The “Application for Extension of Period of Stay” is a procedure for foreign nationals to renew their status of residence (visa renewal) and be allowed to stay in Japan to carry out permitted activities.
In this article, we will introduce how to apply for visa renewal in Japan including required documents. If you are about to go through the visa renewal process in Japan, please read and use as reference.
Table of Contents
- What is the “Application of Extension of Period of Stay”?
- Counter Application and Online Application Available
- Process Flow of Visa Renewal in Japan
- Required Documents for Visa Renewal in Japan
- FAQ: “Why was my application rejected?” and more
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What is the “Application of Extension of Period of Stay”?
In Japan, the "Application for Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請, Zairyuu Kikan Koushin Kyoka Shinsei)" is a process that allows foreign nationals who are residing in the country on a visa to extend their stay beyond the initially authorized period. This application is necessary if a foreign resident wishes to remain in Japan longer than the time originally permitted by their visa. The procedure is commonly referred to simply as “Visa Renewal”.
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Counter Application and Online Application Available
The visa renewal procedure in Japan is available in-person over the counter or online.
Counter Application (窓口申請, Madoguchi Shinsei)
Visit the immigration office with jurisdiction over your area of residence to submit the application for visa renewal along with other required documents.
The immigration office is only open on weekdays so you will need to take 2 days off work - 1 day for application and 1 day for collecting your new residence card.
In addition, transportation costs will be incurred for the trip to the immigration office. For people living in rural areas, an overnight stay may also be necessary considering the far distance and long waiting time.
Online Application (オンライン申請, Onrain Shinsei)
Online application is available via the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s Online Residence Application System. Prior registration is required before submitting any applications. You will require a My Number card and an IC card reader to use the online service.
The new residence card will be sent to you via post so you do not have to visit the immigration office at all. It saves time and is incredibly convenient but the system may be confusing and difficult to use for some people.
Read more about Online Japan Visa Renewal and Other Residency Procedures here, and a step-by-step guide on how to do online visa renewals for Japan here.
Process Flow of Visa Renewal in Japan
In Japan, you can start the visa renewal procedure up to 90 days (3 months) before your current visa or period of stay expires. This is the earliest you can apply for an extension of your visa. You will have until the last day of your period of stay to apply.
It is recommended to apply for visa renewal at least 1~2 months before the period of stay expires. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to stay in Japan even after the expiry of your visa until the results are released.
The process of visa renewal in Japan goes like this.
1. Preparation of Visa Renewal Documents
- Timeline: 1~2 weeks before application
- Gather and prepare all the necessary documents. The required documents can vary depending on the type of visa and applicant’s circumstances.
2. Submission of Application
- Timeline: 1~3 months before period of stay expires
- Method: Counter Application (in-person) or Online Application
- Counter Application (in-person):
- Visit the immigration office with jurisdiction over your area of residence.
- Take a ticket and wait for your number to be called.
- Submit your documents to the officer who will review them.
- If everything is in order, they will accept the application.
- Online Application:
- Register and log-in to the Online Residence Application System.
- Complete the necessary forms and upload your documents.
3. Review and Processing
- Timeline: usually 1~3 months
- Additional documents or information may be requested from you. Submit promptly to avoid delays.
4. Results Notification
- Counter Application (in-person): receive a postcard notification
- Online Application: receive an email notification
5. Payment and New Residence Card
- Counter Application (in-person):
- Return to the immigration office with the notification card, 4000 Yen worth revenue stamp and your old residence card.
- Online Application:
- Follow the instructions on the notification email. Your new residence card can be received by post or collected in-person at the immigration office.
- Receive by Post: Send by post a 4000 Yen worth revenue stamp, your old residence card, and a return envelope (addressed to you, affixed with stamp, and application no. written on the back of the envelope).
- Collect In-Person: Same as for counter application.
After submitting your application, you can continue to stay in Japan even if your visa expires while waiting for the renewal results. Your proof of renewal in-progress is the stamp on the back of your old residence card (for counter application) or the confirmation email from the immigration office (for online application).
Required Documents for Visa Renewal in Japan
The required documents for visa renewal in Japan (Application for Extension of Period of Stay) can vary depending on the type of visa held and each individual’s specific circumstances.
Below is a general list of documents commonly required for visa renewal.
- Application Form for Extension of Period of Stay
- Passport
- Residence Card
- Photo (4cm x 3cm, taken within 6 months, with name written on the back)
- Supporting Documents*
*Since the supporting documents vary by visa, here are some examples.
Work Visa
- Certificate of Tax Payment
- Certificate of Employment
- Employment Contract
- Certificate of Registered Matters (depending on the type of company you work for)
Student Visa
- Certificate of Enrolment
- Certificate of School Attendance
- Academic Transcript
- Financial Support Documents
Spouse of Japanese National
- Family Registry (戸籍謄本, Koseki Touhon)
- Certificate of Residence (住民票, Juuminhyou)
- Certificate of Tax Payment
- Letter of Guarantee
For supporting documents for other types of status of residences (visas), check the link below.
※ ISA, “在留期間更新許可申請”
FAQ: “Why was my application rejected?” and more
Why was my application for visa renewal rejected?
Although it is usually easier to extend your period of stay than to apply for a new visa, there are still cases where application for visa renewal is rejected. Here are some common reasons.
- Purpose of stay is fulfilled so it has been deemed unnecessary to extend the period of stay.
- Financial status is insufficient to support staying in Japan.
- Failure to pay taxes.
- Information provided is inaccurate, false or contradictory.
- If you are under a Student Visa, failure to keep up with attendance requirements may result in rejection of extension.
- If you are under a Spouse Visa, your application may be rejected if you are not living with your spouse, married for convenience, or divorced.
Can I apply for visa renewal from overseas?
No, you must apply while in Japan.
Can I extend my short-term visa?
Generally no, short-term visa holders are usually not allowed to extend their stay past the allotted period of time.
To Close
Renewing your visa in Japan is a crucial process to ensure that your stay remains legal and uninterrupted. By preparing the necessary documents in advance, applying within the recommended time frame, and staying informed about the specific requirements for your visa type, you can navigate the renewal process smoothly.
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