I need to renew my stay
Start with Immigration Services Agency information for extension of period of stay and confirm required documents for your status.
Residence in Japan
Immigration and residence procedures in Japan
Use this guide when your question is about legal stay in Japan, status of residence, residence cards, renewal, change of status, re-entry, or immigration consultation.
Official sources, reviewed by Sollo. Source corpus updated 2026-06-24.
Choose your situation
I need to change what I do in Japan
Check change of status or permission-related procedures if your work, school, family, or activity situation is changing.
My job or school changed
Check whether immigration notifications are required. Also check local, tax, insurance, or pension changes separately.
I lost or need to update my residence card
Use official residence-card procedure information and confirm whether you need to visit immigration or another office.
I need advice in English or another language
Look for official immigration consultation centers, FRESC, or foreign-resident support portals.
Official source map
Immigration Services Agency
Status of residence, renewal, change of status, residence card, re-entry, permission, notifications, and immigration consultation.
Municipality
Address registration, moving notices, resident records, local health insurance, local tax, and local services.
FRESC / consultation centers
Immigration and foreign-resident consultation, especially where multiple life problems overlap.
Official living guidebooks
Daily-life procedures that may be affected after immigration procedures, such as housing, work, healthcare, tax, and pension.
What to prepare
Prepare your residence card, passport, current status of residence, period of stay, employer or school details, address, family details if relevant, and any official notices or previous applications.
Official sources
These Immigration Services Agency pages cover applications, consultation, and practical orientation. Always verify the procedure that matches your circumstances.
Immigration application procedures
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice official document related to immigration, living in japan, foreign resident.
Open official documentDaily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice official document related to immigration, living in japan, foreign resident.
Open official documentForeign Residents Support Center (FRESC)
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice official document related to immigration, living in japan, foreign resident.
Open official documentImmigration Information Center
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice official document related to immigration, living in japan, foreign resident.
Open official documentGuidebook on Living and Working in Japan: language list
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice official document related to immigration, living in japan, foreign resident.
Open official documentGuidebook on Living and Working in Japan - English
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice official document related to immigration, living in japan, foreign resident.
Open official documentStatus of residence: frequently asked questions
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice official document related to immigration, living in japan, foreign resident.
Open official documentImmigration Control Act: frequently asked questions
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice official document related to immigration, living in japan, foreign resident.
Open official documentCommon questions
Can my ward office renew my residence status?
No. Residence status procedures are handled by immigration authorities. Ward or city offices handle local resident procedures such as address registration.
What if my work changes?
Check immigration requirements first, then check employment insurance, health insurance, pension, and tax if your job situation also changed.
Where should I ask if I am unsure?
Use official immigration consultation or FRESC-type support rather than relying only on informal advice.
Can Sollo decide my residence eligibility?
No. Sollo can help you find official starting points, but eligibility and applications must be confirmed with immigration authorities or qualified advisers.
Important note
Sollo helps you find and organize official public information. It does not decide eligibility, submit applications, or replace advice from a government office or qualified adviser. Official rules can change and may depend on your location, household, income, residence status, employment, and application timing. Always confirm details with the linked official source or the relevant office before acting.
How Sollo can help
Sollo helps you keep immigration, local registration, work, tax, pension, and insurance procedures separate so you do not follow the wrong office path.