Articles
Practical guides and policy updates on visas, permanent residence and koseki records for foreign residents in Japan — written by a licensed gyoseishoshi.
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Divorced or widowed on a spouse visa in Japan: the 14-day notification, the 6-month rule and your options
Divorced or widowed on a spouse visa? What to file within 14 days, how the 6-month revocation rule works, and which statuses you can change to.
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EJU and JPT Scores Now Accepted as Proof of Japanese (October 2026)
Since October 14, 2026, an EJU Japanese score of 200+ or a JPT score of 525+ also proves CEFR B2 Japanese for ESI language-based jobs. Here is what changed and why it matters now that JLPT seats are filling up.
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Quit Your Job in Japan? Health Insurance, Pension and Immigration Steps to Take Within 14 Days
Leaving your job in Japan ends your company health insurance and pension. Learn how to switch to National Health Insurance and National Pension, and why gaps can hurt your next visa renewal.
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Returning Your Residence Card in Japan: When, Where and How (Including from Overseas)
When does your residence card lose its validity, and how do you return it? Deadlines, the mailing address, what to enclose, and what to do if your period of stay expires while you are abroad.
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From March 2027: Tax and Social Insurance Records Required for Most Visa Applications in Japan
From March 19, 2027, most visa applications in Japan, including COE, change of status, extension and permanent residence, must include income, tax and social insurance records. Here is what changes and how to prepare.
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No Bachelor’s Degree? When an Overseas Diploma Meets the Education Requirement for Japan’s Engineer/Specialist Visa
No bachelor's degree, but a diploma or associate degree from abroad? Learn when non-university higher education can meet the education requirement for Japan's Engineer/Specialist visa, and how to prove it.
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Can You Work Remotely for an Overseas Company on a Student, ESI or Dependent Visa in Japan?
Remote work from Japan for a company with no office in Japan still counts as work in Japan. What Student, ESI and Dependent visa holders can and cannot do, and how to plan ahead.
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Remarrying in Japan after divorce: spouse visas for Filipinos without judicial recognition
Divorced in Japan without judicial recognition in the Philippines? See how Filipinos who remarry in Japan can still qualify for a spouse visa.
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Applied online? How to prove your application is pending (special period) after the June 2026 residence card redesign
Online applicants get no "application pending" stamp on their residence card. How to prove your status in the special period after the June 2026 card redesign.
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Bringing your spouse and children to Japan as a Nikkei 3rd generation
Living in Japan as a Nikkei 3rd generation? See how your spouse and children can join you as Long-Term Residents, with requirements, documents and pitfalls.
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Have a question about your own situation?
Our articles cover general rules. For advice on your own situation, a licensed gyoseishoshi can answer your questions in writing or handle your application for you.
Questions about your own situation? Get a written answer from a gyoseishoshi (JPY 13,200, tax incl.) →