationship to the head of household (original)
Needed when a foreign-national resident of the same 世帯 as a foreign-national 世帯主 moves in; in principle an original such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate issued by a public body such as the home country's government. A Japanese translation must also be attached.
Only if a family member of the same 世帯 as a foreign-national 世帯主 is moving in
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
A Japanese translation must be attached
Health insurance eligibility confirmation document
Bring it when moving into a household enrolled in National Health Insurance and the head of household changes.
Only if moving into a 世帯 already enrolled in 国保 and the head of the 世帯 changes (e.g. in 新宿区)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Power of attorney
Needed when the procedure is handled by the person themselves or by an agent from outside the same 世帯; the format and requirements differ by 市区町村 (e.g. it can be downloaded from the 新宿区 website).
Only if handled by an agent from outside the same 世帯
📍 You prepare it
Application for naturalization permission: general required materials
Apply in person, in writing, to the 法務局 or 地方法務局 with jurisdiction over your address (including branch offices that handle nationality affairs); for people under 15, a legal representative such as a parent applies. There is no fee and no standard processing period. Below are the 11 main documents listed in the 法務省 nationality Q&A; the documents actually required vary from person to person depending on nationality, family relationships, occupation and so on, so you must consult the 法務局 before applying, and which additional documents are needed follows the instructions of the 法務局. The 法務省 also points out that having all the documents ready does not mean permission will be granted.
Application for naturalization permission
A photo of 5 cm x 5 cm taken within 6 months before the application date, showing the person alone, bareheaded, facing front, upper body, must be attached (for people under 15, a photo together with the legal representative); the application form is kept at the 法務局 that accepts the application and must be filled in using only kanji, kana and Arabic numerals.
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)
The application form is provided by the 法務局; a photo must be attached
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Documents proving nationality
In principle, they must be issued by an official authority of the home country.
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
In principle must be issued by an official authority of the home country
Documents proving family relationships
In principle, they must be issued by an official authority of the home country.
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
In principle must be issued by an official authority of the home country
📍 Other
📍 Other
Only if it applies to you
Only for those running a business (the official source does not state the condition explicitly)
📍 You prepare it
After a child is born: documents for the 出生届 and follow-up procedures
The 出生届 is submitted to the 市区町村 of the place of birth or of the notifier's location within 14 days of the date of birth; no fee. When it is submitted outside the place of residence registration, creating the child's 住民票 takes time (新宿区). After acceptance, apply for the 出生届受理証明書, which is used for procedures such as 在留資格取得. The documents required may differ by 市区町村.
Birth notification
The form is a single sheet together with the 出生証明書, obtained at the 市区町村 office; for a legitimate child (嫡出子) the father or mother signs as notifier, and for an illegitimate child (非嫡出子) the mother.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 No fee (法務省).
Birth certificate (completed by physician/midwife)
The 出生証明書 on the right side of the 出生届, completed by the physician or midwife who attended the birth; submit the original.
📍 Other
Same sheet as the 出生届; completed by the physician or midwife
Maternal and Child Health Handbook
Issued by the 市区町村 (health center, etc.) after submitting the 妊娠届出書; bring it when submitting the 出生届 (e.g., 新宿区).
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Birth notification acceptance certificate
Proves that the 出生届 was accepted; issued by the accepting 市区町村, and only the notifier can apply (an agent needs a power of attorney). Can be used as proof of birth.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Differs by 市区町村, e.g., 新宿区 350 yen per copy.
Apply after the 出生届 has been accepted; only the notifier can apply
Only if it applies to you
Marriage certificate, etc.
新宿区 explains that this may be needed when submitting a 出生届 if the parents are foreign nationals and married; each 市区町村 decides.
Only if both parents are foreign nationals and married, when the 市区町村 requests it (e.g., 新宿区)
📍 Other
After a child is born: documents for health insurance and benefit applications
The company health insurance 被扶養者（異動）届 must be submitted through the employer within 5 days; 児童手当 must be applied for at the 市区町村 of the current address within 15 days from the day after birth; 出産育児一時金 is in principle 500,000 yen, and the application deadline is 2 years from the day after the delivery. 国民健康保険 enrollment and the child medical expense subsidy are explained using 新宿区 as an example; they differ by 市区町村.
Child allowance recognition request form
Submit to the 市区町村 of the current address (public servants to their workplace); may require bank account information in the requester's name, health insurance eligibility verification documents, etc.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ If applied for within 15 days from the day after birth, payment starts from the month of application.
Only if it applies to you
Health insurance dependent (change) notification
The insured person submits it to the 日本年金機構 through the employer; if urgent medical care is needed, a 「健康保険被保険者資格証明書交付申請書」 may be submitted separately.
Only if one parent is in company health insurance and the child joins as a dependent
📍 Your employer (organization)⏳ Submit within 5 days of the event; when attaching a 戸籍謄本 or 住民票, it must be issued within 90 days before the submission date.
Health insurance eligibility confirmation document
Bring it when moving into a household enrolled in National Health Insurance and the head of household changes.
Only when the child joins 国民健康保険 (e.g., 新宿区; brought by the holder)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
e.g., in 新宿区, 国保 enrollment is handled within 14 days after birth
Notice of non-recognition as a dependent
When one spouse is in company health insurance and the child joins 国民健康保険, a notice from that insurer of non-recognition as a dependent is required (e.g., 新宿区).
