Extend Your Visa in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide for Residents

Extending your period of stay (often called "visa renewal") in Japan is a crucial process for foreign nationals who wish to continue living in Japan beyond their current visa expiration date. This guide will walk you through how to extend common long-term visa status types – Student visa, Work visa, Dependent, Spouse, and other long-term residence statuses – with step-by-step instructions, required documents, timelines, and tips to avoid pitfalls. We'll also highlight specific procedures for those who need to apply to extend their visa at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Office and explain both in-person and online application methods.

Note: This guide does not cover tourist visa extensions, which are only granted in exceptional humanitarian cases. Permanent Residents do not need to extend a visa (their status is indefinite), but must renew their Residence Card periodically.

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Overview of the Visa Extension Process

What is a Visa Extension?

In Japan, your visa is tied to a Status of Residence (在留資格) and a period of stay granted for that status. If you want to continue the same activities in Japan beyond when your current visa expires, you must apply for an Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新) before your expiration date. In practice, almost all foreign residents in Japan (except short-term visitors and Permanent Residents) will need to periodically extend their visa or renew their status of residence to avoid overstaying.

When to Apply for a Visa Extension

You can submit your extension application as early as 3 months prior to when your visa expires (for visas with a duration of 6 months or more). Do not wait until the last minute. If your current visa expires even 1 day before you file for an extension, you become an illegal overstayer, so mark your calendar and start the process well in advance.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan generally accepts extension of stay applications up to 90 days early; in special cases (e.g., hospitalization, long business trips) they may allow earlier submission. Busy periods at the immigration office are March–April and September–October (when many visas expire and new graduates/job changers apply), so applying early can save you long waiting times.

For example, if your visa expiration date is in late May (after Japan's Golden Week holidays), plan to apply in February or early March – Golden Week is a peak period at immigration.

Where to Apply to Extend Your Visa

Applications must be filed at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (入国管理局) that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. In Tokyo, that's the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau. If you live in a different region, you will go to the corresponding regional immigration office or branch for your prefecture.

For those under 16 or who cannot apply in person due to illness, a family member in the same household or a legal representative can submit the application on behalf of the applicant.

Processing Time for Visa Extension

Extensions typically take about 2 to 4 weeks for processing. In standard cases, you'll receive a postcard notification in the mail roughly 2 weeks to 1 month after submitting your application. Some cases can take longer (e.g., if additional documents are needed or if your case requires extra review, such as a student with poor attendance). During busy seasons, processing might be slower.

Status During Processing

If you submit your extension application on time (before your current visa expires) and the immigration bureau has accepted your application, you are eligible to stay in Japan past your original expiration date while waiting for a decision. You automatically get a 2-month provisional extension from the original expiry date.

Important: This 2-month grace period is only valid inside Japan. If you need to travel outside Japan during this time, consult immigration in advance; leaving the country before the extension is granted could void your pending application.

Changing Status vs. Extending Your Visa

Note that extending your stay is for continuing the same status/activity. If you need to switch to a different visa category (e.g., from Student to Work, or from Work to Spouse), that is a Change of Status of Residence, a different procedure.

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Common Visa Types and Their Extensions

Different visa categories have specific requirements, but the overall extension process is similar:

Flow:

1. Gather required documents
2. Fill out application form
3. Submit at immigration office (or online)
4. Wait for result
5. Pay fee and receive new Residence Card

We’ll highlight special requirements for each type.

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Student Visa (留学)

If you are studying in Japan (university, college, Japanese language school, etc.), you hold a Student status of residence. Extensions are typically granted if:

• You are making satisfactory academic progress
• You can support yourself financially

Step-by-Step to Extend Your Student Visa

Coordinate with your School: Your institution will fill out part of your application and issue documents such as:

• Enrollment Certificate (在学証明書)
• Academic Transcript (成績証明書)

Prepare Required Documents:

• Application for Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請書)
• Passport-sized Photo (4 cm × 3 cm)
• Passport (original)
• Residence Card (original)
• Certificate of Enrollment
• Academic Transcript or Attendance Record
• Proof of Financial Support (bank statement, scholarship letter, etc.)
• Additional documents (if applicable): Leave of absence letter, research progress, thesis plan

Submit Your Application:

• At immigration counter or via online system
• Receive a slip or stamp as proof of application

Wait for the Result:

• Usually 2–4 weeks
• Postcard will be mailed when approved

Pick Up Your New Residence Card:

• Bring postcard, passport, residence card, and revenue stamp (¥6,000 in-person / ¥5,500 online)
• Complete the Certificate of Payment of Fee
• New card issued

Documents Summary:

• Application Form (with school section completed)
• Photo
• Passport
• Residence Card
• Enrollment Certificate
• Transcript
• Financial documents
• [Optional] Study plan, prior school records
• Fee (¥6,000 or ¥5,500)

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Work Visa (Employment Statuses)

Covers: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Instructor, Professor, Business Manager, etc.

