月乃行政書士事務所
When foreigners reside in Japan, they are required to obtain a residence status. As of fiscal year 2024, there are a total of 29 types of residence statuses, each with specific restrictions on activities permitted in Japan. Here, we present a clear and comprehensive list to help you better understand these complex residence statuses.
- Overview of Residence Status and Visas
- List of Residence Statuses with Occupations
- Overview and Explanation of Key Residence Statuses
- Summary
Overview of Residence Status and Visas
When foreigners engage in any activities in Japan, they are required to obtain a residence status corresponding to the nature of their activities. Separately, a valid passport and visa are necessary to enter Japan.
A visa is required for entry into Japan, while a residence status is necessary to stay and engage in activities legally within the country.
What is a Visa?
A visa is like a letter of recommendation indicating that the individual is eligible to enter Japan without any issues. It is issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate general overseas.
Before coming to Japan, the necessary procedures are carried out at the Japanese consulate in your country of residence. Generally, a visa is required to enter Japan, but in some cases, depending on the country or purpose of travel (such as tourism), a visa exemption may apply. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel and the length of stay.
What is Residence Status?
Residence status is a legal qualification that allows individuals to stay in Japan lawfully and engage in certain permitted activities.
There are 29 types of residence statuses, including those based on personal status and those tailored to specific activities. Residence status is granted based on the purpose of stay in Japan. Naturally, the duration of stay and the requirements for obtaining residence status vary depending on its type.
Categories of Residence Status – Major Classifications
Residence statuses are broadly divided into two categories: “Residence Status Based on Personal Status or Position” and “Activity-Based Residence Status.” The “Activity-Based Residence Status” is further subdivided into “Employment Status,” which allows individuals to work, and “Non-Employment Status,” which does not permit work.
| Residence-Based Status | Permanent Resident Spouse of Japanese National Spouse of Permanent Resident, etc. Long-Term Resident | No restrictions on employment |
| Employment-Based Status | Diplomat, Official, Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-Company Transferee, Care Worker, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker, Technical Intern Training | Permitted only for specific activities |
| Non-Employment-Based Status | Cultural Activities, Temporary Visitor, Student, Trainee, Dependent | Permitted only for designated activities |
The “Residence-Based Status” category includes Permanent Residents, Spouses of Japanese Nationals, Spouses of Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Residents, all of which have no employment restrictions. For other types of residence statuses, activities in Japan are limited, and individuals can only engage in activities permitted under their specific status.
For example, holders of the “Student” residence status are primarily expected to attend school, meaning they are not allowed to work part-time jobs or engage in employment without permission. If they wish to work part-time, they must obtain a Permission for Engaging in Activities Other Than Those Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted. Even with this permission, since their primary activity is studying, they are not allowed to work as much as they want. They must adhere to the limits on hours and conditions specified under the permission.
List of Residence Statuses with Occupations
The residence statuses have been categorized into Employment-Based Statuses, Non-Employment-Based Statuses, and Residence-Based Statuses. A list has been compiled, with examples of occupations permitted under each residence status included on the right-hand side.
Employment-Based Residence Status List
| Residence Status | Overview | Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Professional (Category 1 and 2) | A residence status with preferential treatment for individuals with exceptional abilities in fields such as research, education and guidance in research, knowledge and technology in natural sciences or humanities, and business management. | Based on a points system for highly skilled professionals. |
| Business Management | Activities related to managing or engaging in business operations such as trade and other businesses. | Business owners and managers of companies, etc. |
| Legal/Accounting Services | Activities related to legal or accounting services that must be performed by individuals with legal qualifications such as foreign lawyers, foreign certified public accountants, or other legally qualified professionals. | Lawyers, Certified Public Accountants. |
| Medical Services | Activities related to medical services that must be performed by individuals with legal qualifications such as doctors, dentists, and other licensed medical professionals. | Doctors, Dentists, Nurses. |
| Research | Activities related to conducting research (excluding professors). | Researchers in government agencies, private companies, etc. |
| Education | Activities related to teaching language and other subjects at educational institutions such as elementary schools, junior high schools, compulsory education schools, high schools, secondary education schools, special support schools, vocational schools, or equivalent institutions in terms of facilities and organization. | Language teachers at junior high schools, high schools, etc. |
| Tech/Humanities/International (GIJINKOKU) | Activities related to engaging in specialized white-collar work acquired through university education and similar qualifications. | IT professionals, sales positions, accounting, product planning, interpreters, translators, designers, etc. |
| Intra-Company Transferee | When transferring from a foreign company to a Japanese subsidiary or branch, or from a foreign subsidiary or branch to the Japanese head office, to engage in work that falls under “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” (excluding manual labor). | IT professionals, sales positions, accounting, product planning, interpreters, translators, designers, etc. |