Only if one spouse is in company health insurance but the child joins 国民健康保険
📍 Your employer (organization)
Application for lump-sum childbirth and childcare benefit
Used when not using the direct payment system and applying for the full amount yourself; when using the direct payment system and the cost is lower than the lump sum, a separate difference application form is used. Submit to the insurer you belong to.
Only if you do not use the direct payment system, or if the cost is lower than the lump sum and the difference needs to be claimed
📍 Other⏳ Apply within 2 years from the day after the delivery (厚生労働省).
Application for childbirth allowance
Used when the health insurance insured person herself is on leave because of childbirth and has no wages; 協会けんぽ members submit it to their branch.
Only if the mother herself is the insured person of company health insurance and is on leave because of childbirth without wages
📍 Other
Application for child medical certificate (using 新宿区 as an example)
The child medical expense subsidy application form of 新宿区; the name, eligibility and deadlines differ by 市区町村.
Only when applying for the child medical expense subsidy (using 新宿区 as an example)
For a child who will still be in Japan after 60 days from birth, apply to the 地方出入国在留管理官署 with jurisdiction over the address within 30 days from the date of birth; no fee. The supporter must hold a work-type status of residence (特定技能 only for No. 2) or 留学, etc.; 特定技能１号 and 技能実習 cannot support 家族滞在. Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date.
Application for permission to acquire status of residence
Available as PDF/Excel from the 入管 website; forms are also available at regional immigration bureaus (地方出入国在留管理局); print on A4, single-sided.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)💴 No fee for 在留資格取得 applications.
Document proving birth
For a 在留資格取得 application, 1 copy of this is submitted for 「出生した者」; as proof of birth, apply at the 市区町村 that accepted the 出生届 for a 出生届受理証明書 or a 出生届書の記載事項証明書 (法務省).
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
📍 You prepare it
The child's passport, applied for at the embassy or consulate of the home country in Japan; if it will not be ready in time, consult 入管 beforehand
Documents proving the relationship between the applicant and the supporter
Any one of the following: 戸籍謄本, 婚姻届受理証明書, marriage certificate (copy), birth certificate (copy), or an equivalent document.
📍 Other
e.g., a copy of the birth certificate (出生証明書) or a 戸籍謄本
Questionnaire
A format designated by 入管, downloadable from the page of the corresponding status of residence (the 「永住者の配偶者等」 page has multilingual versions including Simplified Chinese).
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
📍 You prepare it
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Submitting the child's 住民票 (with My Number omitted) is recommended: the residence card will show the place of residence, so no 住居地届出 is needed after permission is granted; if it is not submitted, the 住居地届出 must be made within 14 days after permission.
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
Only if the child is 1 year old or older on the day the residence card is received (newborns usually do not need one)
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Certificate of employment
Issued by the workplace. The 入管 explains that there is no fixed format; it is recommended to state the applicant's name, nationality, date of birth and sex, department, date of joining the company, position and salary amount, and job duties, with the certifying company's name, address, title and name at the end. Listed as 1 copy to be submitted for a permanent residency application (会社等に勤務している場合).
Only if the supporter is working (or submit a copy of the 営業許可書, etc.)
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if the supporter runs a business
📍 You prepare it
Resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate
1 copy each, issued by the 区市町村 office of the place of residence as of January 1; if a single certificate states both the total income for the whole year and the tax payment status, submitting that one is sufficient. If you cannot obtain it because you have just arrived or because of moving, consult your nearest regional immigration services bureau.
Only if the supporter has work income
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
If it cannot be issued because of recent arrival or moving, consult the nearest regional 入管 office
Only if the supporter has no work income, e.g., is a student (or a scholarship payment certificate, etc.)
📍 Other
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only if submitted by someone other than the applicant
📍 Other
Child of a 永住者: documents checklist for 在留資格取得 (永住者の配偶者等)
A child born in Japan to a 永住者 or 特別永住者 can apply for 「永住者の配偶者等」, which must be submitted within 30 days from the date of birth; no fee for 在留資格取得. You may also choose to apply for permanent residence by way of 在留資格取得 (also within 30 days, no fee); confirm the required documents with 入管. Below are the 在留資格取得 documents from the 入管 「永住者の配偶者等」 page; some items are written for a spouse, so confirm with 入管 whether the child needs them.
Application for permission to acquire status of residence
Available as PDF/Excel from the 入管 website; forms are also available at regional immigration bureaus (地方出入国在留管理局); print on A4, single-sided.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)💴 No fee for 在留資格取得 applications.
Document proving birth
For a 在留資格取得 application, 1 copy of this is submitted for 「出生した者」; as proof of birth, apply at the 市区町村 that accepted the 出生届 for a 出生届受理証明書 or a 出生届書の記載事項証明書 (法務省).
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Resident tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate
1 copy each, issued by the 区市町村 office of the place of residence as of January 1; if a single certificate states both the total income for the whole year and the tax payment status, submitting that one is sufficient. If you cannot obtain it because you have just arrived or because of moving, consult your nearest regional immigration services bureau.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
The most recent 1 year's certificate of the person who bears the child's costs in Japan; if it cannot prove this, supplement with a passbook copy, etc.
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
The sponsor is a 永住者 residing in Japan
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Lists all members of the 永住者's household; omit My Number, do not omit other items
A format designated by 入管, downloadable from the page of the corresponding status of residence (the 「永住者の配偶者等」 page has multilingual versions including Simplified Chinese).
