When a foreigner tries to reside in Japan, he/she needs a document, passport, visa, and Residence Status issued by Government of Japan (GOJ), as you know.
A passport is an official document issued to ask for providing necessary protection and assistance for traveler (Passport holder) upon his/her entry into foreign nation.
A visa is issued by the embassy of the country you intend to enter in your country. A visa is a document issued to recommend “this foreigner is okay to be admitted to our nation”. If your stay in Japan is short term, it might be waived. It depends on the arrangement between two countries. You should know that even if you hold a visa, you may not be able to enter Japan with 100% certainty. The immigration officer will make the final judgment if you can enter the country or not.
When you foreigner reside in Japan, you must have a Residence Status issued by GOJ. Without this, your residence will be illegal. A residence status is defined in the Immigration Control Act, and broadly classified into “work-related” and “status-related”.
“Work-related” status is further classified into the following three categories. For your quick understanding,
(1)Permitted to work; Diplomacy, Official, Teaching, Arts, Religion, Press, Highly specialized professions, Business and Administration, Legal and Accounting services, Medical care, Research, Education, Technology/Humanities/International services, Intra-company transfers, Nursing care, Entertainment, Skills, Specific skills, Technical trainees
(2)Not permitted to work; Cultural activities, Short-term stay, Study abroad, Training, Family stay, Specific skills
(3)Permitted to engage in specific activities only; Specified activities
Residence status of “Status-related” includes Permanent residence, Spouse or child of a permanent resident, Spouse or child of a Japanese national, and Permanent resident. In principle, these statuses have no restrictions on activities in Japan; in other words, this qualification allows them to work in the same manner as Japanese nationals.
The first step is to satisfy the eligibility requirements for your purpose of residence. In addition to that, you must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
Foreign nationals already residing in Japan must also apply for permission to change their residence status in case your purpose of stay changes.
Of course, if you need to stay beyond the authorized period of stay, you must go through the renewal procedure.
The requirement conditions, procedures, and preparatory documents for your purpose of residence will be written in a separate article. Please read that as well.
If you would like to know more details, please click here to ask your question.
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