When can I start the procedure to extend my work visa?
Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) ／ Published ／ Last updated
This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.
Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Answer
You can apply to extend your work visa from 3 months before the expiration date of your period of stay. Please gather the documents that show your employment conditions after the extension, together with your certificate of assessment (or non-assessment) of resident tax and your certificate of tax payment, and apply to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) in good time. In the examination, the stability of your income and whether you have met your tax obligations are treated as important.
What is this guide about?
A guide for people who hold a work visa and work in Japan, and whose extension is coming up.
Subject: extending the period of stay on a work visa
Who this is for: people who have obtained a work visa and are working in Japan. If you forget to extend it, you may end up staying in Japan illegally.
What you want to know: from when, and by what steps, the procedure is carried out. Which documents are needed. What to watch out for so that the application is not denied.
What are the steps in the extension procedure?
From checking the expiration date, through preparing the documents, applying and the examination, to collecting your new 在留カード (Residence Card).
Check when to extend Check the expiration date of the work visa you currently hold. The extension procedure can be carried out from 3 months before that date.
Prepare the documents Collect and prepare the documents that are specified. Which documents are needed differs with the type of status of residence and with your employment situation.
Fill in the application form Download the application form from the website, or obtain it at the counter, and fill it in accurately.
Apply to the 地方出入国在留管理局 Submit the documents and the application form you have prepared to the 地方出入国在留管理局 for your area. In some cases you can apply online.
Examination The examination is carried out on the basis of the documents you have submitted. You may be asked to submit further documents, or to answer questions.
Notice of the result When the examination is finished, the result is notified by post or at the counter.
Collect your new 在留カード If the extension is permitted, go and collect your new 在留カード by the date you are given.
What documents will I need?
In addition to the application form and identity documents, you need documents showing your employment conditions, your income, your tax payments and the company's situation.
在留期間更新許可申請書 (Application for Extension of Period of Stay) the prescribed form
Passport and 在留カード both valid
Photograph taken within the last 3 months, in the prescribed size
Employment contract, or written notice of working conditions something that shows your employment conditions after the extension
Certificate of employment issued by your employer
Withholding tax statement for employment income the most recent one
Certificate of assessment (or non-assessment) of resident tax, and certificate of tax payment the most recent ones
Certified copy of the company's register, or certificate of registered matters information about the company that employs you
The company's financial statements the most recent ones (profit and loss statement, balance sheet and so on)
身元保証書 (Letter of Guarantee) prepared by your employer or a similar person, where one is needed
The above are the documents that are generally required. Additional documents may be needed depending on the type of status of residence and on your situation. Please take care over how long each document stays valid, and when it was prepared. Documents written in a foreign language must have a Japanese translation attached. For the latest list of required documents, please check the website of the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan).
What should I watch out for so that the application is not denied?
The main points are preparing early, filling things in accurately, the stability of your income, and meeting your tax obligations.
Prepare early The procedure can be carried out from 3 months before the expiration date. Some documents have to be requested from your company, so it is important to get in touch with them early.
Prepare the documents accurately Fill in and prepare the application form and the attached documents accurately, based on the facts. A false entry can become a reason for the application being denied.
Check the latest information The system and the required documents are sometimes changed. Please check the latest application guidance before you apply.
The stability of your income In the examination, whether you have a stable income in Japan is treated as important. If you have changed jobs, or your income has moved a great deal, be ready to explain the reason and what you expect from now on.
Meeting your tax obligations It is important that you have properly met your tax obligations, such as resident tax and income tax. This is checked through your certificate of tax payment and similar documents.
No problems with your conduct If you have broken the law or committed traffic offences in the past, the extension may not be granted.
Notifying changes in the company's situation If you change jobs, or the business situation of the company that employs you changes greatly, you must notify the 地方出入国在留管理局 promptly. This may also affect the examination of your extension.
A good record of residence You are expected to keep to Japanese law and social rules, and to maintain a good record of residence.
If you feel uneasy about the procedure, or your situation is complicated, please consult a specialist such as a 行政書士 (certified administrative procedures legal specialist (gyoseishoshi)) early on.
Frequently Asked Questions
From when can I apply to extend my work visa?
You can apply from 3 months before the expiration date of your period of stay. Some documents have to be requested from your company, so please start preparing early.
What are the main documents needed for the extension?
The 在留期間更新許可申請書, your passport and 在留カード, a photograph, your employment contract or written notice of working conditions, a certificate of employment, your withholding tax statement, and your certificate of assessment (or non-assessment) of resident tax together with your certificate of tax payment.
What is looked at in the examination for an extension?
Whether you have a stable income in Japan, whether you have met your tax obligations for resident tax and income tax, and whether there are any problems with your conduct are treated as important.
What should I do if I have changed jobs?
You must notify the 地方出入国在留管理局 promptly. Please also be ready to explain why you changed jobs and what income you expect from now on.
This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.
