For foreign residents living in Japan, visa renewal in Japan is a key procedure. Officially, it is known as an Extension of Period of Stay under your status of residence.
If you do not apply before your current period of stay expires, you may lose your legal right to remain in Japan.
The process differs depending on your status of residence. For example, those on work or student visas must apply for an Extension of Period of Stay. Permanent residents, on the other hand, do not have an expiration on their status of residence, but they are required to renew the validity of their residence card.
This guide explains visa renewal in Japan in a clear and practical way, including:
Who needs to renew their period of stay (status of residence)
When you can apply
The application process step by step
Required documents and fees
How to apply online
All information is supervised by Administrative Scrivener Masae Kumano, representative of Tokyo International Management Administrative Procedures Legal Specialists Corporation, to ensure accuracy and reliability.
About the Supervisor
Masae Kumano
Graduated from the Faculty of Law at Waseda University and completed her Juris Doctor at Chuo University Law School. After working in the legal departments of an IT vendor and a major e-commerce company, she became a licensed Administrative Scrivener (Registration No. 19081036, Gyoseishoshi Lawyers of Tokyo).
A Certified Immigration Application Agent (No. 21-181) and a part-time lecturer at Hannan University. Handling around 150 immigration and status of residence cases each year, she supports many foreign residents with immigration procedures and life in Japan.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Who Needs Visa Renewal in Japan?
The required procedure depends on your status of residence.
Permanent residents must complete a renewal of their residence card validity, while all other visa holders must apply for an Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請 / zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinsei)—commonly referred to as visa renewal in Japan.
Although permanent residents do not have an expiration on their status of residence, their residence card does have a set validity period. In contrast, those on work, student, spouse, or other visas must apply for an extension before their current period of stay expires in order to continue living in Japan.
First, it is important to understand who is subject to each type of procedure.
Permanent Residents
Permanent residents have no expiration on their status of residence. However, their residence card is generally valid for 7 years.
This means that even with permanent residency, you are still required to renew the validity of your residence card.
Source: Ministry of Justice
Non-Permanent Residents
Non permanent residents with the statuses of residence such as below, required to complete visa renewal in Japan—officially an Extension of Period of Stay—based on their permitted period of stay:
- Skilled Labor
- Technical, Humanities, and International Services
- Business Manager
- Student
- Dependent
- Spouse or Child of a Japanese National
In these cases, the procedure is not just a card renewal. It is an application to extend your authorized period of stay in Japan.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan,
Chapter 2: When Can You Apply for Visa Renewal in Japan?
The timing for visa renewal in Japan depends on your status of residence and the type of procedure required, including residence card renewal and applications for an Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請 / zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinsei).
If you apply for an Extension of Period of Stay, your current period of stay is automatically extended for up to 2 months after the expiration date while your application is under review. This is known as a special grace period.
The application timing is as follows:
| Status of Residence | When You Can Apply |
|---|---|
|
Permanent Resident (age 16 or older) / Highly Skilled Professional (ii) |
From 2 months before the residence card expiration date |
|
Permanent Resident (under age 16) |
From 6 months before the applicant’s 16th birthday |
|
All other statuses of residence |
From 3 months before the expiration of your period of stay |
Chapter 3: Processing Time for Visa Renewal in Japan
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan publishes official processing times for residence applications. As of January 2026, the estimated processing times for visa renewal in Japan are as follows.
These figures are averages, so it is recommended to check them in advance as a general guideline.
| Status of Residence | Extension of Period of Stay (Visa Renewal in Japan) | Change of Status of Residence |
|---|---|---|
|
Specified Skilled Worker (i) |
45.8 days |
63.8 days |
|
Technical, Humanities, and International Services |
39.7 days |
49.8 days |
|
Student |
38.4 days |
46.1 days |
|
Spouse or Child of a Japanese National |
45.6 days |
53.2 days |
Chapter 4: Visa Renewal Process in Japan
The process for visa renewal in Japan—officially an Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可申請 / zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinsei)—generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Application Submission
The applicant, their legal representative, or an authorized immigration specialist (such as an administrative scrivener) submits the application with the required documents to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
The application form for the Extension of Period of Stay can be downloaded from the official Immigration Services Agency website.
Step 2: Notification of Result
Once the review is complete, the result will be sent by mail.
If the applicant applies directly, the notice will be sent to their registered address. If an authorized representative (such as an administrative scrivener) submits the application, the notice will be sent to the representative’s office.
Step 3: Final Renewal Procedure
After receiving the notification, bring the required documents to the Immigration Services Agency to complete the renewal process.
Once completed, you will receive your new residence card, and your visa renewal in Japan will be finalized.
Chapter5: Required Documents for Visa Renewal in Japan
Depending on your status of residence, additional supporting documents may be required. However, in most cases, you will need to prepare the following for visa renewal in Japan:
- Your current residence card
- Passport
- ID photo (4 cm × 3 cm)
- Certificate of residence (jūminhyō)
- Taxation certificate
- Tax payment certificate
For full details, it is important to check the official Immigration Services Agency website, where document requirements are listed for each status of residence.
Related Post
Examples:
- Skilled Labor
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001395555.pdf - Technical, Humanities, and International Services
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001367009.pdf - Business Manager
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001448312.pdf - Dependent
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001395563.pdf - Spouse or Child of a Japanese National (spouse)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001426542.pdf
Chapter6: Fees for Visa Renewal in Japan
The fees for visa renewal in Japan are as follows (as of March 2026). Please note that the fee was increased from 4,000 yen in April 2025. Payment must be made using a revenue stamp (shūnyū inshi), not cash.
