In recent years the amount of foreigners coming to Japan has increased more and more. Because of this, within Japan, lots of companies are assertively hiring foreigners. Furthermore, depending on the reason for the visit, the "status of residence" changes. In this article, we are going to be explaining in detail everything you need to know about status of residence if you want to work in Japan.
What is Status of Residence?
A status of residence is something that is required to lawfully live in Japan as a foreigner. The proof of this residence is something called a residence card which has your reason for stay (residence status) written on it. As of November 2019 under the management of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, there are 29 different types. Every person can only have 1 residence status, and you are only able to perform duties / activities under the regulations of that specific reason. Furthermore, depending on the residence status, your ability to work may be accepted / declined. Read on and find out more about the distinction between all of these different types!
Status of Residence Where You can Work Within a Set Range
This is called a "work visa" and has a total of 19 types. Any foreigner who holds this residence status is able to work within set perimeters.
| Status of Residence | Corresponding Occupations | Residence Period |
| Diplomacy | Foreign Ambassador，Envoy，Consul General，A delegate or family member of said delegate | Until said "Diplomatic Activity" has ended. |
| Government Business | Staff member of a foreign government or embassy，Anyone on government business or the family members of said person | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months、30 Days、15 Days |
| Professor | University professor etc. | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Art | Music Artist，Painter，Writer etc. | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Religious Activity | Missionary from a foreign religious group | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Journalism | Press from foreign media, camera man etc. | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| High-level profession | 1：Contracted research under a public or private agency, the instruction or teaching of research, work that requires the knowledge / experience in natural science or humanities, the running / management of a business as a foreigner | 5 Years |
| 2：High-level academic study, technology division, management / administration division, any foreigner who can perform activities from (1) | Indefinite | |
| Administration / Management | The management / administration of a business | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Law / Finance | Lawyer, certified public accountant | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Years、3 Months |
| Medicine | Doctor, dentist, nurse | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Research | Research for a government body or private enterprise | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Teaching | Language teacher for middle / high school etc. | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Engineering, humanities, international service | Mechanical engineering etc, interpreter, designer, private language teacher, marketing | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Internal job transfer | Someone who has transferred from overseas to Japan | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Nursing | Care worker | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| entertainment industry | Actor, singer, dancer, pro sports player | 3 Years、1 Year、6 Months、3 Months、15 Days |
| Technical skills | Foreign chef, sports instructor, airplane pilot, metalworker etc. | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、3 Months |
| Specific Abilities | 1：Knowledge relating to specific industries or the required skills for said work | 1 Year、6 Months、4 Months（Longest total 5 years） |
| 2：Work that requires experienced skills in specific industries | 3 Years、1 Year、6 Months | |
| Technical intern training | 1：Technical intern training year 1. After receiving recognition that you are eligible to receive technical intern training, you will perform actions regarding that intern training. | The period the Minister of Justice determines（Under 1 year） |
2：After technical intern training 1 has finished and you have passed the test, proceed to years 2 and 3 of technical intern training. After receiving recognition that you are eligible to receive technical intern training, you will perform actions regarding that intern training. | The period the Minister of Justice determines（Under 2 years） | |
3：After technical intern training 2 has finished and you have passed the test, proceed to years 4 and 5 of technical intern training. After receiving recognition that you are eligible to receive technical intern training, you will perform actions regarding that intern training. | The period the Minister of Justice determines（Under 2 years） |
Residence Status that Changes If You're Allowed to Work or Not
This applies to the "Designated activities visa". This classification is given to people who cannot "have their current visa status categorized". With this status of residence you can only operate under the designated activities stated.
| Status of Residence | Corresponding Occupations | Residence Period |
| Designated Activities | Diplomats Housework Employee etc, working holiday etc. | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、6 Months、3 Months or the duration that the Minister of Justice determines (No longer than 5 years) |
Residence Statuses Without Limitations
Foreigners who have these statuses of residence are able to work without limitations.
| Status of Residence | Residence Period |
| Permanent Resident | No limit |
| Spouse Visa etc. | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、6 Months |
| Spouse of Permanent Resident | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、6 Months |
| Long-term resident | 5 Years、3 Years、1 Year、6 Months or the duration that the Minister of Justice determines (No longer than 5 years) |
Residence Statuses Where You are Unable to Work
Any foreigners who have these residence statuses are unable to work, however, they can obtain permits to be able to perform specific activities. However, they cannot gain permission to do activities that go against the "short-stay visa" they have as a sightseer.
| Status of Residence | Corresponding Occupations | Residence Period |
| Cultural Activities | People who are researching Japanese culture etc. | 3 Years、1 Year、6 Months、3 Months |
| Short-stay | Sightseers, people taking part in meetings etc. | 90, 30, or 15 days |
| Research | Research Student | 1 Year、6 Months、3 Months |
| Studying Abroad | University，Specialty School，Japanese Language School etc. | 4 Years 3 Months, 4 Years, 3 Years 3 Months, 3 Years, 2 Years 3 Months, 2 Years, 1 Year 3 Months, 1 Year, 6 Months, 3 Months |
| Staying with Family | Spouse / Child of a family member who is staying in Japan etc. | 5 Years, 4 Years 3 Months, 4 Years, 3 Years 3 Months, 3 Years, 2 Years 3 Months, 2 Years, 1 Year 3 Months, 1 Year, 6 Months, 3 Months |
Conclusion
A resident status is required for all foreigners who wish to stay in Japan for long periods of time. Your activities you can perform while in Japan are decided based on this status, performing any actions outside of those is strictly forbidden. If you're someone who wants to work in Japan in the future then you should definitely study these residence statuses in detail prior!
Related Articles
- 【Work & Life in Japan Vol.1】The figures of foreigners whose presence in Japanese society is increasing
- 【Work & Life in Japan Vol.2】Do you want to live in Japan? This is How to Stay in Japan for a Long Time!
- 【Work & Life in Japan Vol. 3】Published graphs of changes in the number of foreign workers in Japan!
- 【Work & Life in Japan Vol.4】Hey! What piqued your interest in Japan?
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