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Residence Status & Visa

Status of Residence Categories in Japan

Residence Status

Legal 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.).

Sources checked

Residence status differs from a visa

Residence status identifies permitted activities or a basis for residence, such as Student, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, or Permanent Resident. A visa is issued by a diplomatic mission for entry procedures. Enter your actual status rather than simply “has a visa”.

Sources[1]

Use your documents and explain changes

Check residence status, expiry and work restrictions against your residence card. Permission for activities outside the status must be checked separately; Student status does not itself permit full-time work.

ELB suggestion: if renewal or change is pending, explain both your current permission and application progress, and ask which receipt evidence is needed. Rental screening and immigration permission are separate procedures; this platform cannot promise a universal minimum remaining period. Tell your adviser when circumstances change.

Sources[2][3]

Practical checklist

  • Copy status and expiry accurately from your documents.
  • Separate current permission, pending applications and plans.
  • Provide relevant evidence when specifically requested.

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. ISA: What is a residence card?
  3. MLIT: Screening documents checklist (Appendix 2)

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
Certificate of EligibilityA 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.Length of ServiceContinuous time with your current employer, distinct from school year. Rental screening also considers income, employment type and other evidence.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.