Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for Various Type of Visa in Japan

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Sevices Visa

Question 1: Are Brazilian degrees recognized in Japan?

Hello, I am Brazilian. I have a question about changing from a student visa to a work visa. I will be looking for work in my field of expertise, software engineering, and changing to a work visa.

I also have three years of practical experience in the IT field, but my concern is my degree. My degree is a “Diploma in Systems Analysis and Development Technology” (a 3-year program), which translates to “Technologist Diploma” or “Associate Degree” in English. In Brazil, it is officially recognized as a bachelor’s degree in higher education. Is it possible to switch to a work visa using the “Diploma in Systems Analysis and Development Technology (3-year program)” obtained in Brazil?

I have heard various opinions on this. Some say only a bachelor’s degree or 10 years of work experience is accepted, while others say the technologist diploma is valid if applying for a position in the same field. Please clarify the correct information.

Answer 1

Based on your description, your “Diploma in Systems Analysis and Development Engineering / Junior College Degree (3-year program)” appears very similar to a Japanese junior college-level qualification (Tanki Daigaku). If the job you seek in Japan is clearly related to the IT/Systems/Software field and you can adequately explain your academic background, there is a strong possibility the Immigration Bureau will recognize it as meeting the requirements for a work visa.
There are two key points:

  1. Field alignment is crucial. If your Japanese employer hires you for a position clearly matching your field of study (systems, software, IT), it becomes easier to argue your education is “relevant.”
  2. Proof of academic background. Since the degree title isn’t the standard Japanese “Bachelor’s,” you must explain to the Immigration Bureau that it is a formally recognized Brazilian higher education program (3-year program) designed to train specialists in the same field as your prospective employer.

Therefore, it is considered possible to change from a student visa to a work visa in Japan with a Brazilian Technologist degree.

Question 2:

I currently hold an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa as an English teacher. I have received an offer for a managerial position in the HR department, which I believe falls under the “Specialist in Humanities” category of my visa. I plan to hold both positions concurrently and would like to know the procedures for notifying the immigration authorities.

Answer 2:

In summary, the side job (HR management position) falls within the scope of activities permitted under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa. Therefore, no visa change is necessary. The only required procedure is notification to the Immigration Bureau.

Journalist Visa or Artist Visa

Question 1

I am a professional journalist. I am the culture correspondent for a Spanish daily newspaper and also one of the internationally published bestselling authors. I am responsible for writing articles on Japanese culture for the newspaper and its affiliated magazines.

I am currently staying in Tokyo on a three-month Temporary Visitor Visa (for short-term stay). A colleague from a Japanese newspaper introduced me to your company. I am exploring the possibility of obtaining a journalist visa or other eligible visa to extend my stay in Japan. Is there a visa in Japan similar to the U.S. talent visa?

Answer 1

In Japan, the visa that would apply to you is likely either a Journalist Visa or an Artist Visa. The required documents and criteria differ for each, so please consult us for details.

Visa for moving to Japan

Question 1

We have decided to immigrate to Japan. My spouse, children, and I plan to relocate to Japan together. I own a home in my home country, which I can rent out to generate income. We also have substantial savings. We would like to inquire about the process for our family’s immigration.

Answer 1

Thank you for sharing your strong interest in immigrating to Japan as a family and for sharing your circumstances. The fact that you and your spouse have stable housing and a certain amount of financial assets is a good starting point. However, Japan does not offer a general immigration visa for long-term stays without a specific residency status tied to employment, study, family ties, etc.

Below are some common options you may consider:

    1. Work Visa (e.g., “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa”): Requires a job offer from a Japanese company before visa application. We can assist in confirming visa eligibility by reviewing the job offer details.
    2. Business Manager Visa: If starting a small business in Japan, this visa allows residence and company management. However, the requirements for this visa significantly increased starting October 2025.
    3. Student Visa: One family member can come to Japan on a student visa by enrolling in a university. The remaining family members can apply for a dependent visa. Please note that family members of Japanese language school students are not eligible for this visa.
    4. Japan Long-Stay Tourist Visa (Designated Activities No.40): Long-Term Stay for Specific Activities / Tourism & Recreation. If you possess substantial assets, you can apply for this visa. A key advantage is that neither a job offer from a company nor an admission letter from a school is required before applying. However, only adult couples are eligible to apply for this visa; children are excluded.

