4. Legal Requirements
Immigration Bureau
The period and purpose of your stay is dictated by the resident status given to you when you entered Japan. If you wish to extend your current approved period of stay or modify the resident status, a special procedure must be followed at the Immigration Bureau.
| Name | Address | Telephone Number |
Dates & Hours | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima Regional Immigration Bureau / Matsue Branch Office | Houmu Goudouchousha-nai 1F, 50 Horo-machi, Matsue-shi | (0852)21-3834 | Mon.～Fri 9:00-12:00 13:00-16:00 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year) |
Japanese, English |
| Hiroshima Regional Immigration Bureau, Immigration and Resident Examination Department | Hiroshima Goudouchousha 2-goukan 11F, 6-30 Kamihacchoubori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi | (082)221-4412 | Japanese, English, Chinese, Spanish |
General Information Center for Foreigners
The General Information Center for Foreigners is available for you to discuss issues related to leaving and entering Japan and Visa application procedures. You can also get information by telephone about the necessary documents required for various applications.
| Address | Telephone Number |
Dates & Hours | Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima | Hiroshima Goudouchousha 2-goukan 11F, 6-30 Kamihacchoubori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi | (082)502-6060 | Mon.～Fri 9:00-12:00 13:00-16:00 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year) |
Japanese, English, Chinese, Spanish |
| Tokyo | Ootemachi Goudouchousha 1-goukan 2F, 1-3-1 Oote-machi, Chiyoda-ku , Tokyo | (03)3213-8523 ～8527 | Mon.～Fri 9:00-12:00 13:00-16:00 (Except holidays and the year-end and new-year) |
Japanese, |
Resident Status
Resident status and period of stay vary greatly depending on your objective for coming to Japan. There are 27 types of resident status, and the purpose and period of stay differ in each case.
| Resident Status where foreigners are permitted to work | Diplomat, Official, Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Investor/Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer, Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-Company Transferee, Entertainer, Skilled Labor |
| Resident status where foreigners are not permitted to work | Cultural Activities, Temporary Visitor, College Student, Pre-college Student, Trainee, Dependent |
| Resident status where foreigners may engage in remunerative activities with approval | Designated Activities (Working Holiday etc...) |
| Resident status with no restrictions on activities | Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Long Term Resident |
Procedure Regarding Resident Status
| Type of Procedure | Necessary Documents | Applicant | Period | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining Resident Status | When a foreign baby is born in Japan and will be staying for a period longer than 61 days. | ・Visa Application Form ・Birth Certificate / Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Birth in the first page of Mother and Child Health Handbook) ・Passport ・Certificate of Alien Registration ・Parents' Certificate of Alien Registration |
Baby's mother or father | Within 30 days from birth | After permission is granted, it is necessary to register the change of Alien Registration. |
| Renewal of the Period of Stay | When you wish to extend your current approved period of stay with the same resident status | ・Application Form for extension of period of stay ・Passport ・A Certificate of Alien Registration ※The documents required vary according to your status. Enquire at the General Information Center. |
In principle, by yourself | From 2 months prior to the expiration date of a valid visa to expired date | [Application Fee] ￥4000 (Revenue stamp) |
| Change of Resident Status | When you wish to cease an activity to concentrate on a new activity which is not stated in the original resident status | ・Change of Resident Status Application Form ・Passport ・A Certificate of Alien Registration ※The documents required vary depending on your status. Please inquire at General Information Center. |
In principle, by yourself | Before acting the new activities | [Application Fee] ￥4000 (Revenue stamp) |
| Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the resident status previously granted | Wishing to engage in an activity other than that permitted by the resident status granted to earn money | ・Application Form for permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted by the resident status previously granted ・Passport ・A Certificate of Alien Registration ※The documents required vary depending on your status. Please inquire at General Information Center. |
In principle, by yourself | Before the activity other than permitted by the resident status is granted | If you are a college student, permission from the college is required. |
| Re-entry Permit | When you wish to leave temporarily and return to Japan using the same resident status | ・Application Form for Re-entry Permit・Passport ・A Certificate of Alien Registration ・Two 5cm×5cm Photographs (Only the person who needs a Re-entry permit) |
In principle, by yourself | As soon as you decide your trip plan | [Application Fee] ・￥3000 for a single permit ・￥6000 for a multiple permit |
| Certificate of Employment Status | When a foreigner who has employment status is asked to produce the certificate by his/her employer | ・Application Form for Certificate of Employment Status ・Passport ・Certificate of Alien Registration ・One 2.5cm×2.5cm Photograph ※The documents required vary depending on your status. Enquire at the General Information Center. |
In principle, by yourself | When you are requested the Certificate by an employer | [Application Fee] ￥680 (Revenue stamp) |
| Seal Transcription | When you have obtained a new passport because an old one is expired or lost and it is necessary to be transcribed effective seals on the old passport indicating the seals of your resident status or your period of stay and re-entry permit | ・Application Form for Seal Transcription ・The new and old Passport ・A Certificate of Resident Status |
Yourself or a deputy | As soon as you obtain the new passport | |
| Certificate of Eligibility for Resident Status | When a foreigner or their family wishes to enter Japan for the purpose of working, studying or living together | ・Application Form for the Certificate of Eligibility for a Resident Status ・Two 4cm×3cm Applicant's Photographs ※The documents required vary depending on your status. Enquire at the General Information Center. |
You or a deputy ※The deputy of the applicant varies depending on your status. Please inquire at the General Information Center. |
When a working place or college in Japan is clearly decided |
- Other information may be required for each procedure. Please inquire at the General Information Center for further details.
