🛂 Visa & Status of Residence

At every step of your Japan visa journey,a professional consultant walks you through it

Business Manager, Engineer/Specialist, Highly Skilled Professional, Specified Skilled Worker, Dependent, Permanent Residence, Naturalization — full-service agency for all Status-of-Residence applications, renewals, changes, and cancellations. 200+ successful cases; no Japanese required.

27types
Status-of-residence type
1-3mo.
Standard review period
95%
First-pass approval rate
200+
Success stories
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Comparison of Major Status-of-Residence Types
Six common types at a glance
Category Business Manager Engineer-Specialist Highly Skilled Professional Specified Skilled Worker Dependent Permanent Resident
Who it's forOwner / managerTechnical / white-collarHigh education & income16 specified fieldsFamily members of the above visasLong-Term Resident
Education requirementDoctorate/Master's or 3+ years' experienceUniversity degree or 10 years' experienceDoctorate 30 pts / Master's 20 ptsPassed the skills examNoneNone
Minimum capital
/ annual income
¥30M+(Oct 2025 reform)Equal to or above a Japanese national¥3M+Equal to or above a Japanese nationalFollows the dependent's termNone
Japanese proficiencyB2 or above (new)Not required (as the role demands)Bonus points for N1 / N2N4 or aboveNoneNone
Period1 / 3 / 5 years1 / 3 / 5 yearsType 1: 5 years / Type 2: indefiniteType 1: 5 years (max) / Type 2: indefiniteSame period as the dependentIndefinite
Bringing familyYes (Dependent)Yes (Dependent)Yes (family includes parents)Type 1 × / Type 2 ○Yes
Part-timeCompany representative dutiesSubject to work-permission rulesAllowed (spouse may work full-time)Generally prohibitedWithin 28 hours per weekUnrestricted
Obtain permanent residence
Term
10 years (incl. 5 years of work)10 yearsAs short as 1–3 yearsType 1: × / Type 2: 10 years10 years
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Which Status of Residence is right for me?
Pick the situation that fits you best

💼I want to start a business in Japan

Invest to set up a company and serve as its representative, or take over an existing business.

→ Recommended: Business Manager

💻I have a university degree and a technical job offer

White-collar roles such as engineer, translator, sales, designer, and international business.

→ Recommended: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

🎓I have strong credentials and good income

Master's/doctorate, annual income of ¥5M+, or expertise in IT/research fields.

→ Recommended: Highly Skilled Professional (Type 1 → Type 2)

🔧I have skills but an average academic background

16 specified fields including food service, nursing care, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.

→ Recommended: Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 / Type 2

👨‍👩‍👧My spouse already has a Japanese status of residence

For those whose spouse or parent holds a valid status (other than student/short-term) and wants to bring family to Japan.

→ Recommended: Dependent / Spouse of Japanese National, etc.

🏡I've lived in Japan for years and want to settle long-term

For those who have held a visa for 3–10 years with a stable life and a clean tax record.