Cultural Activities Visa

Question 1:

Regarding the Cultural Activities Visa, what types of activities qualify? I have a friend who belongs to a Go club. There are also calligraphy classes. Do these activities qualify?

Answer 1:

The Cultural Activities Visa covers non-remunerative academic or artistic activities, or activities involving specialized research on Japan’s unique culture or arts, or activities to acquire such skills under expert guidance.

If you are staying in Japan to receive instruction from a renowned Go master or calligrapher, it may qualify. Please provide documentation verifying the instructor’s credentials. Your instructor must be a recognized authority. Studying under them is the basis for obtaining the Cultural Activities Visa. You will need to provide:

  • Licenses or certificates,
  • Papers, portfolios, or other materials demonstrating achievements in that field, and,
  • CV, etc.

Question 2:

I have been running a calligraphy class for about 20 years in Japan. One of my foreign students is residing in Japan. When renewing her Cultural Activities Visa for the third year, the Immigration Bureau told her, “This will be the last time for the Cultural Activities Visa.” This student is not merely pursuing a hobby but aims to become a professional. She has diligently studied calligraphy, visited exhibitions of calligraphy works displayed in various cities, participated in calligraphy exhibitions, and been involved in everything from preparing explanations to the actual preparations. Three years is simply not enough time to train properly in calligraphy.

Answer 2:

Unfortunately, there are no precedents for extending the Cultural Activities Visa beyond three years, so permission will not be granted.

Spouse Visa

Question 1: Do I need an apostille?

I am preparing to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a visa for my spouse, but I have several questions regarding the document requirements. Is it necessary to obtain an apostille on the marriage certificate for it to be accepted by the Immigration Bureau of Japan? Is an electronic apostille (E-Apostille) valid for the Immigration Bureau? Does the Immigration Bureau retain the original document, or is a copy sufficient?

Answer 1

When submitting a marriage certificate or marriage registration form with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application, an apostille is generally not required. An electronic apostille is also not necessary. However, for certificates from certain countries where forgeries are common, it may be advisable to obtain an apostille. Note that Japanese translations are mandatory for all documents. The Immigration Bureau does not accept documents in English or other foreign languages alone. You submit copies of documents to the Immigration Bureau. If you present the original documents at the counter during application, they will be returned to you on the spot. However, for documents that can be issued multiple times (not those issued only once), you may sometimes be required to submit the original documents.

Question 2: Validity Period of Marriage Certificate

We plans to apply for a PSA marriage certificate issued in the Philippines, but I’m unsure of its validity period after issuance. I want to confirm that this marriage certificate will be accepted by the immigration authorities when applying for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Answer 2

During the review process, marriage certificates requested by Japan Immigration Officers from outside Japan generally have a validity period of six months.

However, even if the document has expired, it may still be accepted if accompanied by:

  • a detailed explanation stating the reason why the document cannot be reissued and,
  • a declaration affirming that the marriage is still valid.

Please consult us for further details.

Question 3:

I am currently staying on a tourist visa. Since I plan to marry my Japanese boyfriend soon, I would like to know whether I can change my visa status within Japan or if I need to apply from my home country. I have already completed the interview at the my country’s Embassy and will receive the certificate shortly.

Answer 3

After your marriage is legally recognized in Japan, you may be able to directly apply to change your status from a Temporary Visitor Visa to a Spouse of Japanese National Visa. However, we need to understand your specific reasons for wishing to marry and reside in Japan to determine eligibility. Typically, you would first apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), then proceed with the visa change after COE approval.

First, proceed with the marriage procedures in Japan. While the processing time at the your home country’s Embassy is unknown, the local government office in Japan should complete it within one month. The visa change is expected to take about three months. If the change application is accepted, your 90-day Temporary Visitor Visa will be automatically extended, so you need not worry about its expiration date.

Same-Sex Marriage

Question 1:

I have a question about spousal visas. I am married to another woman in the United States as a same-sex marriage. While same-sex marriage is not recognized in Japan, if I hold a work visa, would our marriage be recognized, and could I apply for a spousal visa? I hope to reside in Japan with my spouse.