Step-by-Step to Extend Your Work Visa

Consult Your Employer:

• Notify your HR department early
• They may fill out part of your application and issue:
  • Certificate of Employment
  • Re-contract letter or updated contract
  • Company information (registration documents, financial statements)

Prepare Required Documents:

• Extension Application Form (with employer details)
• Passport-sized Photo (4 cm × 3 cm)
• Passport (original)
• Residence Card (original)
• Certificate of Employment
• Company Registration Certificate (登記事項証明書)
• Company financial documents (if required)
• Resident Tax Certificate (住民税課税証明書)
• Tax Payment Certificate (納税証明書)
• [Optional] Gensenchōshū-hyō (源泉徴収票)
• [Optional] Additional documents for business owners or multiple jobs

Submit the Application:

• Submit at immigration or via employer/representative
• No fee at this stage

Wait for Result:

• Usually 2–4 weeks
• Immigration may contact you for additional documents

Pick Up the Result:

• Bring postcard, passport, residence card, and ¥6,000 revenue stamp
• Fee is ¥5,500 if online

Documents Summary:

• Application Form
• Photo
• Passport
• Residence Card
• Certificate of Employment
• Company registration/financials (if applicable)
• Tax documents
• Additional documents if requested
• Fee (¥6,000 or ¥5,500)

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Dependent Visa (家族滞在)

Spouse or child of someone in Japan on a long-term visa (e.g., worker or student)

Step-by-Step to Extend Dependent Visa

Coordinate with Primary Visa Holder:

• Ideally extend at the same time

Prepare Required Documents:

• Extension Application Form
• Photo (if over 16)
• Dependent’s Passport & Residence Card
• Proof of Relationship (Marriage/Birth Certificate)
• Copy of Supporter’s Passport & Residence Card
• Supporter’s Employment Certificate or Enrollment Certificate
• Supporter’s Tax Certificates
• [Optional] Child’s school enrollment certificate

Submit the Application:

• Dependent (if adult) or Supporter (for children) submits application

Wait for Result:

• 2–4 weeks
• Postcard sent to registered address

Pick Up New Residence Card:

• Bring postcard, passport, residence card, and ¥6,000 revenue stamp

Documents Summary:

• Application Form
• Photo (if 16+)
• Passport & Residence Card
• Marriage/Birth Certificate
• Supporter’s ID, Employment Certificate, and Tax Docs
• Optional school certificate
• Fee (¥6,000 or ¥5,500)

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Spouse of Japanese/PR Visa

If you are married to a Japanese citizen or Permanent Resident

Step-by-Step to Extend Spouse Visa

Marriage Documents:

• Japanese Spouse’s Family Register (戸籍謄本) – recent (within 3 months)
• Residence Certificate (住民票) – shows shared household
• [Optional] Foreign Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

Financial and Support Docs:

• Japanese Spouse’s Tax Certificates and Employment Certificate
• If spouse is unemployed, submit foreign spouse’s income proof
• Guarantor Letter (signed by Japanese spouse)

[Optional] Proof of Relationship:

• Photos, correspondence, travel logs (only if immigration requires it)

Submit Application:

• Either spouse can submit
• Recommended to attend together

Wait for Result:

• 2–4 weeks
• May involve a brief interview if immigration has questions

Pick Up Residence Card:

• Bring postcard, passport, residence card, and revenue stamp

Documents Summary:

• Application Form
• Photo
• Passport & Residence Card
• 戸籍謄本 and 住民票
• Tax/Employment Certificates
• Guarantor Letter
• [Optional] Additional proof of marriage
• Fee (¥6,000 or ¥5,500)

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Other Long-Term Visa Categories

Long-Term Resident (定住者)

• Provide tax and financial documents
• Proof that your status still applies

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)

• Provide updated documentation to meet HSP criteria
• Same steps as work visa, with point-based validation

Business Manager

• Corporate financial statements
• Updated business plan
• Proof of active operations and capital

Technical Intern / Specified Skilled Worker

• Certificates from supervising organizations
• Proof of passed exams or placement

Cultural/Religious/Research

• Letter from host organization
• Proof of ongoing activity

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Fees and Payment

New Fee Schedule (from April 1, 2025):

• Visa: ¥6,000
• Permanent Residence: ¥10,000

How to Pay

• Buy Revenue Stamps (収入印紙) at post office or convenience store
• Stick stamp on Certificate for Payment of Fee (手数料納付書)
• Do not attach stamp until instructed

Notes:

• Each person pays individually – no family discount
• Prepare multiple stamps if exact amount is not available
• Postcard will state payment instructions

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After Applying: What to Expect

Receipt of Application

• You'll receive a slip or stamp as proof of submission
• This serves as your provisional extension proof

Postcard Notification

• Mailed to the address on your Residence Card
• Keep your registered address updated

Picking Up the Result

• Bring postcard, passport, residence card, and revenue stamp
• New card will be issued with updated expiration

Travel During Processing

• Avoid international travel until your new card is issued
• Leaving while your visa is expired may cancel your application

What if Additional Documents Are Requested?

• Immigration may ask for tax certificates, income proof, etc.
• Respond quickly
• Some cases may require interviews (rare)

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Special Considerations by Visa Type

• Student: Academic progress and attendance matter
• Worker: Continued employment and tax compliance
• Spouse/Dependent: Financial stability and family proof
• Designated Activities: Must still engage in same activity

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Conclusion

Successfully extending your period of stay in Japan requires:

• Early application (up to 90 days in advance)
• Complete documentation
• Staying informed about requirements

Whether online or in-person, the process is manageable with proper preparation. For more info, visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or consult your embassy/consulate.