FAQ

July 26, 2017

Who can sponsor a foreign resident to stay in Japan?

Employers, schools or relatives, among other parties, are allowed to sponsor a visa for a foreign national to come to Japan.  Each of these sponsoring relationships is different and will therefore have different requirements but the general procedure is the same.
June 30, 2017

Is it possible to request a copy of foreigner registration records in Japan?

The Ministry of Justice will accept requests for disclosure of alien registration records for foreigners living in Japan.  Having a copy of these records can help foreign nationals clarify the source of their immigration problems or provide evidence in an immigration dispute.  However, these records contain very private information and therefore, the Ministry of Justice takes great care to avoid disclosing them to the wrong person.  The ministry does this by ensuring that only applications for disclosure by certain people will be accepted.
June 8, 2017

Is it easier for spouses of Japanese nationals to become Japanese permanent residents?

In order to obtain Japanese permanent residency, there is a list of requirements that the applicant must meet.  Some of these requirements include the amount of time spent living in Japan, proof of good conduct and sufficient economic resources, among other things.  However, for spouses of Japanese citizens, these requirements are relaxed in order to make it easier for them to obtain permanent residence in Japan.
May 19, 2017

Is it possible to work outside the scope of a Japanese visa?

Most Japanese visas regulate the type of work that the visa holder is allowed to engage in.  For example, a foreign resident of Japan with an Instructor visa would not normally be allowed to also have a side job as a cook.  However, by making an application to the Ministry of Justice, it may be possible to waive these restrictions.