Immigration to Japan, under any one of the approved residence categories, is handled by the Immigration Bureau, which is called "Nyukoku Kanrikyoku" in Japanese. As new rules were enacted in November 2007, all foreigners entering Japan are required by law to be fingerprinted and photographed, regardless of their residency status. Children under 16 and foreign diplomats are excluded from this rule.
To enter Japan, visitors need a visa or a passport. Japan has an agreement with 50 countries that establishes a "general visa exemption arrangement." For these countries, only a passport is required to enter the country and stay for up to 90 days.
For all other countries a visa is required. Citizens of seven countries, Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, are allowed the opportunity to extend a stay for up to six months. Temporary visitors cannot engage in any paid activities. All foreign tourists in Japan must carry their passports with them at all times.
Spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents of Japan, can obtain a spouse visa, which lasts one or three years and allows the spouse to engage in paid activities in Japan. This visa can be extended. These persons can also apply for a dependent visa, which lasts between three months and three years and it too can be extended.
Immigrant dependents cannot do any paid activities without permission from the immigration office and, if approved, can only work a certain hours per week.
Working in Japan, requires a work visa, lasting from one to three years with possible extension, from a Japanese embassy or consulate. The visas that are issued are specific to the type of work that is to be done, for example, journalism, medicine and engineering. Obtaining a work visa requires a college degree in the field or a certain number of years experience.The prospective employer must support the immigrant worker's application. If you change jobs, you must change the status of the visa.
Students wishing to study or attend school in Japan must obtain a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. The only exception to this is short-term study at language schools. There are only a few categories of student visas, including pre-college, college or cultural activities. Students must have sponsorship and proof that all of expenses will be covered. Student residence is granted for periods of six months, one year or two years and can be extended. Students may not work for pay, unless granted permission by their school and the immigration office. Only a set number of hours may be worked.
All foreigners who are in Japan for longer than 90 days, must fill out an alien registration card, which must be carried at all times. Foreign residents who leave Japan temporarily, must get a re-entry permit from an immigration office before leaving, or they will lose their residency status. Permanent residence can be obtained by those who have lived in Japan for 10 years or more, are in good standing and financially independent. These residents can also obtain citizenship, if they renounce any other citizenship held.