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
The 入管 page lists it for spouses; confirm with 入管 whether the child needs it
📍 You prepare it
The child's passport, applied for at the embassy or consulate of the home country in Japan; if it will not be ready in time, consult 入管 beforehand
Only if it applies to you
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
Only if the child is 1 year old or older on the day the residence card is received (newborns usually do not need one)
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Copy of passbook
A screenshot of an online banking page (showing transaction records) is also acceptable, but it must be a printout that can no longer be edited (Excel, etc. is not accepted).
Only if the 住民税 certificate cannot prove the costs in Japan
📍 You prepare it
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only if submitted by someone other than the applicant
📍 Other
Marriage: submitting the 婚姻届 to the 市区町村 (including foreign nationals)
Submit to the 市区町村 of the notifier's 本籍地 or current location; no fee. From 2024-03-01, a 戸籍証明書 is in principle no longer required when submitting outside the 本籍地; other attachments vary by case, so confirm in advance with the 市区町村 where you will submit.
Marriage notification
The form is obtained at the 市区町村; signatures of 2 adult witnesses are required (seal optional). No fee.
📍 You prepare it
Signatures of 2 adult witnesses
Identity verification document
A valid driver's license, passport, etc.; foreign residents use the residence card or 特別永住者証明書 as the identity verification document.
📍 You prepare it
Foreign residents can use the residence card or passport
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of legal capacity to marry
A document by the foreign national's home country ambassador, minister, consul, etc., certifying that they meet the marriage requirements under their home country's law; attach a Japanese translation stating the translator's name (translating it yourself is also acceptable).
The foreign party
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
Attach a Japanese translation stating the translator's name
Alternative documents for the certificate of legal capacity to marry
Used when the home country does not issue a 婚姻要件具備証明書: e.g., an affidavit sworn before a consul and signed by the consul; if that cannot be submitted, a copy of the home country's law (with the source indicated) and identity documents such as a passport, nationality certificate and birth certificate. All require a Japanese translation.
When the home country does not issue a 婚姻要件具備証明書
📍 Other
Marriage to a Japanese national: change to 「日本人の配偶者等」
Only for people who no longer engage in the activities of their original status of residence and apply for a change in order to live as the spouse of a Japanese national. Submit to the 地方出入国在留管理官署 with jurisdiction over your address, from the occurrence of the reason for the change of status of residence until the day of expiry of the period of stay; standard processing time is 1 to 2 months. When an over-the-counter application is approved, a fee (revenue stamp) of 10,000 to 75,000 yen is paid according to the permitted period (applications accepted before 2026-09-30 remain at 6,000 yen). Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date, and foreign-language documents need a Japanese translation.
Application for permission to change status of residence
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of the 出入国在留管理庁.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (required at age 1 or older for cards issued from 2026-06-14)
Copy of family register (戸籍謄本; 全部事項証明書)
Proof of a Japanese national's family register, issued by the 市区町村 of the registered domicile.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of issue (official general rule: all certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date)
Of the Japanese spouse, and it must state the marriage with the applicant
Marriage certificate issued by an authority of the applicant's home country
For nationals of countries such as Korea that can issue a family register extract, a family register extract issued by a foreign authority stating the marriage of the two may also be submitted. Foreign-language documents need a Japanese translation.
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
For the person bearing the applicant's costs in Japan, the most recent fiscal year; it is enough if one of this and the tax payment certificate states both total income and tax payment status
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
The Japanese spouse residing in Japan serves as the sponsor
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Listing all members of the Japanese spouse's household; omit My Number, do not omit other items
1 copy, in the format designated by the 出入国在留管理庁 (multilingual versions including Simplified Chinese), revised on 2017-06-06; the new format must be used.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Materials confirming the couple's interaction
2 to 3 photos of the two of you in daily life (faces must be clearly visible; no app-edited photos), and SNS records, call records, etc. that can be submitted.
📍 You prepare it
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Must also be presented when someone else submits on your behalf
Only if it applies to you
Marriage notification acceptance certificate
Apply at the counter of the 市区町村 where the 婚姻届 was submitted; proves that the 婚姻届 was accepted.
Only if the marriage is not yet recorded in the 戸籍謄本
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Copy of passbook
A screenshot of an online banking page (showing transaction records) is also acceptable, but it must be a printout that can no longer be edited (Excel, etc. is not accepted).
Only if costs in Japan cannot be proved with the tax assessment/payment certificates, e.g., because of recent arrival or moving
📍 You prepare it
Same as above
📍 Your employer (organization)
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only if submitted by someone other than the applicant
Only for people who no longer engage in the activities of their original status of residence and apply for a change in order to live as the spouse of a 永住者. Submit to the 地方出入国在留管理官署 with jurisdiction over your address, from the occurrence of the reason for the change of status of residence until the day of expiry of the period of stay; standard processing time is 1 to 2 months. When an over-the-counter application is approved, a fee (revenue stamp) of 10,000 to 75,000 yen is paid according to the permitted period (applications accepted before 2026-09-30 remain at 6,000 yen). Certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date, and foreign-language documents need a Japanese translation.
