About the Types of Residency Status


  1. Service Guide
  2. Visa & Residency Status
  3. About the Types of Residency Status

Quick Residence Status Check!

On this page, we have organized Japan’s complex residence statuses into four clear categories and provided a self-check tool to help you determine which status you should aim for based on your current situation. Use this guide to identify the most suitable residence status for your needs.

The Four Major Categories of Residence Status

This guide helps you identify the appropriate category of residence status based on your purpose for staying in Japan. Please select the item that best matches your intended activities, and review the specific types of residence status and their requirements included in each category.

Quick Assessment: Find Your Type in 4 Steps

Let’s organize which visa you should aim for by following the steps below!

Organizing Your Visa Purpose

First, clarify what you want to do in Japan. Your purpose—such as working, living with your family, studying, or engaging in specific activities—determines the category of residence status you should apply for.

Reviewing Your Current Situation

Organize the strengths and background you currently have. The following points are particularly important in the screening process. Please review your own situation carefully.

Educational Background: Have you graduated from a university or vocational school? (Your major is also important.)

Work Experience: How many years of experience do you have in a field related to the work you plan to do in Japan?

Qualifications: Do you hold any official qualifications issued in Japan or overseas?

Personal Status: Are you married to a Japanese national or a permanent resident?

Identifying Your Category

Based on the purpose and circumstances you have organized, select the appropriate card from the “four main categories.” By clicking it, you will be taken to the list of residency statuses that correspond to your purpose.

[Identifying Your Residency Status & Checking Requirements] On the list page, review the row that matches your category. In the “Requirements” column on the right, you will find key screening points—such as sufficient income, required educational background, and other conditions that may affect your eligibility.

If you find it difficult to determine whether you meet the requirements, or if you feel uncertain about your chances of approval based on your current situation, we recommend a preliminary assessment by a professional. Please feel free to share your current circumstances with us.

Choosing Your Application Method

You can choose whether to prepare the application yourself or request support from a professional. Select the option that best fits your situation and budget.

If you feel uncertain about handling the procedures on your own, you can leave everything to our office. Here are the reasons why many clients choose our services:

Approach to Obtaining Approval: We carefully analyze each client’s individual circumstances and propose the method that maximizes the likelihood of approval.

Cost‑Effective Pricing: Our fee structure is designed to minimize your financial burden, making it easy for first‑time applicants to request support. Please refer to our fee table for details.

Handling Complex Paperwork: We take care of the extensive document preparation, significantly reducing your time and effort.

Up‑to‑Date Legal Compliance: We stay fully informed of the latest legal revisions and system updates to ensure accurate and compliant applications.

Support with Future Renewals: We not only assist with the initial application but also help reduce the workload and cost of future renewals.

If you want to know your chances of approval or simply don’t have time to prepare everything yourself, we encourage you to use our free consultation service. We promise personalized support tailored to each individual.

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