Answer 1:

Regarding spousal support for same-sex spouses, if your marriage is legally recognized in the United States and both of you hold nationality from a country that recognizes same-sex marriage, it is possible to apply for a visa as family members. However, this process requires your spouse to first enter Japan on a tourist visa and then undergo a procedure to change her status of residence within Japan.

Question 2:

Hello, I am a Japanese national residing in the United States. I was referred to you by an advisor and am contacting you accordingly. I married my same-sex partner in the U.S. five years ago and am currently considering moving to Japan. My question concerns my U.S. partner’s visa. I recall news reports about a foreign couple in a similar situation who obtained a Designated Activities Visa. Is it currently possible for us to apply and obtain this visa without issue?

Answer 2:

On September 30, 2022, the court ruled in a case challenging the validity of a refusal to change residency status. This ruling addressed and improved the unequal application of the system between same-sex couples of foreign nationality and same-sex couples consisting of a Japanese national and a foreign national. Consequently, the situation is likely different from the past. Of course, approval is not guaranteed, but the fact that you have lived together as a couple in the U.S. for five years should be viewed positively.

However, for same-sex couples, even if residency is granted, there are various practical inconveniences: they cannot work (requiring a separate work permit application), cannot be covered under the Japanese spouse’s health insurance (must enroll in National Health Insurance themselves), and are not listed as family members on documents like the family register.

Regarding the application process, the U.S. partner must first come to Japan (visa-waiver scheme, etc.) and submit the change of status application at the Japanese Immigration Bureau. During the review period (which may take about three months), they cannot leave Japan. Therefore, it is necessary to plan the schedule accordingly.

Part-time Permission: Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka) for Student Visa holders

Please refer more to ‘Visa Permission for the Second job‘

Question 1

I will be entering Japan as an international student. Upon arrival in Japan, I plan to obtain a “Comprehensive” Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka; limited to 28 hours per week). Does this apply to freelance work as well?

Answer 1

In the case of “Comprehensive” Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka; limited to 28 hours per week), work that is not hourly-paid is generally not permitted. However, the Immigration Bureau currently recognizes that it is difficult to issue “Individual” Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka) to international students. On the other hand, if the international student themselves can manage their working hours and prove they remain within the 28-hour limit, the Bureau tends to permit this even with a “Comprehensive” Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka). Please ensure strict time management.

Question 2:

I hold a work visa as a Specialist in Humanities field, but I wish to pursue activities as an artist as a side job. I am considering providing services as a singer/dancer at bars and nightclubs. If you have any better ideas for legally developing my singing career, I would greatly appreciate your input.

Answer 2:

I understand you wish to continue artistic activities as a side job. If you plan to continue your current humanities-related activities, you will need to apply for “Individual” Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka). Based on what you’ve described, your activities seem to involve performing as a singer or dancer. In this case, you fall under the category for an Entertainer Visa, not an Artist Visa. Therefore, you should apply for a Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka) for an Entertainer Visa to work as a singer or dancer as a side job. However, performances at nightclubs and bars may not be covered. Please reconfirm the details of your activities with your contracting party.

Skilled Labour Visa

Question 1: For Ski Instructor

I am currently working as a full-time ski instructor under a Skilled Labor Visa. What procedures are required to work as a part-time ski instructor for another company?

Answer 1: For Ski Instructor

If you wish to work for another company while holding a Skilled Labor Visa, and the job type remains the same, you do not need to change your current visa. Simply submitting a notification to the Immigration Bureau should suffice.

Naturalization

Question 1:

I am currently applying for naturalization, but my temporary employment contract ends soon. If I change contract during the application process, which of the following approaches would be most advantageous for the application?

  • Renewing a fixed-term employment contract with the same company
  • Immediately change jobs upon finding a permanent position for long-term stability

Answer 1:

Given that you are currently applying for naturalization, the optimal approach is generally to maintain your current status without changing jobs.

Click here for questions about Permanet residency, J-FIND, Highly Skilled Professionals (HSP), Australian visa etc.↓

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