→ Recommended: Permanent Residence / Naturalization
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Required Documents Checklist (general)
Check off the items you've prepared
0 / 12 completed
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WBCG Status-of-Residence Application Fee Schedule
Currency: JPY (tax incl.) · based on the 2025.5.20 edition
Service categoryItemFee (tax incl.)
Company Formation
+ Business Manager visa
Co., Ltd. (KK)¥880,000
LLC (Godo Kaisha)¥825,000
Highly Skilled Business Manager visa (surcharge)+¥55,000
Business Manager visa onlyCertificate of Eligibility (new / overseas application)¥495,000
Change (already holding another visa)¥385,000
Highly Skilled Professional add-on+¥55,000
Company formation onlyCo., Ltd. (KK)¥385,000
LLC (Godo Kaisha)¥330,000
Corporate investment add-on+¥33,000
Other visas
Eligibility / Change
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services¥198,000
Highly Skilled Professional (Engineer-Specialist) add-on+¥55,000
Skilled-worker visa¥198,000
Student visa¥198,000
Dependent (spouse / children)¥110,000
Visa renewalEngineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services¥88,000
Business Manager visa¥88,000
Skilled-worker visa¥88,000
Student visa¥88,000
Dependent (filed together with another application)1st person ¥44,000
¥33,000 from the 2nd person
Additional support servicesCapital-receiving account rental *1¥110,000
Corporate bank account opening support *2¥66,000
File a business-opening notice with the tax office¥22,000
Various corporate-change registrationsQuoted separately
OtherPermanent residence application¥275,000
Naturalize (Japanese citizenship)Quoted separately
Business invitation-letter drafting¥66,000
Notes:
*1 "Capital-receiving account rental" is limited to our group company's payment service; handling fees are borne by you. The service continues until your corporate (or personal) bank account is opened.
*2 "Corporate bank account support" covers only the preparation of documents needed to open an online bank account. Identity verification must be completed by the company representative in person; account opening is not guaranteed.
*3 The above fees include administrative/judicial scrivener fees, transportation, government fees, translation, document retrieval, and domestic postage in Japan. Any additional costs will be notified separately.
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Quick cost estimator
Based on WBCG's official fee schedule
📋 Application type
Business Manager (new eligibility)¥495,000
Business Manager (change)¥385,000
Engineer-Specialist (eligibility / change)¥198,000
Skilled-worker visa¥198,000
Student visa¥198,000
Dependent¥110,000
Visa renewal (basic)¥88,000
Permanent residence application¥275,000
Company formation + Business Manager (KK / Kabushiki Kaisha)¥880,000
Company formation + Business Manager (LLC / Godo Kaisha)¥825,000
➕ Add-on services (optional)
Estimated total cost (tax incl.)
¥495,000
※ Also includes administrative/judicial scrivener fees, transportation, government fees, translation, etc.
💬 Quick question via LINE
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Application Timeline (new-acquisition example)
Total time: about 1–3 months
Day 1
Free consultation & eligibility check
We review your application type, income, and family situation to assess your likelihood of approval.
Day 2-7
Document-gathering guide
WBCG sends a checklist tailored to your case: passport, education, work history, financials, address, etc.
Day 8-14
Application drafting, translation & notarization
Preparation of applications, statements of reasons, business plans, etc. Notarized translation of foreign-language documents.
Day 15-20
File with Immigration
File at the relevant Immigration office window. Once a receipt number is issued, the review formally begins.
Day 21-90
Review period
Immigration review (typically 1–3 months). If additional documents are requested, WBCG handles the response on your behalf.
Day 90+
Approval & Residence Card issuance
After the approval notice is issued, collect your Residence Card at Immigration. Overseas applicants use the Certificate of Eligibility to obtain an entry visa.
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Obligations to observe after getting your visa
Violations may lead to renewal failure or cancellation
ObligationsDetailsConsequences of violation
Address notificationRegister your address at the municipal office within 14 days of arrival; report any move within 14 days.Up to a ¥200,000 fine and disadvantages at visa renewal
Affiliated-organization notificationReport any change of employer/school online within 14 days (Immigration)¥200,000 fine
Carry your Residence CardThose aged 16+ must carry their Residence Card when out (a passport is not a substitute)¥200,000 fine
Re-entry permitLeaving for over 1 year requires applying for a re-entry permit in advance; short trips under 2 years are exempt (special re-entry permit).Loss of status of residence
Tax & pensionPay residence tax, income tax, national health insurance, and pension on timeDisadvantages for permanent residence / naturalization
Outside-status work prohibitedYou may not engage in paid activities outside your status without permissionforced deportation and criminal penalties
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Pitfall Guide: Common Visa-Application Mistakes
❌ Pitfall 1: False applications / ghost-written business plans
Applying with a fake corporate entity, a nonexistent employment contract, or inflated capital — Immigration's investigative ability is strong, and once exposed it leads to Permanent blacklist. WBCG only accepts cases based on the true facts.
❌ Pitfall 2: Working more than 28 hours/week off the books on a student visa
A student visa's work permission caps at 28 hours/week. Exceeding it is treated as illegal work,Renewal will be denied. During long breaks (e.g., summer), this is relaxed to 8 hours/day, but confirm with your school.
⚠ Pitfall 3: Doing "manual labor" like construction or food service on an Engineer/Specialist visa
The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is limited to "white-collar" work. Even with a title like "sales/translation," actually working as a restaurant server, on a construction site, etc. Illegal in all cases, and your renewal will be denied.
⚠ Pitfall 4: Delaying your renewal until the last day of your period of stay
Recommendation 3 months before your period of stay ends to begin preparing, and file at least 2 months in advance. If you wait until the last minute and additional documents are required, you may miss the deadline — risking falling into short-term stay / illegal overstay.
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FAQ
Can I reapply after Immigration denies me?