Application for permission to change status of residence
1 copy. Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from each status-of-residence page of the 出入国在留管理庁.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (required at age 1 or older for cards issued from 2026-06-14)
Marriage certificate issued by an authority of the applicant's home country
For nationals of countries such as Korea that can issue a family register extract, a family register extract issued by a foreign authority stating the marriage of the two may also be submitted. Foreign-language documents need a Japanese translation.
📍 Other
Marriage certificate issued by an authority of the home country of the spouse (永住者) and of the applicant
Certifies the income amount and resident tax amount for a given fiscal year (certifies non-assessment if there is no tax assessed); the income is that of January 1 to December 31 of the previous year.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
For the person bearing the applicant's costs in Japan, the most recent fiscal year; it is enough if one of this and the tax payment certificate states both total income and tax payment status
Certifies the payment status of resident tax for the assessed fiscal year; not issued for non-assessed years.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Official form (Japanese/English versions available), filled in and signed by the personal sponsor.
📍 You prepare it
The 永住者 spouse residing in Japan serves as the sponsor
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Listing all members of the 永住者 spouse's household; omit My Number, do not omit other items
1 copy, in the format designated by the 出入国在留管理庁 (multilingual versions including Simplified Chinese), revised on 2017-06-06; the new format must be used.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Materials confirming the couple's interaction
2 to 3 photos of the two of you in daily life (faces must be clearly visible; no app-edited photos), and SNS records, call records, etc. that can be submitted.
📍 You prepare it
Passport and residence card (to be presented)
Present the originals at the counter; no need to submit them.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Marriage notification acceptance certificate
Apply at the counter of the 市区町村 where the 婚姻届 was submitted; proves that the 婚姻届 was accepted.
Only if the 婚姻届 has been submitted to a 市区町村 in Japan
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Copy of passbook
A screenshot of an online banking page (showing transaction records) is also acceptable, but it must be a printout that can no longer be edited (Excel, etc. is not accepted).
Only if costs in Japan cannot be proved with the tax assessment/payment certificates, e.g., because of recent arrival or moving
📍 You prepare it
Same as above
📍 Your employer (organization)
Identification of the person submitting on the applicant's behalf (to be presented)
When someone other than the applicant submits the materials, that submitter's identification must be presented to confirm that they are qualified to submit on the applicant's behalf.
Only if submitted by someone other than the applicant
Submit to the 地方出入国在留管理官署 within 14 days of the name change; no fee. It is best to have the passport changed or reissued first, otherwise a new card may not be issued on the same day.
Notification form for change of residence card particulars
Can be downloaded (PDF/Excel) from the 出入国在留管理庁 page; print on A4 paper. No fee.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
ID photo (4 cm tall x 3 cm wide)
1 photo, to be attached to the application form; must show the applicant alone, without a hat, facing front, with no background, and be clear, with the name written on the back (except where printed directly in the photo field of the application form). Not required for a person who is under 1 year old on the day of receiving the residence card, for an application for extension by a person who is not a mid- to long-term resident, or for a person who wishes to extend to a period of stay of 3 months or less.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued
Passport showing the new name and marriage certificate
Submitted when the name changes because of marriage; for marriage to a Japanese national, a 戸籍謄本 is used instead of the marriage certificate. You may be asked to attach a separate statement of reasons (free format) explaining the reason for the change.
📍 Other
📍 You prepare it
Currently held residence card to be presented
When someone else handles the application, have the applicant carry a copy of the residence card.
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Application for kanji name notation on the residence card
Submit if you wish to have your kanji name also written on the residence card.
Only if you want your kanji name also shown on the card
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Statement of reasons for being unable to present a passport
Official form; reasons such as having left it at home do not qualify.
Only if you cannot present your passport (excluding cases such as having left it at home)
📍 You prepare it
Joining the spouse's health insurance after marriage (dependent / No. 3 insured person)
Filed by the spouse (insured person) through the company; for 協会けんぽ, the company submits to the 日本年金機構 within 5 days after the event. The 住民票 and 戸籍謄本 must be issued within 90 days before the submission date; if both persons' My Numbers are written on the form and the company has confirmed the relationship, the relationship verification documents may be omitted. Income verification documents depend on the case (not needed if the spouse is a deduction-eligible spouse under the Income Tax Act and the company provides certification).
Health insurance dependent (change) notification / National Pension No. 3 insured person notification
The two are on a single form, submitted by the insured person (spouse) through the company to the 日本年金機構; for the health insurance part under a health insurance association, check with the spouse's company.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Only if it applies to you
Copy of family register (戸籍謄本; 全部事項証明書)
Proof of a Japanese national's family register, issued by the 市区町村 of the registered domicile.
Only when verifying the relationship with the family register (the dependent's 戸籍謄（抄）本)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of issue (official general rule: all certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date)
Copy of resident record
Certifies address and household composition; for foreign residents, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, residence card number, relationship to the head of household, etc. are omitted by default and must be specified when requesting if needed.
Only if the insured person is the head of household and in the same household as the dependent
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).🏪 Available at convenience stores (マイナンバーカード)
Must not be a photocopy; My Number is not to be stated
Submit within 14 days of the event. With the 電子届出システム you can submit online 24 hours a day (first-time registration required) without uploading supporting documents; for over-the-counter submission, present your residence card; for mail, write 「届出書在中」 in red on the front of the envelope and send it to 東京出入国在留管理局 在留調査部門 届出受理担当.
Only if it applies to you
配偶者に関する届出書
Reference format (PDF/Excel, downloadable from the 出入国在留管理庁 page) used for over-the-counter or mail submission; not needed when using the 電子届出システム.
