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Residence Status & Visa

Certificate of Eligibility

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

A COE certifies a preliminary assessment of residence-related entry conditions. It supports a visa application but is not a visa and does not guarantee a visa or entry.

Sources checked

Separate COE, visa and landing permission

A COE confirms in advance that intended activities meet relevant landing conditions. It is neither a visa nor landing permission; visa application and examination on arrival normally remain necessary.

MOFA states that a COE does not guarantee a visa. We recommend keeping estimated processing dates separate from a committed move-in date.

Sources[1][2]

Explain progress and timing separately

ELB suggestion: list COE and visa progress, expected arrival and an acceptable rent-start window separately. Mark uncertain dates as estimates. Ask about document deadlines, rent commencement, overseas applications, reservation periods and cancellation charges for each property. Sending preferences does not reserve a home.

Sources[3]

Practical checklist

  • Distinguish pending applications from issued documents.
  • Prepare an arrival estimate and latest move-in date.
  • Confirm rent, cancellation and document arrangements if delayed.

References

Prepared from official and public sources. Checklists are ELB reading aids; confirm specific application, fee and contract terms with the relevant organization.

  1. ISA: Immigration and residence examination FAQs
  2. MOFA: Visa FAQs
  3. MLIT: Apartment Search Guidebook (search and lease procedures)

Use what you have learned in your rental plans

Start by estimating your budget, or share your move-in date, preferred area and questions with an advisor to check property-specific conditions.

Submit housing requirementsEstimate rental costsAsk an advisor about other questions
Status of Residence Categories in JapanLegal status categories for foreigners to legally stay and engage in activities in Japan (e.g., Student, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Dependent, Permanent Resident, etc.).Japanese Real Estate Move-in QuestionnaireA questionnaire collecting housing preferences and applicant information. Its format, required fields and submission timing vary by agent, manager and property.Online Important Matters Explanation (IT briefing)A way for a licensed real estate transaction specialist to explain important matters by two-way video, with clear documents, audible explanations and real-time questions.