- In person: 6,000 yen
- Online: 5,500 yen
However, fees may change significantly in the near future due to a planned revision of immigration law.
Under the proposed changes, renewal fees are expected to increase substantially. For example:
- Permanent residency renewal: approximately 200,000 yen
- Other statuses of residence:
- Up to 3 months: around 10,000 yen
- 1 year: around 20,000–30,000 yen
- 5 years: around 70,000 yen
Discounted fees may apply when using the online application system.
Related Post
Chapter7: Online Application for Visa Renewal in Japan
You can also complete visa renewal in Japan through the online system (Immigration Application Online System). The main steps are as follows:
Preparation
Before starting your online application, prepare the following:
- My Number Card
- Email address
- Digital copies of required documents (passport, residence card, ID photo, etc.)
Login
- Verify your identity using your My Number Card
- Select “Extension of Period of Stay” (在留期間更新許可申請)
Enter Information & Upload Documents
Enter the required information and upload supporting documents.
Please note that there are upload limits, such as:
- Maximum total file size: 25MB
- Maximum number of files: 20
Make sure your files meet these requirements, including your ID photo.
Submit Your Application
Submit your application through the system.
Review & Status Check
- You can check your application status within the system
- If additional documents are required, you can submit them online
Receive Your New Residence Card
Once approved, you can receive your new residence card:
- By mail, or at an immigration office
Chapter8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common questions clients ask about visa renewal in Japan.
Q1: Can I leave Japan while my visa renewal application is in progress?
Answer:
Yes, you can—but you should be careful.
If you leave Japan while your visa renewal in Japan application is under review, you can re-enter the country as long as you qualify for a special re-entry permit.
However, immigration may request additional documents during the review process. For this reason, it’s best to avoid staying outside Japan for an extended period.
Also, once your application is approved, you will need to collect your new residence card within a designated timeframe.
Q2: Are tax and social insurance payments checked during visa renewal in Japan?
Answer:
Yes. In recent years, immigration authorities have been placing greater emphasis on your payment status for resident tax and social insurance during visa renewal in Japan.
If there are any unpaid amounts, it may affect the outcome of your application. It is important to check and settle any outstanding payments in advance.
Q3: Will changing jobs affect visa renewal in Japan?
Answer:
Changing jobs during your visa renewal in Japan process does not automatically cause a problem. However, what matters most is whether your new job is consistent with your status of residence.
For example, under the Technical, Humanities, and International Services status, your work must involve specialized or professional duties.
If you change jobs, you may be asked to submit additional documents such as:
- New employment contract
- Company profile
- Certificate of company registration (full registry record)
- Salary statements
If you are planning to change jobs, it is recommended to consult a professional in advance to ensure a smooth visa renewal in Japan process.
Q4: What happens if my period of stay expires before my visa renewal in Japan is approved?
Answer:
If you submit your application for an Extension of Period of Stay before your current period of stay expires, you are allowed to remain in Japan until a decision is made on your visa renewal in Japan.
As mentioned earlier, this is commonly known as a grace period, during which you can legally stay in Japan for up to two months after your original expiration date.
You will receive a notification once the review is complete. After that, you must promptly visit the Immigration office to collect your new residence card. However, it is strongly recommended to apply well in advance to avoid any issues.
It is also important to note that even during this grace period, some services may be restricted. In many cases, credit cards may stop working, and access to bank accounts—such as withdrawing cash—may also be limited.
To avoid disruptions to your daily life, it is advisable to prepare in advance, such as withdrawing sufficient cash if your renewal is still pending close to your expiration date.
Q5. Will I be deported if I cannot apply for visa renewal in Japan due to illness or a disaster?
Not necessarily.
In some cases, unavoidable circumstances—such as infectious diseases (including pandemic-related illnesses), regional lockdowns, or other serious situations—may prevent you from applying for visa renewal in Japan within your permitted period of stay.
If this happens, you should submit your application as soon as possible after you recover or once the situation has been resolved.
In addition, if your period of stay expires due to reasons beyond your control, it does not automatically mean that deportation procedures will begin solely because of the overstay.
Examples of such unavoidable circumstances include:
- Natural disasters
- Illness
- Accidents
Chapter9: Pro Tips for Visa Renewal in Japan
In recent years, immigration authorities have been taking a closer look at the following points during visa renewal in Japan:
- Payment status of resident tax
- Enrollment in social insurance (pension and health insurance)
- Consistency between your status of residence and your actual job duties
For example, unpaid taxes or failure to enroll in social insurance may negatively affect your application. It is important to review your tax payments and employment contract before applying.
If you have any outstanding payments, make sure to settle them before submitting your application. This can help reduce the risk of your renewal being denied.
In addition, if you have changed jobs or your job responsibilities have changed, immigration will assess whether your current work aligns with your status of residence.
If you are unsure, it is recommended to consult the Immigration office or a qualified professional, such as an administrative scrivener, as early as possible.
Chapter10: Summary
Renewing your period of stay is an essential procedure for continuing your life in Japan.
If your period of stay expires, you may be considered overstaying, so it is important to check your expiration date and apply early.
The required procedure depends on your status of residence. Permanent residents must renew the validity of their residence card, while those with other statuses of residence need to apply for an Extension of Period of Stay (visa renewal in Japan).
As the review process takes time, it is important to prepare in advance and proceed with your application with enough time to spare.
If you have any questions or concerns, it is advisable to consult the Immigration office or a qualified professional, such as an administrative scrivener.
* This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances. Please confirm the latest requirements with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or a qualified professional.
