Visa & Immigration
IMPORTANT
Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify current rules directly with the Immigration Services Agency or your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate before making plans.
Government Resources
- Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice - The official source for all immigration procedures, application forms, and status of residence information in Japan.
- MOFA Visas & FAQ - Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa overview with types, requirements, and frequently asked questions.
- MOFA Living Guide PDF - Downloadable guide covering daily life topics for foreign residents, published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Immigration Information Center - MOJ - Multilingual helpline and info center run by the Ministry of Justice for immigration-related inquiries.
- Naturalization Office - Located at the Ministry of Justice in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. This is where you begin the process of applying for Japanese citizenship.
Visa Guides & Articles
- Relocate.me - International relocation platform with detailed visa guides, country comparisons, and job listings that sponsor visas.
- Relocate.me: Japan Startup Visa - Focused breakdown of Japan's Startup Visa program, including eligibility and participating cities.
- Benton Homestead: Startup to Business Manager Visa - Personal blog post walking through the real experience of converting a Startup Visa into a Business Manager Visa.
- TokyoDev: Business Manager Visa Guide - Thorough guide on obtaining and maintaining a Business Manager Visa, written for the tech community.
- SoraNews24: Language Requirement Article - News coverage of the proposed N2 Japanese language proficiency requirement for certain visa categories.
Immigration Law Firms
- Japan Visa Support - Immigration law firm offering English-language support for visa applications, renewals, and status changes.
Entry Procedures
- U.S. Department of State Travel Tips - General international travel guidance from the U.S. government, including passport and safety info for Americans heading to Japan.
- Japan Customs - Official customs information covering what you can and cannot bring into Japan, duty-free limits, and declaration procedures.
Video Guides
- How to Get a Japanese Visa - Beginner-friendly overview of the main visa types and how to apply.
- Start a Company and Get Business Manager Visa - Step-by-step walkthrough of setting up a company in Japan and securing your visa through it.
- Startup Visa to Business Manager Visa - Covers the transition process from the Startup Visa program to a full Business Manager Visa.
- Investor/Business Manager Visa - Deep dive into the requirements, capital, and paperwork for the Investor/Business Manager visa category.
- Self-Sponsoring a Japan Visa - Explains how to sponsor your own visa without relying on a Japanese employer.
- How to Start a Business in Japan 2025 - Up-to-date guide on company formation, registration, and the visa process for entrepreneurs.