- The Immigration Bureau provides information of each procedure on its website.
Please visit the link below for further information:http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/ - Application for entry and stay in Japan
> Hiroshima Regional Immigration Bureau / Matsue Branch Office--------------Telephone No. (0852)21-3834
> Hiroshima Regional Immigration Bureau / Immigration and Resident Examination Section----Telephone No. (082)221-4411 - Consultation about Resident Status and entry in Japan
> Hiroshima General Information Center------------------Telephone No. (082)502-6060
> Tokyo General Information Center---------------------Telephone No. (03)3213-8523～8527
Alien Registration
Any foreigner who intends to stay in Japan for 90 days or more because of childbirth or other reasons is required to register. They are required to register in the local municipal offices in order to receive many administration services.
| Type of Procedure | Documents Required | Applicant | Deadline for Notification | Where to apply | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Registration | Entry Registration | ・Passport ・Two 4.5×3.5cm Photos (Head & shoulders, facing camera, with nothing on the head, taken within 6 months prior to application) |
In principle, by yourself | Within 90 days of arrival | Hamada City Office / Civic Division / Change of Residency Section | ・If the stay is shorter than 90 days, registration is unnecessary. ・Photos are unnecessary if under 16 years of age. |
| Birth Registration | ・A Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Birth or A Mother and Child Health Handbook | Within 60 days after birth | ・Photos are unnecessary if under 16 years of age | |||
| Change of Registration | Change of Name and Nationality | ・A document to prove such a change (Passport etc.) | In principle, by yourself | Within 14 days of change | Hamada City Office / Civic Division / Change of Residency Section | |
| Change in Status Residence or Period of Stay | ・A passport with an Immigration Office authorization stamp | |||||
| Change of Occupation or Place of Employment | ・A document to prove such a change (Employment Contract etc.) | In principle, by yourself | Within 14 days of change | |||
| Acquisition or Change of Passport | ・New Passport | |||||
| Change of Householder's Name or Relationship to the Applicant | ・A document to prove such a change (Marriage Certificate etc.) | |||||
| Change of Address in Your Native Country | ・A document to prove such a change | |||||
| Changing address within the city | ・Certificate of Alien Registration | In principle, by yourself | Within 14 days of moving | |||
| Moving in from outside the city | ||||||
| Replacement of Registration Certificate | Staining or damage to the Certificate | ・Passport ・Two 4.5×3.5cm Photos (Head & shoulders, facing camera, with nothing on the head, taken within 6 months prior to application) ・Current Certificate of Alien Registration |
In principle, by yourself | Depends on each applicant | Hamada City Office / Civic Division / Change of Residency Section | |
| No writing Space in a Certificate | The day of changing a registration | |||||
| Renewal of a Registration Certificate | When the expired date comes | ・Passport ・Two 4.5×3.5cm Photographs (taken within 6 months of the application) ・A Certificate of Alien Registration |
In principle, by yourself | Within 30 days of the expired day | Hamada City Office / Civic Division / Change of Residency Section | ・The photograph is unnecessary under 16 years old. |
| Being 16 Years Old | Within 30 days of the 16th birthday | |||||
| Re-issuance of Registration Certificate | Loss /Theft | ・Passport ・Two 4.5×3.5cm Photographs (taken within 6 months of the application) |
In principle, by yourself | Within 14 days of noticing the loss or theft | Hamada City Office / Civic Division / Change of Residency Section | |
| Return of A Registration Certificate | Leaving Japan without a re-entry Permit | Nothing | Yourself | Leaving without a re-entry permit | Give the certificate to the immigration officer at the airport or the port of departure | |
| Death | A Doctor's Verification of Death Form or a Certificate of Notification of Death | Relatives or family over 16 years old | Within 14 days of death | Hamada City Office / Civic Division / Change of Residency Section | ||
| Alien Resident Registration Certificate | When you need proof of your identity for School Entrance or Employment | Nothing | In principle, by yourself | When you need it | Hamada City Office / Civic Division / General Affairs Desk Section | ・A Certificate of your name, birthday, sex, nationality, address, period of stay, or status residence as written in your Alien Resident Registration If necessary, it is possible to certify all these details in your Alien Resident Registration |
※In principle, you have to apply for each procedure by yourself. However, if you are under 16 years old or cannot apply by yourself for any reason, an agent can apply on behalf of you. You may have to pay a fee for issuing a certificate of registration. For further information, ask at the office you apply.
