Japan forms
Immigration forms come from multiple agencies. The right form depends on whether your process is consular or handled in-country. VisaMind provides guides, checklists, and common pitfalls based on official sources.
10 forms from 2 agencies
Browse Japan forms
Official immigration forms can be complex and error-prone. These guides break down each form's purpose, required documents, and common mistakes — verified against official government sources.
Showing 10 of 10 forms
Most common forms
Permission for Activities Outside Status: Application for Permission to Engage in Activities Outside Status (資格外活動許可申請書)
The Permission for Activities Outside Status is an official form from the ISA, essential for the immigration process.
Re-entry Permit: Re-entry Permit Application
The Re-entry Permit is an official ISA form known as the "Re-entry Permit Application," as outlined in the [Application for Permanent Residence](/en/japan/forms/permanent-residence-application) guide.
Naturalization Application: Application for Naturalization (帰化申請書)
The Naturalization Application is an official form from the ISA, integral to the immigration process, as outlined in the [Japanese Citizenship (Naturalization)](/en/japan/visas/japanese-citizenship) guide.
CoE Application: Certificate of Eligibility Application
The Certificate of Eligibility Application, known as the CoE Application, is an official form provided by the ISA.
Extension of Stay: Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Use Japan’s Application for Extension of Period of Stay to remain beyond your current expiry date under the same status of residence. If you changed jobs, your first extension with a Category 3 employer requires the current employer- and job-specific documents in ISA’s status checklist, in addition to the common application evidence. Apply once the filing window opens before expiry — online if eligible, or at the regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over your address in Japan.
Notification of Organization: Notification of Activity (Organization/Address Change)
The Notification of Organization is an official form from the ISA, officially named "Notification of Activity (Organization/Address Change)".
Residence Card: Residence Card Renewal Application
The Residence Card is an official ISA form known as the "Residence Card Renewal Application", as outlined in the [Certificate of Eligibility Application](/en/japan/forms/coe-application) guide.
Status Change: Application for Change of Status of Residence
Status Change is an official ISA form titled "Application for Change of Status of Residence" — the change of status form used to move from one status of residence to another without leaving Japan. Download the status form and its instructions from the Immigration Services Agency, complete every required section, and file it before your current period of stay ends, as described in the [Certificate of Eligibility Application](/en/japan/forms/coe-application) guide.
Common pitfalls across forms
- Inconsistent answers across applications (names, dates, work history).
- Mixing consular processing steps with in-country filing steps.
- Missing signatures or using the wrong filing method.
- Uploading unclear scans or omitting supporting documents.
- Using outdated instructions instead of the latest official guidance.
VisaMind provides guidance based on official sources — not legal advice or eligibility decisions.
More for Japan
Continue exploring Japan immigration resources.
FAQ
Japan immigration FAQ
The questions readers ask most about applying to live, work, study, and visit Japan
HSP scores points across academic background, professional experience, age, salary, Japanese language ability, university quality, and research achievements. Reaching 70 points unlocks the HSP status of residence with multiple advantages: a longer initial period of stay, multiple permitted activities, dependent work permission, and PR eligibility after 3 years. Reaching 80 points cuts that to 1 year on the standard track and ties into the J-Skip route.
J-Skip is a fast-track route for very high-skilled / high-income workers (annual income ≥¥20M or ≥¥40M with an academic background and relevant work experience). J-Find is a job-search route giving up to 2 years of residence to recent graduates from top-200 global universities. Both were introduced in April 2023 to attract globally mobile talent.
Most spouses of Engineer / Specialist visa holders enter on a Dependant status, which does not by default allow work. To work, your spouse must apply for an Activity Outside Status permission, which limits work to 28 hours per week. By contrast, HSP-A/B/C dependants can work full-time once they have applied for a Designated Activities permission, and HSP holders can also bring parents in some circumstances.
Standard permanent residence requires 10 continuous years of residence with at least 5 years on a work or stable status. The HSP fast-track shortens this to 3 years, and J-Skip applicants with sufficient income can qualify in 1 year. Spouses of Japanese nationals/PRs typically qualify after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan.
Yes. Within 14 days of moving in to a Japanese residence, you must register at the local city or ward office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho). The address is recorded on your Residence Card and links you to national health insurance, the My Number tax ID system, and pension enrolment.
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