For over-the-counter or mail submission
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
For over-the-counter submission
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Present
Copy of residence card
Enclose it when submitting the notification form by mail.
For mail submission
📍 You prepare it
Divorce notification and death notification (市区町村)
Submit the 離婚届 to the 市区町村 of the notifier's 本籍地 or location: for divorce by agreement at any time, for divorce by court decision within 10 days from the date it becomes final. The 死亡届 is submitted within 7 days of learning of the death (3 months if the death occurred abroad) to the 市区町村 of the place of death, the 本籍地, or the notifier's location. No fee for either.
Only if it applies to you
Divorce notification
The form is obtained at the 市区町村; divorce by agreement requires signatures of 2 adult witnesses (seal optional). No fee.
For divorce
📍 You prepare it
Identity verification document
A valid driver's license, passport, etc.; foreign residents use the residence card or 特別永住者証明書 as the identity verification document.
For divorce by agreement
📍 You prepare it
Not required for divorce by court decision
Judgment documents for divorce by court decision
Divorce by judgment: 1 copy each of the judgment and the certificate of finality; divorce by conciliation: 1 copy of the conciliation record; divorce by adjudication: 1 copy each of the adjudication and the certificate of finality.
For divorce by court decision
📍 Other
Death notification and death certificate (postmortem examination certificate)
The form is a single sheet together with the death certificate / postmortem examination certificate, obtained at the 市区町村; the death certificate is completed by a physician. No fee.
For bereavement
📍 You prepare it
Switching to 国民年金 and 国民健康保険 after divorce or bereavement
People who were dependents of a spouse (No. 3 insured persons) and do not join 厚生年金 or company health insurance must go to the 市区町村 of their address within 14 days to change their category as 国民年金 No. 1 insured person and to enroll in 国民健康保険.
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Identity verification document
Only if it applies to you
National Pension insured person notification form (application)
Submitted to the 市区町村 of your address, for joining as a No. 1 insured person or changing category; can also be applied for electronically through マイナポータル.
Only if you were a 国民年金 No. 3 insured person
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Basic pension number notice or pension handbook, etc.
Bring it when processing with the basic pension number; when processing with My Number, bring the マイナンバーカード instead, or if you have no card, a document confirming My Number plus an identity verification document such as the residence card.
Only when processing with the basic pension number
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
My Number card (individual number card)
Must be presented to the 市区町村 of the new address when a card holder moves in. The card becomes invalid if the 転入届 is not filed within 30 days from the scheduled move-out date or within 14 days from the move-in date, or if the card is not presented at the new address within 90 days after moving in; when the address changes because of a move, the electronic certificate for signature becomes invalid.
Only when processing with My Number
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
National Health Insurance enrollment notification
Submit at the 国民健康保険 counter of the 市区町村 where you live; the supporting documents required follow each 市区町村.
Only if you are not enrolled in other health insurance
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Notification of the affiliated organization on leaving a job (契約機関)
To be submitted by yourself to the 出入国在留管理庁 within 14 days of the termination of the contract with the 契約機関; no fee. Submit via the 電子届出システム, at the counter of a 地方出入国在留管理官署 (present your residence card), or by mail. For 経営・管理, 技能実習, etc., the 「所属（活動）機関に関する届出」 applies, using a different form.
Notification form regarding the affiliated (contracting) organization
Reference forms: termination of contract = 様式1の4; conclusion of a new contract = 様式1の5; both at the same time = 様式1の7; change of name or location of the organization, or its dissolution = 様式1の1. Not needed when using the electronic notification system.
📍 You prepare it
For contract termination, use reference form 1の4; not needed when using the 電子届出システム
Only if it applies to you
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
Only for over-the-counter submission
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Present the original
Copy of residence card
Enclose it when submitting the notification form by mail.
Only for mail submission
📍 You prepare it
Health insurance after leaving a job: 国民健康保険 enrollment or 任意継続
国民健康保険: submit the enrollment notification to the 市区町村 of your address within 14 days (the documents below use 新宿区 as an example; they differ by 市区町村). 協会けんぽ 任意継続: submit the application form to the 協会けんぽ branch for your address within 20 days from the date of loss of eligibility (the day after the retirement date) (it must arrive by then). Choose one of the two.
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of loss of health insurance eligibility
Proves that you have left the company's health insurance; submitted when joining 国民健康保険. e.g., 新宿区: if there are no dependents, a 退職証明書 may be substituted.
Only when joining 国民健康保険
📍 Your employer (organization)
新宿区: if there are no dependents, a 退職証明書 may be substituted
Application for acquiring status as a voluntarily continuing insured person (health insurance)
The 協会けんぽ 任意継続 application form; mail it to the 協会けんぽ branch for your address within 20 days from the date of loss of eligibility (it must arrive by then); electronic application is also possible.
Only when choosing 協会けんぽ 任意継続
📍 Other
My Number card (individual number card)
Must be presented to the 市区町村 of the new address when a card holder moves in. The card becomes invalid if the 転入届 is not filed within 30 days from the scheduled move-out date or within 14 days from the move-in date, or if the card is not presented at the new address within 90 days after moving in; when the address changes because of a move, the electronic certificate for signature becomes invalid.
