Non-Japanese Registration

  1. Non-Japanese Registration
  2. Foreigners who plan to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for the Non-Japanese Registration Card within 90 days from the date of entry in Japan, at the city/ward office in the area they are residing in.

    Registration procedures
    Applications must be personally made at the ward/municipal office of their respective areas by filling in the Non-Japanese Registration application form and attaching 2 copies of photographs.
    Duty to carry the Non-Japanese Registration Card at all times and duty to return it upon permanent exit from Japan
    The Non-Japanese Registration Card has to be collected within the specified time as notified during the application. It is important that this Card is carried at all times and presented to authorized officials such as immigration officials or police officers when requested. Except when re-entry into Japan has been approved, it must be surrendered to the immigration officer at the port of exit.
  3. Permission for engaging in activities outside the status of residence scope
  4. The "College Student" status of residence granted for the sole purpose of studying in Japan and as such do not permit work. When planning to work part-time, a written consent from the current school must be obtained before applying for "Permission to Engage in Activities other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" at the nearest Regional Immigration Bureau. Foreigners who have graduated from universities, junior colleges, graduate schools and professional training colleges who are holding "Temporary Visitor" status of residence for the purpose of employment seeking activities, can now apply for permission to engage in activities outside of the visa scope.

  5. Procedures for temporary exit from Japan
  6. Foreigners in Japan planning to return to their home countries or visit other countries for a short period during their term of residence must apply for a re-entry permit at Regional Immigration Bureaus before leaving Japan. Pay attention to this requirement because failure to do so will necessitate you to apply for another visa at an oversea Japanese Embassy or Consulate.

  7. Extending term of residence
  8. Term of residence must be extended at Regional Immigration Bureaus when planning to stay in Japan longer than the term of residence initially applied for during the entry into Japan. (Usually, applications are received 2 months before its expiration). Illegally remaining in Japan will result in punishment and deportation.

  9. Changing status of residence
  10. Status of residence must be changed to a different type when activities initially applied for is discontinued to engage in other activities. The application must be filed at Regional Immigration Bureaus.
    Engaging in income-generating businesses or activities without proper approval will result in punishment and deportation.

  11. Revocation of the status of residence
  12. Policy on revocation of status of residence was established on December 2, 2004. Under this policy, status of residence can be revoked in cases where activities engaged in were falsely declared and/or submission of false personal history documents.
    Status of residence may also be revoked if activities specified in the status of residence have not been performed for 3 months or more, unless with valid reasons.

  13. Bringing dependents to Japan
  14. Spouses and children of "College Student" holders can reside in Japan under the "Dependent" status of residence for a term of 2 years and 3 months, 2 years, 1 year and 3 months, 1 year or 6 months according to the holder's term of residence. It is recommended that international students bring their dependents once they are familiar with life in Japan and are economically stable.

Related Information

1. Immigration Bureau of Ministry of Justice
2. VISA (MOFA)
3. New Immigration Procedures (MOJ)
4. Entry and Residence Procedures for Foreign Students(Study in Japan Comprehensive Guide/MOFA)