Status of Residence in Japan | An Overview of Japan’s Immigration System

In Japan, foreign nationals must hold an appropriate Status of Residence in order to stay in the country on a mid- to long-term basis.

Japan’s immigration system is fundamentally different from those of many other countries.
Rather than being based on nationality or employer sponsorship alone, it is activity-based.

This means that your legal status in Japan is determined by what you are permitted to do in Japan, not simply by who you are or where you come from.

This page provides a comprehensive overview of Japan’s Status of Residence system and serves as a central guide to the individual status pages linked below.

What Is a “Status of Residence”?

A Status of Residence defines:

• The type of activities a foreign national may engage in while in Japan

• The scope and limitations of those activities

• The legal basis for staying in Japan for a specific period of time

In simple terms, a Status of Residence answers the question:

“What am I allowed to do in Japan, and under what conditions?”

If your intended activities in Japan do not fall within any legally defined status,
a Status of Residence cannot be granted, even if you have a job offer, business plan, or personal reasons for staying.

Status of Residence vs Visa

The terms visa and Status of Residence are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different legal concepts.

• Visa
  Issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate outside Japan
  Allows you to enter Japan and apply for landing permission

• Status of Residence
  Granted at the time of landing in Japan or through a change of status
  Determines what activities you may legally engage in while staying in Japan

In short:

A visa allows entry into Japan.
A Status of Residence governs your stay inside Japan.

Two Main Categories of Status of Residence

Japan’s Status of Residence system is divided into two major categories under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

①Activity-Based Statuses
(Immigration Act, Appended Table I)

These statuses are granted based on the specific activities the foreign national will engage in while in Japan.

Key characteristics:

• Activities are strictly defined

• Engaging in activities outside the permitted scope is not allowed

• A change in job duties, employer, or purpose of stay may require:

  • Notification

  • Permission

  • Or a formal change of status

Examples include:

• Work-related statuses

• Student and research statuses

• Certain family-related statuses tied to the principal activity

②Statuses Based on Personal Status or Family Relationship
(Immigration Act, Appended Table II)

These statuses are granted based on a person’s legal status or family relationship, rather than specific activities.

Key characteristics:

• Fewer restrictions on work activities

• Greater flexibility in employment and daily life

• Often considered more stable forms of residence

Examples include:

• Permanent Resident

• Spouse or Child of a Japanese National

• Long-Term Resident

Who Is Considered a “Mid- to Long-Term Resident”?

Under Japanese immigration law, foreign nationals staying in Japan for a certain duration are classified as mid- to long-term residents.

In general, a mid- to long-term resident is a foreign national who:

• Has a period of stay exceeding three months

• Does not hold a Temporary Visitor, Diplomatic, or Official status

• Is issued a Residence Card

Mid- to long-term residents are subject to Japan’s residency management system, including:

• Residence cards

• Resident registration with local municipalities

• Address reporting obligations

Certain categories of foreign nationals are legally excluded from this classification, even if they remain in Japan for an extended period.

List of Statuses of Residence

(Individual pages coming soon)

Below is a structured list of major Statuses of Residence in Japan.
Each status will be explained in detail on its own dedicated page.

At this stage, detailed explanations are available primarily in Japanese, based on official Immigration Services Agency materials and practical administrative experience.

English versions of each Status of Residence page are currently under preparation and will be published progressively.

Activity-Based Statuses (Appended Table I)

Diplomatic・Official

Professor

Artist

Religious Activities

Journalist

Highly Skilled Professional

Business Manager

Legal / Accounting Services

Medical Services

Researcher

Instructor

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

Intra-company Transferee

Nursing Care

Entertainer

Skilled Labor

Specified Skilled Worker

Technical Intern Training

Cultural Activities

Temporary Visitor

Student

Trainee

Dependent

Designated Activities

Permanent Resident

Spouse or Child of Japanese National

Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident

Long-Term Resident

Special Category

　Special Permanent Resident

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