Only when joining 国民健康保険
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Used for My Number verification; if you have no card, prepare My Number verification and identity verification documents as required by the 市区町村
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
Only when joining 国民健康保険
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
As an identity verification document
Joining 国民年金 No. 1 after leaving a job; premium exemption application
Submit the enrollment notification to the 市区町村 of your address within 14 days of the day after the retirement date; electronic application is also possible. If premiums are hard to pay, you can apply for exemption or deferment (免除・納付猶予) at the same time (under the unemployment special provision, the applicant's own income of the previous year is not considered).
National Pension insured person notification form (application)
Submitted to the 市区町村 of your address when joining 国民年金 No. 1; electronic application is also possible.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Basic pension number notice or pension handbook, etc.
Used to confirm the basic pension number; used for 国民年金 enrollment, exemption applications and 脱退一時金 claims.
Delivered by the company after you leave (sometimes you need to collect it yourself). Used at the ハローワーク for the 基本手当 and when applying for the 国民年金 unemployment special exemption; if the company does not issue it, consult the ハローワーク with jurisdiction over your address.
📍 Your employer (organization)
May be needed to prove the date of loss of eligibility when enrolling; when applying for the unemployment special exemption, attach a copy (a copy of the 雇用保険受給資格者証 etc. can also be used)
Only if it applies to you
My Number card (individual number card)
Must be presented to the 市区町村 of the new address when a card holder moves in. The card becomes invalid if the 転入届 is not filed within 30 days from the scheduled move-out date or within 14 days from the move-in date, or if the card is not presented at the new address within 90 days after moving in; when the address changes because of a move, the electronic certificate for signature becomes invalid.
When processing with My Number
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
If you have no card, My Number verification documents plus an identity verification document (e.g., residence card) are required
National Pension premium exemption / payment deferment application
Submit to the 国民年金 counter of the 市区町村 of your address or to the pension office; mail or electronic application is also possible; in principle it must be applied for every fiscal year.
Go to the ハローワーク with jurisdiction over your address, make the 「求職の申込み」 and submit the 離職票. Reception hours are Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and the year-end/New Year holidays) 8:30–17:15; arriving before 16:00 is recommended. After the job application, there is a 7-day waiting period; if you left for your own reasons, a separate benefit restriction applies.
Delivered by the company after you leave (sometimes you need to collect it yourself). Used at the ハローワーク for the 基本手当 and when applying for the 国民年金 unemployment special exemption; if the company does not issue it, consult the ハローワーク with jurisdiction over your address.
📍 Your employer (organization)
My Number card (individual number card)
Must be presented to the 市区町村 of the new address when a card holder moves in. The card becomes invalid if the 転入届 is not filed within 30 days from the scheduled move-out date or within 14 days from the move-in date, or if the card is not presented at the new address within 90 days after moving in; when the address changes because of a move, the electronic certificate for signature becomes invalid.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
My Number verification document (a 通知カード or a 住民票 stating My Number may also be used); a マイナンバーカード can also serve as identity verification
ID photo (3.0 cm tall × 2.4 cm wide)
2 photos, for the ハローワーク benefit procedures. May be omitted if you present your マイナンバーカード each time.
📍 You prepare it
Passbook or bank card in your own name
Designates the account to which the 基本手当 is paid; some financial institutions cannot be designated (ゆうちょ銀行 can).
📍 You prepare it
Only if it applies to you
Identity verification document
A valid driver's license, passport, etc.; foreign residents use the residence card or 特別永住者証明書 as the identity verification document.
Only if you do not have a マイナンバーカード
📍 You prepare it
Identity (genuineness) verification documents: 1 type of official ID with a photo, or 2 different types from the designated documents (copies not accepted)
Income tax for the year you leave a job: refund return
If you left a job during the year and did not take another job that year, you can file a final tax return (refund return) with the 税務署 with jurisdiction within 5 years starting January 1 of the following year; it can be prepared with the 国税庁 「確定申告書等作成コーナー」.
Withholding tax slip for salary income
If you left a job during the year, the company must deliver it within 1 month after the retirement date; used in the final tax return to confirm income and the tax already withheld.
📍 Your employer (organization)
The company must deliver it within 1 month after the retirement date
File with the 市区町村 of the new address within 14 days of moving in; filing with your residence card counts as the 住居地届出. Using 新宿区 as an example, the 転入届 requires the certificate of moving out issued by the previous address and cannot be filed before you start living there. The documents required may differ by 市区町村.
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Filing while presenting the residence card counts as the 住居地届出
Only if it applies to you
Certificate of moving out
Obtained after filing the moving-out notification (転出届) with the 市区町村 of the previous address; not issued when moving out using a My Number card (special case for the moving-in notification).
Only when moving from another 市区町村 without using a マイナンバーカード for the move-out
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
My Number card (individual number card)
Must be presented to the 市区町村 of the new address when a card holder moves in. The card becomes invalid if the 転入届 is not filed within 30 days from the scheduled move-out date or within 14 days from the move-in date, or if the card is not presented at the new address within 90 days after moving in; when the address changes because of a move, the electronic certificate for signature becomes invalid.
Holders (新宿区: the cards of everyone in the same household)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Submitted together with the 転入届 for the 継続利用 procedure
Before leaving Japan: 転出届, 国民健康保険 withdrawal, residence card
Using 新宿区 as an example: the 転出届 can be submitted from 14 days before moving out (or within 14 days after moving out), and 国保 withdrawal must be done within 14 days (differs by 市区町村). If you leave without a 再入国許可, return the residence card at the port of departure.
