VISA

Accordingly, if you would like to carry out activities which differ from those permitted by your current visa, you need to change your visa type to one which permits these activities. This process is called submitting an "Application for Change of Status of Residence."

Foreign nationals who have received a resident status qualification visa which gives them permission to work must carry out the renewal process prior to the end of the valid period of this visa.

Foreign nationals with medium- to long-term residence status qualifications can apply for “family residence” qualifications when they want to bring a dependent spouse of child to Japan.

Generally speaking, foreign nationals entering Japan after receiving a residence status qualification which allows work (working visa) will be given a residence card at the airport when their entry is approved.

With a short-term visa, even if you find work during your stay, switching to a working visa is generally not approved.　However, there is a method which is an exception to this rule.

Visas are required for entry into Japan (immigration inspection), while resident status provides permission for carrying out certain activities in Japan after passing the inspections at the departure and arrival airports and entering the country.