Complete List of Japan’s Visa Types (Status of Residence)
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If you're planning to live, work, or study in Japan, understanding your Status of Residence (often called a “visa”) is essential. Japan has a detailed immigration system that categorizes foreign residents into specific types based on their purpose of stay. These statuses determine whether you can work, how long you can stay, and what activities you are allowed to engage in.
In this guide, we divide Japan's residence statuses into two main categories:
- Activity-Based Statuses – granted based on the activity you intend to do (such as work or study)
- Residence-Based Statuses – based on personal/family relationships or long-term stay
Further, activity-based statuses are subdivided into those that permit employment and those that do not (unless special permission is granted).
🟩 Activity-Based Statuses
✅ Work Permitted
| English Name | Japanese Name | Applicable Persons / Activities | Period of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomat | 外交 | Diplomats and their families | Duration of mission |
| Official | 公用 | Government staff and families | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Professor | 教授 | University professors and researchers | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Artist | 芸術 | Artists earning income (musicians, painters) | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Religious Activities | 宗教 | Missionaries from religious orgs | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Journalist | 報道 | Foreign correspondents | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Highly Skilled Professional | 高度専門職 | Advanced professionals | 5 years (renewable) |
| Business Manager | 経営・管理 | Executives and managers | 5, 3, 1 years or 4 months |
| Legal/Accounting Services | 法律・会計業務 | Lawyers, CPAs | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Medical Services | 医療 | Medical professionals | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Researcher | 研究 | Contracted researchers | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Instructor | 教育 | Teachers at schools | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int'l Services | 技術・人文知識・国際業務 | Engineers, interpreters, etc. | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Intra-company Transferee | 企業内転勤 | Transferees from overseas offices | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Nursing Care | 介護 | Certified care worker | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Entertainer | 興行 | Artists, performers | 3, 1 years, 6 or 3 months |
| Skilled Labor | 技能 | Chefs, pilots, artisans | 5, 3, 1 years or 3 months |
| Specified Skilled Worker | 特定技能 | Workers in labor shortage sectors | Type 1: up to 5 yrsType 2: renewable |
| Technical Intern Training | 技能実習 | Trainees in skill transfer programs | Up to 5 years |
| Designated Activities (with work permission) | 特定活動（就労可） | e.g., Working Holiday, job-seeking after graduation | Varies |
🚫 Work Not Permitted
| English Name | Japanese Name | Applicable Persons / Activities | Period of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Activities | 文化活動 | Cultural/academic without income | 3, 1 years, 6 or 3 months |
| Student | 留学 | Enrolled in educational institutions | Duration of program |
| Trainee | 研修 | Short-term technical trainees (not technical interns) | 1 year or less |
| Dependent | 家族滞在 | Family of work/study visa holders | 5, 3, 1 years or 6 months |
| Designated Activities (non-work) | 特定活動（就労不可） | e.g., diplomat’s housekeeper, internship w/o pay | Varies |
💡 Note: Some non-working statuses (e.g., Student, Dependent) may apply for “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted,” allowing part-time work up to 28 hours/week.
🟦 Residence-Based Statuses
| English Name | Japanese Name | Applicable Persons / Activities | Period of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse or Child of Japanese National | 日本人の配偶者等 | Spouse or biological child of Japanese national | 5, 3, 1 years or 6 months |
| Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident | 永住者の配偶者等 | Spouse or child of permanent resident | 5, 3, 1 years or 6 months |
| Long-term Resident | 定住者 | Nikkei, refugees, special permission cases | Varies (case-by-case) |
| Permanent Resident | 永住者 | Those approved for indefinite residence | Indefinite |
📘 Additional Notes
- Activity-Based Statuses only permit the activities explicitly allowed under that status. You may not work unless your visa permits it.
- Residence-Based Statuses allow unrestricted work in Japan, with no need for additional permits.
- Some Designated Activities can be either work-permitted or not, depending on the specific case.
- Always check your Residence Card and status conditions to confirm what you’re allowed to do.
🧭 Conclusion
Understanding the different types of Status of Residence in Japan is crucial for a smooth and legal life here. Whether you're coming for work, study, family, or long-term residence, knowing your category and its permissions will help you avoid problems and make the most of your time in Japan.
If you’re unsure which status applies to you or need support with immigration procedures, feel free to contact us.
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