This article series will provide useful insights into the changing investment and innovation environment, and new business opportunities in Japan.
Section 2. Visas and Status of Residence
2.3 Process from application of Certificate of Eligibility to acquisition of visa
Visas are applied for and obtained at Japanese diplomatic missions abroad. The visa processing may take considerable time when an applicant applies for a mid - to long-term stay in Japan, such as for the purpose of work. Thus, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan often screens these applications in advance to determine whether or not the activities intended by the foreign national wishing to enter and reside in Japan correspond to the conditions for the status of residence being sought; if it is determined that these activities do in fact meet the conditions for the status of residence, a Certificate of Eligibility is issued. If this Certificate of Eligibility is presented to a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad together with a visa application, generally a visa will be issued in five working days. A Certificate of Eligibility is not applicable to temporary visitor visa.
Flowchart from application for Certificate of Eligibility to visa acquisition and
entry into Japan (general example)
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In Japan
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (submitted to Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan) by the applicant or his/her proxy on behalf of the applicant
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Issuance of Certificate of Eligibility (by Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan); sent to applicant or his/her proxy in Japan
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*
As an exceptional measure, if a foreign national who has applied for a Certificate of Eligibility is already in Japan on a temporary visitor status of residence when the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, that foreign national may be able to change his/her temporary visitor status of residence to the status of residence approved in the Certificate of Eligibility while still in Japan, without the need to apply for and receive a visa at a Japanese diplomatic mission outside Japan.
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Outside Japan
Visa application with Certificate of Eligibility at Japanese diplomatic mission abroad by the applicant or accredited agencies.
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Visa issuance at Japanese diplomatic mission abroad
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In Japan
Entry into Japan (In principle, a foreign national must land in Japan within three months from the issuance date of Certificate of Eligibility); presentation of a passport and visa, submission of Certificate of Eligibility, receipt of seal of landing verification in passport at the port of debarkation, and receipt of residence card issued to foreign nationals residing in Japan for the mid to long term
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(Note)
At Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Shinchitose, Hiroshima and Fukuoka Airports, besides having a seal of landing verification stamped in their passports, mid-to long term residents will be issued a residence card. At other ports of entry/departure, a seal of landing verification will be stamped in the passport and a residence card will be issued after a mid-to long-term resident follows the residency procedure at the municipal office of the city/town/village. (A residence card will be mailed by the issuance place of residence card to the reported place of residence).
A residence card will be issued to mid-to long-term residents when granted permission pertaining to residence in Japan, such as landing permission, permission for change of resident status and permission for extension of the period of stay (see 2.7).
Section2: Contents & Reference
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2.1
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2.2
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2.3
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2.4
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2.5
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2.6
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2.7
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2.8
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2.9
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2.10
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2.11
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2.12
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2.13
Section2. Documents businesses are required to submit to authorities
Materials listed as ‘Reference’ contain samples of documents regarding registration, visa, taxation, personnel and labor matters that are necessary when a foreign company establishes a corporation or other entity in Japan. These documents are not published by competent authorities and therefore are not official. For those who are going through the official procedures, please obtain the latest official documents from the competent authorities and related bodies or consult a person who specializes in advising on such information and procedures.
The information contained in this documents should be used at the reader’s independent discretion. While JETRO makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it provides, no responsibility is accepted by JETRO for any loss or damage incurred as a result of actions based on the information provided in these documents or provided by the external links listed on these pages.
Laws and Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan Pamphlet
The pamphlet "Laws & Regulations" is available in PDF, and outlines basic information about laws, regulations and procedures related to setting up a business in Japan. It is available in 8 languages (Japanese, English, German, French, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean and Vietnamese).
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