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What is the procedure for renewing a 定住者 visa, and what documents are needed?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 17 February 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

Renewal follows this flow: (1) preparing the documents, (2) filing at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau, (3) screening and (4) permission. The screening can take several months. Always apply before your period of stay expires. A renewal application is also screened, and it can be denied.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry from a woman living with the 2 people in her care, her children, whose period of stay is running out.

Subject: status of residence (visa)
Application type: renewal of a 定住者 visa
Situation: Brazilian national, female, 38 years old. She has 2 people in her care, children aged 8 years old and 5 years old. She moved to Japan in 2020 and has lived here with her family since then. She now works part time and her income is stable. Her 定住者 visa is close to its expiration date and she wants to renew it.
Question: what procedure is needed to renew a 定住者 visa? What documents are needed for the renewal?

What is the flow of a renewal?

Preparing the documents, filing, screening, permission.

Preparing the documents
Gather the documents listed below.
Filing the application
File the application at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Screening
The application is screened. This can take several months.
Permission
If the screening is passed, the 定住者 visa is renewed.

What documents are needed?

The application form and documents on your civil status, plus documents showing your income and your tax payments.

在留期間更新許可申請書 (Application for Extension of Period of Stay)
Passport
Photograph
Family register
Marriage certificate
Residence record
Certificate of employment (if you work part time)
Certificate of income (withholding tax statement, final tax return and so on)
Tax payment certificate

Other documents may be added depending on your circumstances.

What should I watch out for at renewal?

Applying before the expiration date, and leaving nothing missing from your documents.

The renewal deadline　You must apply to renew before your 定住者 visa expires
Screening　A renewal application is also screened, and it can be denied
Documents　If anything is missing, the screening can be delayed, or the application denied

A renewal application for a 定住者 visa can call for specialist knowledge, so please ask us if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the screening take?

It can take several months. Count back from the expiration date of your period of stay and apply early.

Can I renew if I work part time?

Yes. A certificate of employment and a certificate of income are used to show that your income is stable.

Can a renewal application be denied?

Yes. A renewal application is also screened, and if anything is missing from your documents it can be denied.

What if the expiration date has already passed?

Always apply before it passes. If it has already passed, please speak to a gyoseishoshi on this site straight away.

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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.