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Extending a 短期滞在 visa: any exceptions to the general rule?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 25 April 2025　／　Last updated 21 August 2026

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

The period of stay granted under a 短期滞在 visa cannot, as a rule, be changed or extended. However, where there is a humanitarian reason or a special circumstance on the Japanese side, an extension may be permitted as an exception. Staying on casually leads to illegal residence, so care is needed.

What is this enquiry about?

A guide for people in Japan on a 短期滞在 visa who have changed their plans and want to stay a little longer.

Subject: extending the period of a 在留資格「短期滞在」 (Temporary Visitor) visa
Situation: a person staying in Japan on a 短期滞在 visa who wants to stay longer than originally planned.
What they want to know: whether an extension is permitted, the cases where it is permitted as an exception, and the procedure in those cases.

Is an extension of a 短期滞在 visa permitted as a rule?

It is not permitted as a rule. You have to leave Japan once, obtain another visa that fits your purpose, and re-enter.

The period of stay granted under a 短期滞在 visa cannot be changed or extended. This is because the 短期滞在 visa is premised on a temporary stay. So if you want to stay in Japan beyond your original plan, you have to leave Japan once, obtain another visa that fits your purpose, and enter again.

In which cases may an extension be permitted as an exception?

Cases with a humanitarian reason, and cases arising from circumstances on the Japanese side.

Cases with a humanitarian reason: serious illness or injury (where you or a close relative falls seriously ill or is injured during the stay and you cannot possibly return home because treatment or nursing is needed; objective documents such as a doctor's medical certificate or proof of hospitalisation are required); disaster (where a major natural disaster occurs in Japan and returning home becomes difficult, for example because transport is paralysed); and other special circumstances calling for humanitarian consideration.
Cases arising from circumstances on the Japanese side: a request to cooperate with an investigation or court proceedings (where the police or a court asks you to remain in Japan in order to cooperate with the investigation of a case or with court proceedings; a written request for cooperation from the public body is required).

An extension simply to continue sightseeing, or for personal convenience, is not permitted as a rule. Even if your case falls under these exceptions, an extension is not necessarily granted, and an application made only just before the period expires is more likely to be refused.

If an extension is permitted, what is the procedure?

You start by consulting the 地方出入国在留管理局, and then file the 在留期間更新許可申請.

Consult the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau): first explain your circumstances to the bureau with jurisdiction over your area, and ask whether an extension is possible.
在留期間更新許可申請 (Application for Extension of Period of Stay): if an extension is judged to be possible, file the application.
Prepare the documents: the 在留期間更新許可申請書, your passport, your Residence Card (if you have one), documents proving the reason the extension is needed (a doctor's medical certificate, proof of a disaster, a written request from a public body and so on), documents proving that you can meet your costs during the stay, and a 身元保証書 (letter of guarantee) if required.
File with the 地方出入国在留管理局: submit the application form and the documents you have prepared.
Screening: screening is carried out on the basis of the documents submitted. You may be asked to submit further documents or to explain your circumstances.
Notification of the result: if permission is granted, a Residence Card showing the new period of stay is issued (if you do not hold a Residence Card, a new seal is placed in your passport).

You have to apply before your current period of stay expires. Applying after it has expired may amount to illegal residence, and applying does not guarantee that permission will be granted. A false application or forged documents can lead not only to a refusal but also to penalties.

What are the risks of casually staying on?

If you stay beyond the period granted, you become an illegal resident and are subject to 退去強制 (deportation).

An extension of a 短期滞在 visa is an exceptional measure, and staying on casually must be avoided at all costs. If you stay in Japan beyond the period granted, you become an illegal resident. You are then subject to 退去強制 (deportation), and you may also be barred from entering Japan for a long time. If you want to stay in Japan longer than you originally planned, please be sure to leave before the period expires, and consider obtaining an appropriate visa that fits your purpose and entering again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend a 短期滞在 visa freely?

It is not permitted as a rule. Only where there is a humanitarian reason or a special circumstance on the Japanese side may an extension be permitted as an exception.

By when do I have to apply for an extension?

You have to apply before your current period of stay expires. Applying after it has expired may amount to illegal residence.

What should I do if the extension is not permitted?

You need to consider leaving Japan once, obtaining another visa that fits your purpose, and entering again.

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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.