Understanding the Status of Residence: “Religious Activities” in Japan

Japan offers multiple types of residence statuses, with each designed for different purposes. One such status is the “Religious Activities” status of residence. This article delves deep into this status, providing a comprehensive guide for those interested in applying under this category.

Introduction to the “Religious Activities” Residence Status

The “Religious Activities” residence status is primarily for individuals who are dispatched as religious missionaries from foreign religious organizations. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan describes religious activities as:

“Missionary and other religious activities conducted by a religious leader dispatched to Japan by a foreign religious organisation.”

This residence status acknowledges the importance of religious freedom and intends to facilitate religious practitioners from foreign organizations to conduct their activities in Japan. The Religious Organisations Act in Japan defines a ‘religious organisation’ as any entity that promotes religious doctrines, holds ceremonies, and educates believers. This could be shrines, temples, churches, monasteries, and similar establishments. It also encompasses broader entities like denominations, sects, orders, congregations, and dioceses.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should primarily be from foreign religious organizations, dispatched to Japan for purposes such as proselytizing. This covers roles like priests, monks, bishops, missionaries, pastors, and similar positions. Even if an individual is involved in religious activities but isn’t affiliated with a foreign religious organization, they can still qualify if they’re dispatched and compensated by their religious group.

The “Religious Activities” status of residence was established to guarantee freedom of religion and to accept religious practitioners dispatched by foreign religious organisations. The Religious Organisations Act defines ‘religious organisation’ as follows. ‘Religious Organisations’ means the following organisations whose main purpose is to propagate religious doctrines, hold ceremonial events, and educate and train believers.

  1. Shrines, temples, churches, monasteries and other similar organisations equipped with facilities for worship.
  2. Denominations, sects, orders, churches, congregations, dioceses and other similar organisations that encompass the organisations listed in 1 above.

Key Considerations for the “Religious Activities” Visa

Nature of Activities in Japan:

While holding titles such as priest or monk gives an idea about an applicant’s background, the actual activities they engage in Japan are crucial. Simply holding a title doesn’t guarantee the visa. The activities should be religious in nature, including proselytizing. Ancillary roles like selling goods for religious events or conducting language classes are also considered if they’re part of the religious duties and are unpaid.

Foreign Religious Organization Affiliation:

Evidence of being dispatched from a foreign religious entity is vital. This can be a letter of dispatch or a recommendation. The affiliation need not necessarily be with a global headquarters, and direct ties with a Japanese religious organization aren’t mandatory.

Establishment in Japan:

Applicants should have a dedicated facility in Japan that acts as the hub for their religious activities. Temporary places like hotel rooms are not considered suitable.

Stable Income from “Religious Activities”:

The income sourced from the foreign country or Japan should be sufficient for a stable life in Japan. While religious organizations have tax exemptions in Japan, individual religious practitioners are subject to the regular income tax, contingent on their earnings.

FAQs

Can I also work in administrative roles?

If one’s role in a religious organization’s facility is closely related to religious activities, then yes. For instance, if a religious worker is dispatched to manage a missionary kindergarten, they might need a “Business Manager” visa status.

Can I undertake additional work like teaching?

Other activities like language teaching or medical care, in addition to missionary work, are permissible if they are part of the missionary work and are unpaid.

What if I’m only a believer?

Mere believers or those dispatched just for ancillary work are not eligible for this visa.

I’m into ascetic practices; can I apply?

Activities exclusively focusing on ascetic practices or training in religious doctrines are not categorized under “Religious Activities”.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in obtaining this residence status, a list of essential documents includes:

  • Application form
  • Recent photograph (4 cm x 3 cm)
  • Passport and Residence card
  • Documents certifying the dispatch period, status, and compensation from the dispatching organization
  • Documents detailing the dispatching and receiving organizations’ profiles
  • Documents verifying the applicant’s role and experience
  • A statement of reasons for application

Remember, documents from Japan should have been issued within the last three months. Submit these to the relevant Regional Immigration Bureau based on your residence.

Conclusion

The “Religious Activities” residence status in Japan isn’t just about proselytizing; it requires a genuine establishment in religious activities. The application process can be intricate, given the need to gather documents from various sources. Therefore, it might be beneficial to consult with experts like Gyoseishoshi Lawyers for guidance.