Your work visa expiry date is printed on your residence card. Don’t miss it — working after your visa expires is illegal in Japan, full stop.
The good news is that renewing is pretty straightforward once you know what you’re doing. Here’s exactly how it works.
When Should You Apply?
Apply 3 months before your visa expires.
Immigration actually recommends this because processing can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Apply early and you won’t be sweating the deadline. If you wait until the last few weeks, you’re asking for stress you don’t need.
Gather Your Documents
Required documents for most cases:
| Document | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| Application form (在留期間更新許可申請書) | Immigration website or immigration office |
| Current residence card | You already have this |
| Passport | You already have this |
| Certificate of employment (在職証明書) | Ask your HR department |
| Tax withholding slip (源泉徴収票) | Ask your HR or accounting department |
| Resident tax certificate (住民税の課税証明書・納税証明書) | City Hall |
| Company registration documents | HR will provide |
| Photo (4cm × 3cm) | Photo booth (証明写真) |
| Application fee: ¥4,000 | Revenue stamps (収入印紙) at immigration office |
The certificate of employment and tax documents are the ones that take time to collect. Email your HR department as soon as you decide to start the process.
Fill In the Application Form
Download the form from the Immigration Services Agency website (immi-moj.go.jp).
It asks for basic stuff — your personal details, current employer, job title, salary, and reason for renewal. Filling it out in English is fine for most fields. It’s not complicated, just take your time and double-check the details.
Submit at the Immigration Office
Go to your nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Tokyo: Minato-ku (品川) Osaka: Namba area Nagoya: Nagoya station area
Bring all original documents plus photocopies of each one — they keep the copies. Take a number at the counter and wait. Average wait time is 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the day and time you go.
Wait for the Result
After submitting, immigration gives you a receipt slip. Keep that safe.
Processing time: 1 week to 3 months — most cases come back in 2–4 weeks.
You’ll get a postcard in the mail when your result is ready. Don’t just show up at immigration without it.
Pick Up Your New Residence Card
Go back to immigration with:
- Receipt slip
- Passport
- Current residence card
- ¥4,000 in revenue stamps (if not paid at submission)
Your new residence card is issued on the spot. That’s it — you’re done.
Can You Work While You’re Waiting?
Yes. Your current visa status stays valid until a final decision is made. Keep working as normal.
What If Your Application Gets Rejected?
Honestly, this is rare if you’re employed and your paperwork is clean. The most common reasons for rejection are unpaid taxes, a job that doesn’t match your visa category, or a criminal record.
If you do get rejected, you can appeal or consult an immigration lawyer (行政書士).
Quick Summary
3 months before expiry → gather documents
Submit at immigration office → wait 2–4 weeks
Receive postcard → pick up new residence card
Apply early, get your HR to move fast on those documents, and you’ll be fine. Don’t wait until the last minute.