| Care Worker | Activities related to providing care or caregiving instruction by individuals who hold the qualification of a certified care worker. | Certified Care Workers. |
| Entertainer | Activities related to performances such as theater, performing arts, music, sports, or other entertainment activities (excluding management). | Actors, singers, dancers, professional athletes, etc. |
| Skilled Labor | Activities related to engaging in skilled work requiring expertise in specialized industrial fields. | Chefs specializing in foreign cuisine, sports instructors, aircraft pilots, jewelers, etc. |
| Specified Skilled Worker (Category 1 and 2) | Activities related to 12 specific industries, granted to individuals who have passed skill and Japanese language tests (manual labor allowed). Category 2 is for individuals with advanced technical and specialized skills who can perform more complex tasks than Category 1, excluding the care sector. | Caregiving, building cleaning, construction, fishing, automotive maintenance, etc. |
| Technical Intern Training (Category 1, 2, and 3) | A system that accepts foreign nationals from developing countries and transfers skills in 90 different occupations, such as agriculture, fishing, construction, and food production, through on-the-job training (OJT). | Agriculture, fishing, construction, food manufacturing, etc. |
| Diplomat | Members of foreign government diplomatic missions or consular organizations accepted by the Japanese government, as well as family members who belong to the same household as these individuals. | |
| Official | Individuals engaged in official duties for foreign governments or international organizations approved by the Japanese government, as well as family members who belong to the same household as these individuals. | |
| Professor | Research and teaching at universities or advanced vocational schools. | University Professors. |
| Artist | Income-generating activities in music, fine arts, literature, and other artistic fields, excluding performances. | Composers, painters, writers. |
| Religious Activities | Religious activities, including preaching and other religious work, conducted by religious figures sent by foreign religious organizations. | Missionaries. |
| Journalism | Activities related to reporting and other journalistic tasks conducted under a contract with foreign media organizations. | Journalists, photographers. |
Non-Employment-Based Residence Status List
| Residence Status | Overview | Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Activities | Activities related to academic or artistic work that does not involve income, or activities related to the specialized study or acquisition of Japan’s unique culture or skills under the guidance of experts (excluding Study and Training). | Researchers of Japanese culture, etc. |
| Temporary Visitor | Activities such as tourism, leisure, sports, visiting relatives, sightseeing, attending lectures or meetings, business communication, or other similar activities. | Tourists, conference participants, etc. |
| Student | Activities related to receiving education. | Students at universities, junior colleges, vocational schools, high schools, junior high schools, elementary schools, etc. |
| Trainee | Activities related to acquiring skills, etc., accepted by public or private institutions in Japan. | Trainees. |
| Dependent | Spouses or children of individuals holding one of the following residence statuses: Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-Company Transferee, Care Worker, Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker (Category 2), Cultural Activities, Student. | Spouses and children of specific residence status holders. |
| Designated Activities | Household workers for diplomats, Working Holiday, foreign nurse/care worker candidates under the Economic Partnership Agreement, etc. |
Residence Status List Based on Personal Status
| Residence Status | Overview | Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Resident | Individuals who have received permission for permanent residence from the Minister of Justice. | |
| Spouse of Japanese National | Spouses of Japanese nationals or individuals born as special adopted children or biological children of Japanese nationals. | Husbands or wives, biological children, or special adopted children of Japanese nationals. |
| Spouse of Permanent Resident | Spouses or children born in Japan to permanent residents, who have continuously stayed in Japan. | Spouses of permanent residents or special permanent residents and their children who were born in Japan and have continuously resided there. |
| Long-Term Resident | Individuals granted residence for a specified period by the Minister of Justice, considering special circumstances. | Third-country resettled refugees, 3rd generation Japanese descendants, Chinese remaining Japanese nationals, etc. |
Overview and Explanation of Key Residence Statuses
There are 29 types of residence statuses, but some, such as “Diplomat” and “Official,” are highly specific and only granted to certain individuals. Currently, 70% of foreigners residing in Japan with a residence status fall under the categories of “Permanent Resident,” “Technical Intern Training,” “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” and “Student.”
Here, we will provide an overview and explanation of the main residence statuses.
Overview and Features of the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
Many foreign nationals working in Japan obtain this visa, making it the most popular type of residence status. The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa allows individuals to utilize specialized knowledge acquired in their home country’s university to work in Japan in white-collar professions.
This visa has strict educational requirements, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, those who have obtained the “Specialist” or “Advanced Specialist” qualification from a Japanese vocational school can qualify for this visa even without a bachelor’s degree.
The “Engineer” category applies to science and technology-related jobs, while the “Specialist in Humanities” category covers arts and humanities-related jobs. Both categories require the work to be related to the applicant’s academic background. For those without a bachelor’s degree, at least 10 years of relevant work experience is required.
