What is a Status of Residence / VISA?
A Status of Residence is an “official permit from the government” necessary for foreigners to stay and engage in activities in Japan. Since individual status and technical skills are screened upon acquisition, it serves as an important certification that supports one’s activities in Japan and helps gain trust from those around them.
On the other hand, engaging in illegal overstaying or unauthorized activities can result in severe penalties such as “imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen,” or “deportation” for violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. As one would also lose social credibility and their foundation for living, this status is essential for maintaining proper residency and life in Japan.
Cases Requiring a VISA or Status of Residence
To work, live with family, attend school, or stay in Japan for an extended period, it is required to obtain a status of residence that matches your activities and to update it appropriately. The following are some of the main statuses of residence:
- Employment: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker
- Family: Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
- Other: Student, Technical Intern Training, Cultural Activities, Designated Activities, etc.
Acquisition requirements and points to note during renewal differ for each status of residence.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations and Support After Obtaining Your Status
Obtaining a status of residence is not the end of the process. Under the Immigration Control Act, continuous compliance and proper management are required. Failure to meet these obligations may result in renewal denial or other disadvantages.
Renewal of Period of Stay: You can apply for renewal before your current status expires (typically starting three months prior).
Notification of Changes: Changes to your address, employer, marital status, and other personal information must be reported within 14 days. (Failure to report may result in penalties.)
Permission for Activities Outside Your Status: Required if you wish to engage in activities not permitted under your current status of residence.
4 Reasons to Choose Us
REASON
01
Reasonable & Clear Pricing
Highly efficient operations, low-cost prBy streamlining our operations to the extreme, we offer some of the most competitive rates in the country, delivering high-quality service with exceptional cost-performance.
REASON
02
Free Re-application Support”
Leveraging our financial expertise, we prepare persuasive, well-structured documents to maximize your chances of approval. In the unlikely event of a denial, we provide one free re-application at no additional service cost. (Note: The applicant is responsible for any applicable government fees. Does not apply in cases of false declarations.)
REASON
03
No additional fees after the quote.
We operate with a “Full Transparency” pricing policy, providing an all-inclusive quote upfront. Our fee covers all expenses, including travel and communication costs to the Shinagawa and Matsudo Immigration Offices—no hidden charges, ever. For total fees exceeding 100,000 JPY, we offer flexible payment options, including a two-installment plan to suit your budget.
REASON
04
Flexible, anytime, anywhere.
Busy? Prefer a language other than Japanese? We’ve got you covered.
- Seamless Communication: Use LINE for quick status updates and document sharing—no waiting required.
- Multilingual Friendly: We welcome consultations in any language using advanced translation tools.
- Online Consultations: Available evenings and weekends, so you can meet at a time that works best for you.
- 1.Our Process: From Consultation to Approval
- 2.Procedures Required After Approval
- 3.Fee Structure (Pricing)
1.Our Process: From Consultation to Approval
Contact Us
We will ask you briefly about your current situation (your visa status, nationality, job details, etc.) and arrange a date for the consultation. You may contact us through the inquiry form, email, or LINE. Evening and weekend appointments are available after work hours.
Because we use translation tools, you may send messages in any language.
For inquiries via the form, email, or LINE, no prior appointment is required. You may send a message at any time, 24 hours a day.
Consultation (First Consultation Free)
Your initial consultation can be conducted via online meeting, email, or LINE.
If you are not confident in Japanese, you may speak in your native language. We will use translation tools to communicate smoothly.
We will carefully check whether you can obtain approval based on your current situation.
Even if approval is difficult right now, we will provide clear guidance such as: “Another six months of employment will make you eligible,” or “Let’s prepare these documents.”
We will also provide a cost estimate in advance so you know exactly how much it will cost before starting.
Proposal & Quotation
Based on the information gathered during the consultation (education, work history, current visa, nationality, etc.), we will determine—professionally—which status of residence is most appropriate for your application and propose the best plan.
We will also present a detailed quotation clearly stating the total cost (our fee + actual expenses). No additional fees will be charged.
We will explain the proposal and quotation carefully during an online meeting or in-person meeting. Please feel free to contact us first.
Contract & Payment
Once you are satisfied with our proposal, we will proceed with the formal agreement. We offer flexible payment options tailored to your sitOnce you agree with the quotation, we will proceed with the formal contract (engagement).
To accommodate your situation, we offer flexible payment options:
If the total fee is 100,000 yen or less: Payment is required in full at the time of contract.
If the total fee exceeds 100,000 yen: You may choose either full payment or two installments.
For Two-Installment Payments:
- At contract (initial fee): 50% of the total fee (This allows us to begin preparing your documents immediately.)
- Upon approval (success fee): Remaining 50% + revenue stamp fee (actual cost) (You will pay the balance once the Immigration Bureau issues the approval notice.)
