Status of Residence 

1) What is a Status of Residence? 

Foreigners residing in Japan may engage in different kinds of activities based on their status of residence.

A Status of Residence is a document authorizing foreign nationals to engage in certain activities and granting them a particular status or position during their stay in Japan. Foreigners residing in Japan may engage in different kinds of activities based on their status of residence.

2) Differences between a Status of Residence and a Visa in Japan

It is important to understand the difference between a Status of Residence and a Visa. A visa is required for foreigners to enter Japan, while a Status of Residence certifies that a foreigner can stay and work in Japan after entering the country.

Jurisdiction is also different. While visas are issued by Japanese embassies and consulates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Status of Residence is under the jurisdiction of the Immigration and Residency Management Agency of the Ministry of Justice. Therefore, the criteria for examination are different, and even if you pass the Status of Residence examination, it does not automatically mean that a visa will be granted. Also, there are rare cases in which you may not be allowed to enter the country due to visa or status of residence restrictions.

Example of a Status of Residence and a Visa 

3）Why is it important to know about Residence Status　 

Working authorizations differ based on the Status of Residence you receive. Some people have a Status of Residence with no work restrictions, while others have a status that authorizes them to work only in limited occupations and areas. In other cases, people are not allowed to work unless they have obtained permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the Status of Residence from the Immigration Bureau. If you join a company and you don’t have the right residence status, you and the company might face working restrictions, it could even be considered as a crime and you might face serious penalties. To avoid such a situation, it is necessary to understand each type of Status of Residence and its relevant work restrictions

4) Types of Status of Residence 

Currently, 29 types of Status of Residence are issued and are broadly classified into two categories: 'Activity-type status' and 'Status of Residence based on social standing.' Among them, four groups are based on working restrictions.