Within the visa category, the “International Services” field does not have an educational requirement but requires at least 3 years of practical experience. Typical professions under International Services include interpreters, translators, and language instructors. For these roles, even those with only a high school diploma can qualify for the visa if they have at least 3 years of practical experience.
Overview and Features of the Highly Skilled Professional Visa
The Highly Skilled Professional Visa is designed to attract and promote the acceptance of highly talented professionals with advanced technical skills or expertise. This visa provides preferential treatment compared to other residence statuses. Individuals with high levels of expertise are considered valuable assets to Japan, and as such, a range of incentives and benefits are offered to them.
List of Preferential Treatment for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa
- Allows for engaging in multiple types of residence activities
- Maximum residence period of 5 years is uniformly granted (renewable); for those with Category 2 status, the period becomes indefinite
- Relaxed requirements for permanent residence eligibility
- Spouse can work without meeting educational or professional requirements
- Parents and domestic workers can accompany the visa holder if certain conditions are met
- Priority processing for entry and residence procedures
It is clear that the Highly Skilled Professional Visa differs from other residence statuses by offering numerous preferential treatments.
How to Obtain a Highly Skilled Professional Visa
To obtain a Highly Skilled Professional Visa, you must engage in one of three categories:
- Advanced Academic Research Activities
- Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities
- Advanced Business/Management Activities
Additionally, you must score at least 70 points under the Highly Skilled Professional Points System.
The points system awards points based on criteria such as educational background, professional experience, annual income, age, and bonuses (e.g., research achievements or positions held). If your total score is 70 points or higher, you are eligible to apply for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa.
Overview and Features of the Business Manager Visa
Foreign nationals who intend to manage or operate a company or business in Japan can obtain the “Business Manager” residence status.
To qualify for the Business Manager Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum investment of 5 million yen
- Employment of at least two full-time staff members (Japanese nationals or permanent residents)
- Establishment of a business office within Japan
- The business must have the potential to operate stably and continuously
The screening process places significant emphasis on the stability and continuity of the business. As such, the business plan is the most critical document. Without effectively demonstrating the potential success of the business in the plan, the application may be denied. It is highly recommended to seek advice from professionals experienced in business planning to strengthen the application.
Overview and Features of the Student Visa
The Student Visa is issued to individuals who wish to attend educational institutions in Japan, such as universities, junior colleges, vocational schools, high schools, middle schools, or elementary schools. Since this visa is intended for study purposes, holders are not allowed to work part-time jobs. To engage in part-time work, they must obtain separate permission for engaging in activities outside the scope of their visa.
The Student Visa allows for a stay period designated by the Minister of Justice, ranging from 3 months to a maximum of 4 years and 3 months. While limited, holders who meet specific requirements may bring their spouse and children as dependents.
When applying for a Student Visa, applicants must prove they have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses during their study period. Since this visa is not intended for earning income, applicants must demonstrate financial stability and a commitment to their studies by providing documents such as bank balance certificates.
After graduating from a Japanese school, many individuals wish to stay and work in Japan. If a job offer is secured during the validity of the Student Visa, the transition is straightforward. However, if the job offer is not obtained before the visa expires, applicants must apply for the “Designated Activities” residence status to continue job hunting. Once a job is secured, they must switch to an employment-based residence status according to the nature of their job.
List of Residence Statuses Allowing Family Accompaniment
When working in Japan, you may want to bring your family from overseas. While the types of visas that allow for bringing spouses or children to Japan are limited, family accompaniment is permitted under the following residence statuses:
- Professor
- Artist
- Religious Activities
- Journalist
- Highly Skilled Professional
- Business Manager
- Legal/Accounting Services
- Medical Services
- Researcher
- Instructor
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- Intra-Company Transferee
- Care Worker
- Entertainer
- Skilled Labor
- Specified Skilled Worker (Category 2)
- Cultural Activities
- Student
Family accompaniment is allowed for spouses and children who require financial support. For holders of the Highly Skilled Professional Visa, the preferential treatment extends to allowing the accompaniment of parents or domestic workers under certain conditions.
Individuals staying in Japan under a family accompaniment visa are generally not permitted to work. If they wish to engage in part-time work or similar activities, they must obtain separate permission for activities outside the scope of their visa.
Summary
There are many types of residence statuses, so it can sometimes be difficult to determine which one applies to your situation. Additionally, each residence status has its own benefits and points to be aware of, making it important to review and confirm the details before applying for a residence status.
If you have any questions, it is recommended to contact the Immigration Services Agency. Consulting with experts, such as administrative scriveners who specialize in residence statuses, is also advisable.
