Immigration bureau (出入国在留管理局) — what you can actually do there
Almost every stage of a life in Japan passes this counter at least once. Which errand is yours depends on where you are in that life, so here they are in the order you tend to meet them.
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A student who wants to work — permission for outside activities
Study and dependant status do not include work. This permission is what makes a part-time job legal; you can request it at the airport on arrival, or here afterwards.
What to say at the counter
アルバイトをしたいので、資格外活動許可がほしいです。 Arubaito o shitai node, shikakugai katsudō kyoka ga hoshii desu. I want to work part-time — I need permission for activities outside my status. -
You changed employer — the notification
Joining, leaving or changing an organisation must be reported within 14 days. It is a notification, not an application: free, quick, and skipped surprisingly often.
What to say at the counter
転職しました。届出に来ました。 Tenshoku shimashita. Todokede ni kimashita. I changed jobs and came to file the notification. -
Your period of stay is running out — renewal
Applications open three months before expiry. Go early: the counter is worst in the final weeks, and a lapsed status is far harder to repair than a long queue.
What to say at the counter
在留期間の更新に来ました。 Zairyū kikan no kōshin ni kimashita. I am here to renew my period of stay. 必要な書類を教えてください。 Hitsuyō na shorui o oshiete kudasai. Please tell me which documents I need. 結果はいつ頃わかりますか。 Kekka wa itsu goro wakarimasu ka. When will I know the result? -
Graduating or changing what you do — change of status
Student to worker, one work category to another, work to spouse: this is a different application from renewal, with company or family documents attached.
What to say at the counter
学校を卒業して、就職が決まりました。在留資格を変更したいです。 Gakkō o sotsugyō shite, shūshoku ga kimarimashita. Zairyū shikaku o henkō shitai desu. I graduated and got a job — I want to change my status of residence. -
Bringing your family to Japan
You apply here first for a certificate of eligibility, then send it home for them to take to the embassy. It is the slowest step in the chain, so start earlier than feels necessary.
What to say at the counter
家族を日本に呼びたいです。 Kazoku o Nihon ni yobitai desu. I want to bring my family to Japan. 在留資格認定証明書の申請に来ました。 Zairyū shikaku nintei shōmeisho no shinsei ni kimashita. I am here to apply for a certificate of eligibility. -
Going home for a visit — re-entry
With a valid residence card, ticking special re-entry on the departure card covers trips under one year. Longer than that and your status is gone — check before you book.
What to say at the counter
一時帰国します。再入国の手続きは必要ですか。 Ichiji kikoku shimasu. Sainyūkoku no tetsuzuki wa hitsuyō desu ka. I am going home temporarily. Do I need a re-entry procedure? -
Deadline near and still no answer
If you applied before your expiry date you may usually stay while it is processed, for a limited period. Ask exactly what covers you and keep the receipt — employers and landlords will ask for it.
What to say at the counter
申請中ですが、在留期限が近いです。 Shinsei-chū desu ga, zairyū kigen ga chikai desu. My application is pending and my residence period is nearly up. はがきが届きました。 Hagaki ga todokimashita. I received the notification postcard. -
At the counter — photos, stamps and forms
Photo booths, revenue stamps, and the desk that checks your forms before you queue. These practical details decide whether one trip is enough or you come back next week.
What to say at the counter
証明写真はどこで撮れますか。 Shōmei shashin wa doko de toremasu ka. Where can I take ID photos? 収入印紙はどこで買えますか。 Shūnyū inshi wa doko de kaemasu ka. Where can I buy revenue stamps? この欄には何を書きますか。 Kono ran ni wa nani o kakimasu ka. What goes in this field? コピーでもいいですか。 Kopī demo ii desu ka. Is a copy acceptable? 手数料はどこで払いますか。 Tesūryō wa doko de haraimasu ka. Where do I pay the fee? -
After several years: permanent residence
A long application judged on years of residence, your tax and pension payment record, and stable income. Everything above is what builds the record this is judged on.
What to say at the counter
永住許可を申請したいです。 Eijū kyoka o shinsei shitai desu. I want to apply for permanent residence.
The half nobody prepares for. These come at you in Japanese — recognise them and the visit is easy.
What the clerk will ask you
| 在留カードとパスポートをお願いします。 Zairyū kādo to pasupōto o onegai shimasu. Your residence card and passport, please. | |
| 申請書は記入済みですか。 Shinseisho wa kinyū-zumi desu ka. Have you filled in the application form? | |
| 会社の書類はお持ちですか。 Kaisha no shorui wa omochi desu ka. Do you have the documents from your company? | |
| 現在の在留期限はいつまでですか。 Genzai no zairyū kigen wa itsu made desu ka. Until when is your current period of stay? | |
| はがきが届いたら、また来てください。 Hagaki ga todoitara, mata kite kudasai. Come back once the postcard arrives. |
Audio synthesized with VOICEVOX:Meimei Himari at standard pace for shadowing; real conversations run faster and carry accents.
Finding your branch
Your office is assigned by where you live. Look yours up on the official list rather than walking into the nearest one.