Residence Card & Visa in Japan: Complete Guide
A complete overview of administrative procedures required for residence card & visa in Japan. Check deadlines, required documents, and office locations in advance.
The procedures you need — and their deadlines — vary greatly depending on your nationality, visa type, family situation, and employment status. Browse the frequently asked questions below to get a clearer picture of what applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When can I start applying for visa renewal?
You can apply up to 3 months before your current visa expires. Make sure to apply before the expiration date. During the review period, you are allowed to stay for up to 2 additional months after expiration under the special extension rule.
Q. Does changing jobs affect my visa renewal?
Not necessarily. If your new job falls under the same visa category's permitted activities, renewal should not be affected. However, for your first renewal after a job change, you will need to provide documents from your new employer, such as an employment contract.
Q. Is the Residence Card expiration the same as my visa period?
Yes, they are linked. When your visa period is renewed, your Residence Card is also reissued with the new expiration date.
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