Residence card
Special Permanent Residents present their 特別永住者証明書.
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Serves as an identity verification document when submitting the 転出届; returned at the port of departure when leaving without a 再入国許可
Only if it applies to you
Health insurance eligibility confirmation document
Bring it when moving into a household enrolled in National Health Insurance and the head of household changes.
Those enrolled in 国民健康保険
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Returned when withdrawing from 国保
My Number card (individual number card)
Must be presented to the 市区町村 of the new address when a card holder moves in. The card becomes invalid if the 転入届 is not filed within 30 days from the scheduled move-out date or within 14 days from the move-in date, or if the card is not presented at the new address within 90 days after moving in; when the address changes because of a move, the electronic certificate for signature becomes invalid.
Holders
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
How the card is handled upon moving abroad differs by 市区町村; confirm at the counter
Power of attorney
Needed when the procedure is handled by the person themselves or by an agent from outside the same 世帯; the format and requirements differ by 市区町村 (e.g. it can be downloaded from the 新宿区 website).
Only when handled by an agent who is not the person themselves or a member of the same household
Submit by mail or electronically to the 日本年金機構 within 2 years from the date you ceased to have an address in Japan (separate rules apply if there is a 共済 association period). If your address is still in Japan when the 日本年金機構 receives the claim, you cannot claim, so submit the 転出届 first; if it is mailed before leaving, it must arrive on or after the moving-out (scheduled) date.
Lump-sum withdrawal payment claim form
A format with a foreign language alongside Japanese (including a Chinese version), downloadable from the 日本年金機構 website or available at pension offices, 市区町村, etc.
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Passport copy
The pages showing name, date of birth, nationality, signature and status of residence.
📍 You prepare it
Proof of receiving account (certificate from the financial institution, etc.)
Must be in the claimant's own name; ゆうちょ銀行 and some online banks cannot receive the 脱退一時金, and a domestic Japanese account must have the account holder name registered in katakana.
📍 Other
Basic pension number notice or pension handbook, etc.
Used to confirm the basic pension number; used for 国民年金 enrollment, exemption applications and 脱退一時金 claims.
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
Only if it applies to you
Copy of the 住民票 removal record (除票)
One of the documents proving that you no longer have an address in Japan (a copy of the passport page with the departure date, etc., may also be used).
Only if you did not submit the 転出届 before leaving, or the 日本年金機構 cannot confirm the 住民票 removal information (e.g., those who were already insured before July 2012)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
A copy of the passport page with the departure date, etc., may also be used
Income tax: if you still need to file, receive documents, or receive a refund after leaving, submit the 納税管理人 notification to the 税務署 with jurisdiction before your departure date; otherwise, those who need to file a final tax return must complete a final tax return (準確定申告) before leaving. Resident tax: e.g., 新宿区 requires appointing a 納税管理人, or prepayment/full payment (differs by 市区町村).
Only if it applies to you
Notification of appointment/dismissal of 納税管理人 for income tax and consumption tax
When appointing a 納税管理人, submit it to the 税務署 with jurisdiction before the departure date; e-Tax can be used.
Only if income tax filing, refunds, etc. still need to be handled after leaving
📍 Tax office (税務署)
Resident tax 納税管理人 declaration
Submitted to the tax counter of the 市区町村, signed by both you and the 納税管理人; the name and format differ by 市区町村 (this is the name used by 新宿区).
Only if resident tax is unpaid before leaving
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
Signed by both you and the 納税管理人
Withholding tax slip for salary income
If you left a job during the year, the company must deliver it within 1 month after the retirement date; used in the final tax return to confirm income and the tax already withheld.
Only if you left a job during the year and are filing a final tax return (準確定申告) or a refund return
📍 Your employer (organization)
Timeline
Today
(past)
Reference: counting back the recent average processing days, it is best to apply for renewal by this date
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of moving into your new address: 住居地届出
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of birth: 出生届
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 30 days of birth: 在留資格取得許可申請
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 30 days of birth: 在留資格取得許可申請 (永住者の配偶者等) or 永住許可申請
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 30 days of birth: 在留資格取得許可申請 (家族滞在)
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of birth: 出生届 (entry in the 戸籍)
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 30 days of birth: 在留資格取得許可申請
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 5 days of birth (company health insurance dependent) / e.g., within 14 days for 国保 in 新宿区
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 15 days from the day after birth: 児童手当 recognition request
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of a 世帯 change: 世帯変更届
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of the name change: 在留カード記載事項変更届出
No fixed date(past)
Within 10 days of a court-decided divorce becoming final: 離婚届 / within 7 days of learning of a death: 死亡届
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of divorce / bereavement: 国民年金 category change and 国民健康保険 enrollment
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of a 世帯 change: 世帯変更届
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of the name change: 在留カード記載事項変更届出
