For those who are worried about renewing or changing their residence status
Visa consultation for those worried about whether they can stay in Japan
When it comes to renewing or changing your residence status (visa),
you may be wondering, "I don't know if this will work in my case," or "I'm unsure where to start."
Are you struggling alone in these situations?
First, please tell us the situation.
At Shinohara Administrative Scrivener's Office,
we provide consultations regarding residence status to foreign nationals themselves.
Even if you haven't yet decided whether to request our services, please let us know your situation first.
For inquiries by phone, click here
Business hours: Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) 9:00 to 18:00
*Consultations are conducted in Japanese.
(Foreign language pages are provided as a guide to help you understand the system.)
We receive many such concerns and inquiries.
The expiration date of your residence status is approaching
I'm not sure if I can update
I changed jobs, but I'm worried about whether I'll be okay.
The job content has changed
Changes in your life situation, such as marriage or divorce
The last update was just last minute
It is important to check the situation early.
permanent resident
"For those who want to live in Japan forever, free from visa renewals"
This qualification can be considered the goal for foreign workers, as it eliminates restrictions on the period of stay and the type of activities (employment). Not only does it eliminate the hassle of renewal procedures, but it also means that foreign workers will be treated the same as Japanese people when it comes to mortgage screening and social credibility.
[Major permission requirements]
Good conduct requirements
Obey the law and do not engage in any behavior that would be socially condemned as a resident.
independent living requirements
Possessing assets and skills that will enable you to live a stable life in the future.
National interest requirements
In principle, you must have resided in Japan for more than 10 years, with at least 5 years of that residency held on a work visa.
*In recent years, there has been particularly strict scrutiny regarding whether tax obligations and pension payments are being made properly.
Naturalization application
"The choice to acquire Japanese citizenship and live as a Japanese person"
Unlike "permanent residence," this is a procedure to renounce foreign nationality and acquire Japanese nationality. If permission is granted, a Japanese family register will be created and your passport will also be Japanese. In addition to gaining voting rights, you will also be guaranteed complete freedom of occupation, such as employment as a civil servant.
[Differences and points between permanent residency and permanent residency]
Residency requirements
In principle, you must have had an address in Japan for at least five consecutive years (this is a shorter period than permanent residence, but more emphasis is placed on your living situation).
Japanese ability
Reading, writing and speaking skills equivalent to a third grade elementary school student are required.
Examination period
It takes about 10 months to a year from application to permission, and an interview will also be held at the Legal Affairs Bureau.
business administration
[Important] "Qualifications for foreign managers starting up businesses in Japan" in line with the October 2025 revision
Flexible and stricter capital requirements
The capital requirement, previously known as the "5 million yen barrier," has been revised to require a minimum of 30 million yen. While there have been cases where the capital requirement has been relaxed (delayed) for startups and the like, there is a growing tendency for the establishment of a paper company that simply prepares 5 million yen as a show cash to be denied more strictly than ever before.
Actual situation of the business
When using virtual offices or shared offices, the "independence" and "substance" of the business are judged extremely strictly based on the nature of the business.
The importance of a business plan
The difference between approval and denial depends on the accuracy of the business plan, which proves whether you will be able to continue making profits in Japan, including the basis for sales forecasts and prospects for contracts with business partners.
Main changes in the revision
Capital Requirements: ¥5 million → ¥30 million
Employees: Mandatory employment of at least one full-time employee (Japanese nationals, permanent residents, etc.)
Japanese Language Proficiency: Applicant or full-time employee must have Japanese language proficiency at the B2 level (equivalent to N2)
Business Plan: Professional evaluation by a certified small and medium-sized enterprise management consultant, certified public accountant, or tax accountant is required Education and Experience: At least three years of business management experience or a master's degree or higher
Our firm provides one-stop support based on the latest revised standards, from company establishment to creating business plans and visa applications.
Fee
Permanent residence permit application
150,000
円～
Naturalization application
150,000
円～
business management visa
200,000
円～
FAQ
Q. I am busy with work during the week and don't have time to go to the immigration office.
A. There is no need for you to go to the Immigration Bureau. Our administrative scrivener is qualified as an "application agent administrative scrivener," which means he can act as an agent for applications to the Immigration Bureau. We will handle everything from submitting application documents to receiving your new residence card, so you can complete the procedures without taking time off from work or school.
Q. Is there any guarantee in case my application is denied?
A. We will support you in reapplication (recovery) free of charge. If your application is denied due to our judgment or insufficient documentation, we will reapply at no additional charge. If we are unable to expect permission on your reapplication (for example, if it is discovered that you do not meet any of the requirements), we will refund the full amount of your fees, excluding the initial fee. *However, this guarantee does not apply if you have made false declarations or concealed a past criminal record, etc.
Q. I applied for a visa myself but it was rejected. Can I request a reapplication?
A. Yes, it is possible. Please consult us immediately before giving up. Even if your application has been denied, there are many cases where permission can be granted by accurately analyzing the reasons and reinforcing any insufficient explanations. First, we will accompany you (or act on your behalf) to the Immigration Bureau to confirm the "reason for denial," and then we will determine the possibility of reapplication from a professional perspective.
Q. I'm not very good at Japanese. Can I get advice?
A. Yes, we will respond carefully, making use of translation tools. We will explain things in easy-to-understand Japanese, without using technical terms. Also, please rest assured that you can communicate at your own pace while translating using chat tools such as email or LINE.
Q. Is the consultation free?
A. The first consultation (60 minutes) is free. We will first ask about your current situation (period of stay, family composition, job details, etc.) and diagnose whether or not there is a possibility of obtaining permission. We will never pressure you into signing a contract, so please feel free to use our consultation as a second opinion.
Q. When do I need to pay the fee?
A. As a general rule, you will be required to pay in two installments: a retainer fee and a success fee. When you sign the contract, you will pay the retainer fee (30% of the total amount) and then we will begin work. Once permission is granted, you will be required to pay the remaining success fee (70%). *We are also happy to discuss payment in installments depending on the content of the project.
Please contact us for free