Japan Visa Renewal & Extension of Period of Stay | English Support
Japan Visa Renewal & Extension of Period of Stay
Application Support in English
Your current period of stay is approaching its expiration date? We help foreign residents understand Permission to Extend the Period of Stay, prepare the documents relevant to their current status and review changes since the previous permission.
What Is a Period of Stay Extension?
If you wish to continue living in Japan under your current status of residence beyond its permitted period, you generally apply for Permission to Extend the Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請).
“Visa renewal” is a common search term, but extending a period of stay differs from renewing the physical residence card or applying to change to a different status. We check which procedure applies before preparing documents.
When Can You Apply to Renew Your Stay?
Before your expiration date
Submit the extension application before your current period of stay ends. For a person granted a period of stay of six months or longer, applications are generally accepted from approximately three months before expiration.
If you have changed jobs
A job change can affect whether your present work status still matches your duties, and whether extra evidence or an alternative application is required. Review the work performed and any notification obligations.
If your family circumstances changed
Marriage, separation, divorce, changes in household income or residence may affect the documents and the appropriate status. Do not file as though nothing has changed.
If your deadline is close
Contact us with the exact expiration date and current status immediately. We will identify what can be prepared, but we cannot promise a particular filing date, processing time or decision.
Renewal or Change of Status?
| Your situation | Procedure to review |
|---|---|
| You will continue the same permitted activity and need additional time | Extension of Period of Stay |
| You are moving from Student to qualifying full-time work | Change of Status of Residence |
| You marry a Japanese citizen and wish to hold spouse status | Potential change to Spouse or Child of Japanese National; not automatically required if you can continue your existing status |
| You hold permanent residence and the card itself is expiring | Residence card validity renewal; different from extending a limited period of stay |
Common Documents for an Extension Application
The required checklist depends on your current status, for example Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Dependent or other status.
How We Handle a Renewal
Important: Applying Before the Deadline
When a qualifying extension application is filed before expiration and remains under examination, a statutory special period may apply. Its endpoint is subject to the legal conditions and can occur earlier than two months after the original expiry, including when a decision is made. Confirm the exact rules and your own filing record; do not rely on an informal two-month estimate.
Professional Fees for Standard Renewals
| Typical situation | Professional fee (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Dependent / Student / Cultural Activities, standard renewal | From ¥33,000 |
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, standard renewal without job change | From ¥44,000 |
| Spouse or Child of Japanese National, standard renewal | From ¥44,000 |
| Business Manager, standard renewal | From ¥66,000 |
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, renewal involving job change | From ¥110,000 |
These are representative published fees. Your actual quote depends on the status, changes in circumstances, documentation and support requested. Government permission fees, translations, postage and certificate costs may be additional.
Renewal Support from Our Office
Employment-based status
Review the present job, employer, compensation and work duties to confirm what the immigration office will need.
Spouse and family status
Review marital or family circumstances, address and household-support documents relevant to your status.
Remote consultation
We accept inquiries from across Japan. Case handling and whether online filing is suitable are discussed individually.
Application intermediary service
We support preparation and submission of eligible residence applications within the scope agreed before engagement.
Your Expiration Date Is the First Thing to Tell Us
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I file for an extension?
For a person whose authorized period of stay is six months or longer, the general application window begins approximately three months before expiration. Exceptional earlier filing may be considered under specified circumstances.
Is renewing my residence card the same as extending my stay?
No. A physical residence-card validity renewal is a different procedure. Most foreign residents with a time-limited status need an extension of their period of stay if they want to continue the same authorized activities.
Do I need a new status after changing jobs?
Not necessarily. Whether you need an extension, change of status, another document or a notification depends on the new duties and your current immigration status.
Can I work while my extension is under review?
Your ability to work depends on your actual current status, any applicable special period and the activity permitted under immigration law. A pending application does not automatically authorize different work.
What if my spouse visa is expiring and we are living apart?
Living arrangements and the reasons for a separation may be relevant. We review the facts and supporting documents before deciding what should be explained or whether another procedure should be considered.
Can you promise approval before my card expires?
No. The immigration authority controls the examination and decision. We will check the deadline, appropriate filing and documents, but cannot guarantee an outcome or processing date.
Related Services
Official Immigration Information
Discuss Your Japan Immigration Application in English
Tell us your current location, residence status (if you are in Japan), relevant dates and the assistance you need. Our office will review the available procedure and provide a quotation before engagement.
Kawagoe Masanobu Administrative Scrivener Office
Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Phone: +81-237-86-7198 (9:00–18:00 Japan time)
Online or remote consultation is available depending on your location and case. The linked contact form may display Japanese labels; you may write your inquiry in English. Application approval cannot be guaranteed.