If your application is unfortunately denied, we will review the reason and reapply once at no additional charge (actual expenses required separately).
Document Preparation
We will prepare all documents required for approval.
For documents you need to provide, we will give you a clear checklist and guide you through the process. The “Statement of Reasons” submitted to Immigration is the most important document affecting approval. We will prepare a persuasive statement tailored to your situation.
Application Submission
An administrative scrivener will submit the application to the Immigration Bureau on your behalf. You do not need to visit the Immigration Bureau yourself. You can focus on your work or studies.
If the Immigration Bureau requests additional documents or asks questions, our office will handle everything.
Notification of Results (Postcard or Email)
You will receive the result approximately 1 to 3 months after submission. Once you receive your new residence card, the process is complete.
If additional documents are required, the examination period may be extended. However, we will respond promptly and support you until approval is obtained.
2.Procedures Required After Approval
Obtaining a visa is not the end of the process. We also provide full support for all procedures that follow.
Renewal of Period of Stay: You must renew your status before it expires (renewal is possible starting three months prior to the expiration date).
Frequency of Renewal (Granted Period): Depending on the examination results, you will typically be granted 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. The Immigration Bureau determines the length of the period based on factors such as recent job changes, the size and condition of your company, and your past residence history.
Changes such as job change or marriage: If your circumstances change, you are required to notify the Immigration Bureau.
Permanent Residency or Naturalization: If you decide that you would like to live in Japan permanently, we can assist you with the preparation and application process.
3.Fee Structure (Pricing)
“We offer reasonable pricing that is more affordable than the average professional fee charged by other firms. While keeping your costs to a minimum, we remain committed to providing attentive, high-quality support to ensure your application’s success. Please feel free to entrust your case to us with full confidence.”
Breakdown of Fees
At our office, we believe in complete clarity regarding costs. Our fees consist of the following:
1. Professional Service Fee (Our Fee) This is our fee for professional services, including consultation, document preparation, submission on your behalf, and all administrative support.
2. Government Fees (Out-of-Pocket Expenses) These are the official fees paid directly to the government (e.g., stamp duty/filing fees) upon approval. These are required regardless of whether you apply on your own or through an administrative scrivener.
3. Travel Expenses
- To Tokyo & Matsudo Immigration Offices: 0 JPY (Complimentary)
- Other Locations: For locations exceeding 30 km (one-way) from Matsudo Station, actual public transportation costs will be charged.
Notes on Our Pricing Policy:
Transparency: All costs will be clearly outlined in your initial quotation.
No Hidden Charges: We do not charge daily allowances, communication fees, or other hidden administrative costs.
[Fee List (Tax Included)]
| Residence Status | Fees | Stamp duty (or online filing fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation (30 min) | 0円 | － |
| COE Application | 88,000円 | 0円 |
| Status Change | 88,000円 | 6,000円 （5,500円） |
| Business Manager Visa (New) | 165,000円 | 0円 |
COE Application (Specified Skilled Worker) | 88,000円 | 0円 |
| Status Change (Specified Skilled Worker) | 88,000円 | 6,000円 （5,500円） |
| Designated Activities (Special Research) | 11,000円 | 0円 |
| Status Change (Designated Activities) | 88,000円 | 6,000円 （5,500円） |
| Extension (Same Conditions) | 33,000円 | 6,000円 （5,500円） |
| Extension (After Job Change) | 55,000円 | 6,000円 （5,500円） |
| Extension (Business Manager) | 88,000円 | 6,000円 （5,500円） |
| Registration for Registered Support Organization | 165,000円 | 28,400円（※1） |
| COE Application (Agent Only) | 33,000円 | 0円 |
| Status Change (Agent Only) | 33,000円 | 6,000円 （5,500円） |
| Extension (Agent Only) | 22,000円 | 6,000円 （5,500円） |
| Part-Time Work Permission | 11,000円 | 0円 |
| Work Eligibility Certificate | 44,000円 | 2,000円 （1,600円） |
(※1) Note: This amount represents the actual Registration License Tax required for registering as a Registered Support Organization.
Model Case: Renewal of Period of Stay (After Changing Jobs)
Below is a model case for an office worker who has changed jobs since their previous residence permit and requests our office to handle the renewal of their period of stay.
Total Payment: 61,000 yen
Breakdown
- Our Office Fee: 55,000 yen
- Application Fee (Revenue Stamp): 6,000 yen (This fee is paid to the Immigration Bureau upon approval. For online applications, the fee is 5,500 yen. No fee is required if the application is denied.)
We do not charge for transportation (unless long-distance travel is required), per diem, or communication costs.
Regarding long-distance travel: Travel to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau (Shinagawa) and the Matsudo Branch Office is free of transportation charges.
For other regions, if travel is required to a location more than 30 km one-way from our office (Matsudo Station), the actual cost of public transportation will be charged separately.