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of divorce / bereavement: 配偶者に関する届出
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Not engaging in spouse activities for 6 consecutive months or more: may become grounds for cancellation of the status of residence
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of leaving a job: 所属機関に関する届出
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
3 months after leaving a job (6 months for 高度専門職２号): the period of not engaging in activities reaches the grounds for cancellation
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of leaving a job: 国民健康保険 enrollment (任意継続 within 20 days of the date of loss of eligibility)
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of leaving a job: 国民年金 No. 1 enrollment procedure
No fixed date(past)
As early as possible after leaving a job: the receipt period is in principle 1 year from the day after leaving
No fixed date(past)
After leaving a job: pay by the due date after receiving the 納税通知書
No fixed date(past)
Within 5 years starting January 1 of the year after leaving: refund return
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
On the day of departure: decide whether to keep your status of residence
No fixed date(past)
On departure: return the residence card at the port of departure
No fixed date(past)
Before departure: confirm whether to apply for a 再入国許可
No fixed date(past)
Within 14 days before departure (新宿区 example): 転出届
No fixed date(past)
Within 14 days around departure: 国保 withdrawal
No fixed date(past)
Within 2 years of the date you cease to have an address in Japan: claim the 脱退一時金
No fixed date(past)
Before departure: resident tax 納税管理人 or payment in full
No fixed date(past)
Before the departure date: 準確定申告 or submit the 納税管理人 notification
No fixed date(past)
When submitting the 転出届: confirm how the マイナンバーカード is handled
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of moving in: submit the マイナンバーカード with the 転入届
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Expiry of period of stay (counter applications by this day at the latest; online by the day before)
(past)
You can apply to renew your residence card's validity period
(past)
Residence card validity date
(past)
Expiry of period of stay: you must return to Japan before this date
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 14 days of leaving or joining a company: 所属機関に関する届出
No fixed date(reference: the day itself counts as day 1)(past)
Within 3 months of leaving a job: start a new job or complete the relevant procedures
(past)
在留資格変更: apply by the expiry date of your period of stay at the latest
(past)
Transitional measures for the new 経営・管理 criteria end
(past)
育成就労 system takes effect
Where to apply: immigration offices for residence procedures
Choose the prefecture you live in to see the immigration offices (地方出入国在留管理局・支局・出張所) that handle residence applications.
Official note: residence-related applications are, in principle, filed at the regional bureau, branch, or 出張所 that has jurisdiction over the applicant's address.
Some 出張所 do not accept 在留資格認定証明書交付申請 for certain statuses, and opening hours vary. Please call or check the official page before you go.
For questions about filling in forms or required documents, contact外国人在留総合インフォメーションセンター: 0570-013904（IP phone / from abroad 03-5796-7112）Source(opens in a new tab)
Per the 出入国在留管理庁 guidelines and document list: resident and national tax certificates, pension and health insurance records, and on-time payment rules to check.
Work-visa holders who change jobs, leave a job, or whose employer renames or moves must notify 出入国在留管理庁 within 14 days: who, how, penalties, extension notes.
From October 16, 2025, the 経営・管理 standards changed: capital, full-time staff, Japanese, background and business plan requirements, plus transitional measures.
育成就労 replaces 技能実習 on April 1, 2027. A comparison of purpose, transfer conditions, Japanese requirements, the link to 特定技能1号 and transitional measures.
Foreign residents' duty to join 国民年金 and 国民健康保険; demands, late charges and seizure; 免除・納付猶予・学生納付特例 and 追納; and 出入国在留管理庁's official statements on payment.
Resident tax based on your Jan 1 address and prior-year income, collection methods, who files a tax return and when, deductions for relatives abroad, 納税管理人.
Card validity (永住者, 高度専門職2号, minors), renewal timing, 14-day address notice after moving, detail changes, reissue after loss, and the 特定在留カード from June 2026.
Back within 1 year: use the みなし再入国許可. Longer: get a 再入国許可 in advance (up to 5 years). Conditions, fees, expiry risks abroad, notes for Permanent Residents.
Based on the 出入国在留管理庁's official explanations: conditions for foreign nationals filing renewals, changes and more themselves through the 在留申請オンラインシステム, procedures not available online, preparation, attachment requirements and common misconceptions.
Procedures in order: 妊娠届出 and 妊婦健診 subsidies, 出産育児一時金, 出生届 (14 days), the child's 在留資格取得 (30 days), 児童手当 (15 days), health insurance, 出産手当金 and 育児休業等給付.
Procedures after marrying in Japan: 婚姻届 and the 婚姻要件具備証明書, the 世帯変更届 and 在留カード記載事項変更届出 within 14 days, dependent status in the spouse's health insurance and 国民年金 Category 3, whether a 在留資格 change is needed, and the 配偶者控除.
Procedures after a divorce or a spouse's death: 離婚届 and 死亡届, the 配偶者に関する届出 and the switch of pension and health insurance within 14 days, the 6-month rule for revocation of a spouse 在留資格, cases of change to 定住者, and 年金分割 and 児童扶養手当.
Procedures after leaving a job: the 所属機関に関する届出 within 14 days, the rule on cancellation after 3 consecutive months without activity, 任意継続 or 国民健康保険, 国民年金 Category 1 and the 特例免除, 雇用保険 基本手当, and 住民税 and 還付申告.
Procedures when you decide to leave Japan: 再入国許可 and loss of 在留資格, returning the 在留カード, 転出届, withdrawing from 国民健康保険, 脱退一時金 (claim within 2 years), and 納税管理人 and 準確定申告 for 住民税 and income tax.
Procedures when moving in Japan: the 転入届・転居届 within 14 days (treated as the 住居地届出), the 90-day non-reporting ground for revoking the 在留資格, the 転出届 and online filing through マイナポータル, continued use of the マイナンバーカード, 国民健康保険・国民年金 and 児童手当.