Yes, but you must address the specific cause.Each denial comes with a "Notice of Reasons for Denial." WBCG analyzes the reasons (capital, track record, incomplete documents, etc.) and reapplies after addressing the weaknesses. We recommend waiting 3–6 months, or after your business or personal situation changes, to avoid building an unfavorable impression from repeated denials.

Does the October 2025 reform affect existing Business Manager visa holders?

Yes. The new requirements (¥30M capital, one full-time employee, Japanese B2, 3 years of management experience) took effect on Oct 16, 2025.Existing holders' renewals are covered by transitional measures until Oct 16, 2028, Immigration makes a comprehensive judgment. However, Renewals on or after Oct 16, 2028 All new requirements must be met. We recommend planning 1–2 years ahead: increase capital, build a management track record, secure Japanese proficiency, and hire a full-time employee.

What are the requirements for permanent residence?

Basic requirements:

  • Years of residence: 10+ years of continuous residence, including 5+ years on a work status (shortened for Highly Skilled Professionals to 1–3 years, spouses of Japanese nationals to 3 years, Long-Term Residents to 5 years, etc.)
  • Tax & social insurance: no late payments of residence tax, income tax, pension, or health insurance in the past 5 years.
  • Good conduct: no criminal record and no serious traffic violations
  • Independent livelihood: annual income of ¥3M+ (add more for dependents)
  • Guarantor: one permanent resident or Japanese national

WBCG can assess your profile and strengthen your weak points.

What's the difference between naturalization (Japanese citizenship) and permanent residence? Which is better?

Key differences:

  • Nationality: naturalization = Japanese citizenship with a Japanese passport; permanent residence = keep your original nationality.
  • Voting rights: naturalization grants voting rights; permanent residence does not
  • Residing overseas: no restriction for naturalization; for permanent residence, leaving Japan over 1 year requires a re-entry permit, and over 5 years it lapses automatically.
  • Requirements: naturalization requires Japanese N3+ (interview) and renouncing your original nationality; permanent residence has no such requirement.
  • Timeline: naturalization takes about 1–2 years; permanent residence about 6–12 months.

In most cases Permanent residence is more practical: keep your original nationality plus residence rights equivalent to naturalization. Choose naturalization if you want to hold political or public-education office in Japan.

Can I handle Immigration myself without an agent?

Legally possible, but high-risk.Common issues with self-applications:

  • Wrong document format → returned, and back to the end of the queue
  • A weak statement of reasons → denial
  • Errors in Japanese documents → a poor impression on the reviewing officer
  • Mishandling document-correction requests → repeated delays

WBCG's fee is about ¥110,000–220,000, but Approval rate improved by 20–30%, controllable timelines, and a recovery plan if denied. For complex types like Business Manager and Highly Skilled Professional, using an agent is virtually essential.

Can I work full-time on a Dependent visa?

Not by default. Dependent-status holders must first obtain work permission before they can Up to 28 hours per week part-time work only. Full-time work requires changing to another status (Engineer/Specialist, Spouse visa, etc.). If your spouse holds Highly Skilled Professional status, you may work full-time without separate work permission.

🛂 Ready to handle your Status of Residence?

Free 30-minute eligibility assessment · Chinese / Japanese / English · online or in person