Image from Ministry of Justice.
Did you know that visa renewal in Japan can be done online? All you need is a computer, your My Number card, and an IC card reader. Other immigration and residency procedures like changing status of residence can be done too.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Justice, after March 2022, individuals that hold My Number cards can renew their visas etc. eligible residency applications online. Previously, the online service was limited to lawyers and organisation representatives. In addition, from January 2024, permission to engage in other activities can be received by mail.
First Published: 2022-03-31
Updated: 2024-03-01
Table of Contents
- Japan Online Residence Application System
- What do I need to use the Online Residence Application System?
- FAQ About Japan Online Residence Application System
- Official Sources for Reference
Japan Online Residence Application System
Image from Ministry of Justice.
In April 2021, the Online Residence Application System was introduced to improve the efficiency of visa and residency procedures. However, usage of the system was limited to lawyers and organisation representatives. Individuals, of which were the majority, still had to visit immigration offices in person.
On March 15, 2022, a statement was released by the Ministry of Justice informing of expansion of the online system to allow individuals with My Number Card to apply for residency procedures online, and also introduced additional acceptable applications.
※ MOJ, “オンラインによる在留申請手続の対象範囲の拡大について” [2022.03.15]
Who can use the Online Residence Application System?
- ※NEW※ Foreign Residents
- ※NEW※ Legal Representative
- ※NEW※ Family Member (Spouse, Child, Parent)
- Institution (Received Request from Applicant)
- Lawyer / Administrative Scrivener
- Public Interest Corporation / Registered Support Organization Staff
What Residency Applications are accepted?
The following applications can be received online:
- ※NEW※Spouse or Child of Japanese
- ※NEW※Spouse of Child of Permanent Resident
- ※NEW※Long Term Resident
- Certificate of Eligibility
- Extension of Period of Stay
- Change of Status of Residence
- Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under Status of Residence
- Permission to Acquire Status of Residence
- Certificate of Authorised Employment
- Re-entry Permission
What are the benefits of the Online Residence Application System?
- Apply from home or office.
- Available to use 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
- No application fees to use the online system.
- Receive your residence card by mail.
- Receive your Certificate of Eligibility by email.
Additionally, from January 2024, if you apply for “permission to engage in other activities other than that permitted under status of residence” online, you can receive the permit in print by mail in lieu of a sticker verification - when you apply over the counter at immigration offices, a verification sticker will be placed in your passport.
Note that the “permission to engage in other activities…” application must be filed simultaneously with application for extension of stay, change of status of residence, or permission to acquire status of residence, whichever matches your case.
※ MOJ, “在留申請のオンライン手続”
What is a “permission to engage in other activities other than that permitted under status of residence”?
International students who want to work part-time in Japan must apply and obtain this permission. Read more about it here.
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What do I need to use the Online Residence Application System?
Before you can submit any applications, you will need to register as a user on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan Residence Application Online System （在留申請オンラインシステム） page here. It is available in Japanese and English languages.
You will require the following to complete registration.
- My Number Card
- Residence Card
- IC Card Reader
- JPKI Client Software (Download here.)
After receiving a confirmation email of your successful registration, you can submit applications.
For step-by-step instructions on online visa renewal, refer to this guide article.
FAQ About Online Residence Application System
Can I apply from outside Japan?
No, the Online Residence Application System is not accessible outside Japan. The system also cannot be accessed if your IP address is set to overseas.
Can I use my smartphone instead of a PC?
It is not recommended as the system is not optimised for smartphones or mobile phones.
What do I do if my input details are incorrect?
Please contact the Immigration Branch Office that received your application.
How do I get a My Number Card?
Read our My Number article for step-by-step guidance.
Official Sources for Reference
MOJ, 2024 Leaflet (Bilingual - Japanese/English)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001407112.pdf
MOJ, 2022 Leaflet (Bilingual - Japanese/English)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001369054.pdf
MOJ, Online Residence System Process from March 2022 onwards (Japanese)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001368775.pdf
MOJ, 15 March 2022 Statement, Online Residence Application System Scope Expansion (Japanese)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/publications/press/10_00093.html
MOJ, Online Procedure for Residence Application Main Page (Japanese)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/guide/onlineshinsei.html
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