Other Registration
There are special procedures that must be followed in the circumstances outlined below. You can get each application form from your municipal office.む
【Pregnancy】
- ¨ If you become pregnant, submit a Pregnancy Certificate to the same municipal office where you applied for alien registration, and receive the Mother and Child Health Handbook and a free medical examination ticket.
- ¨ The handbook should be used to record the progress of the pregnancy, birth and health of the infant. The handbook is translated into English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Portuguese and Thai; however, some municipal offices do not provide the foreign language versions.
- ¨ Free medical examination tickets can be used four times: two during pregnancy in the first and second halves of pregnancy, and two after childbirth for the baby's one-month and ten-month examinations.
- ¨ In principle, pregnancy and childbirth expenses are not covered by medical insurance.
- ¨ Consultation regarding pre-natal health issues and the distress of a pregnancy are available from the municipal office. If you would like a consultation, please contact the following office.
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<<<Where to consult>>>
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【Childbirth】
Childbirth expense is about 300,000 yen for a 7-day hospitalization. If either of parents is a medical insurance policy holder, approximately 300,000 will be refunded. If you can't afford such an amount, the expense will be free or subsidized by the Hospitalization Maternity Allowance System. For further information, please contact the Public Welfare Office or Health and Welfare Centers in your City Council or your jurisdiction before childbirth.
【When a Baby is Born】
- Submit a Notification of birth to the same municipal office where you applied for alien registration, within 14 days of birth. (A Birth Certificate issued by the attending doctor or midwife is required.)
- Have a passport issued at your embassy in Japan.
- Permission to acquire residence status must be field within 30 days at the Immigration Bureau. (It is unnecessary if your baby leaves Japan within 60 days.)
- Apply for alien registration for the baby at a municipal office within 60 days of birth. (It is unnecessary if your baby leaves Japan within 90 days.)
- After birth, go to the counter where the Mother and Child Health Handbook was issued in order to receive information about vaccinations.
【Death】
- Within 7 days of the death, he/her relative or family, or another person who lived with him/her must submit a Notification of Death to the same municipal office where he/she applied for alien registration or the municipal office where he/her resided. (A Death Report written by the doctor is required.)
- "A Certificate of Alien Registration", a "Certificate of National Health Insurance" and "pension notebook" must be returned to the municipal office within 14 days of the death.
- Report the death to his/her embassy or consulate general in his/her country.
【Marriage】
When a Japanese national and a foreigner or foreigners get married, it is necessary to meet the marriage requirements stipulated by their country's law. Therefore, the procedure and documents submitted may vary according to each country, but the followings are typical examples:
- Notification of Marriage (Signature and personal seal are necessary.)
- A Certificate of Alien Registration
- Passport
- A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (Japanese translation and its translator's name are required.)
In addition, you must submit other documents which the Mayor deems necessary.
※If your name or the householder's name is changed, register any change. (Refer to here)
【Divorce】
If you divorce, the procedure depends on which country's law is applied. If the Japanese law is applicable, you can get divorced by consent. When the husband and wife agree upon the divorce, they must submit a Divorce Notification to their legal domicile or their municipal office. The divorce should be witnessed by more than two adults over 20 years old. Please contact your embassy or consulate general about the laws in your own country.
※If one's residence status is a "spouse of Japanese", he/she loses that resident status. He/She is required to file the loss of resident status and change her resident status at the Immigration Bureau. If your name or the householder's name is changed by the divorce, register any change. (Refer to here)
【Making and Registering a Personal Seal】
In Japan, personal seals are used instead of signatures when contracts are made. A personal seal is also needed to open a bank account. You can have your own personal seal made at any store that has the sign:
A Certificate of Personal Seal Registration proves that the registered personal seal belongs to the owner. When making a large purchase such as a house or an automobile or when transferring the right of ownership of a telephone line, it may be necessary to provide a Certificate of Personal Seal Registration. You can register your own personal seal at the municipal office where you applied for alien registration. Not all personal seals can be registered, so please enquire at your municipal office before having one made.
