Welcome to Japan – We’re Here to Help You!
Are you planning to live, work, or build a future in Japan?
Whether you’re starting a new job, launching your own business, or beginning a life with your Japanese partner, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Applying for a visa in Japan can be confusing – even stressful-especially if you’re not familiar with the procedures or the language. That’s where we come in. Our office specializes in helping non-Japanese clients successfully apply for the right visa to match their goals.
But our support doesn’t stop once your visa is approved.
We believe that true support means helping you not only to enter Japan, but also to build a successful life here. After you arrive, we can assist you with practical matters such as starting your business, visiting city offices, and understanding essential procedures for daily life. Every client has a different journey – we’re here to make yours smoother.
We are a certified immigration legal office, with experience in handling a wide variety of visa applications. We understand that every client is unique, and we take the time to understand your background and what you hope to achieve in Japan. Let us handle the complicated paperwork, communicate with immigration authorities on your behalf, and guide you through the process—so you can focus on your life and future in Japan.
Find Your Visa – Explore Your Options
Choosing the right visa is the first and most important step on your journey to Japan. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you understand which visa suits your plans best. Whether you want to work in Japan, start a business, or join your spouse or family, each type of visa has different requirements and advantages. Below is an overview of some of the most common visa types we handle:
Work Visa
This visa is ideal for professionals who want to work at a Japanese company, especially in fields such as:
- IT and software engineering
- Translation and interpretation
- Marketing, sales, and international trade
- Finance, education, and consulting
To qualify, you typically need:
- A relevant university degree or 10 years of professional experience
- An employment offer from a Japanese company
- A clear job description matching visa requirements
This visa allows you to live and work in Japan, with options for renewal and potential pathway to permanent residency.
Business Manager Visa
This visa is for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to launch or manage a business in Japan.
You may qualify if you:
- Establish a company or branch office in Japan
- Rent a physical office space (virtual offices are not accepted)
- Invest at least JPY 5 million in capital
- Submit a realistic and well-documented business plan
This visa can be renewed if the business is active and stable. It’s a common route for foreigners wishing to run a restaurant, retail shop, online business, or import/export company in Japan.
Intra-Company Transferee
Are you being transferred to your company’s Japan office? This visa is for employees of multinational corporations who:
- Have worked for at least 1 year at the overseas office of the same company or group
- Are being temporarily transferred to the Japan branch
This visa does not require a degree but does require continuity in employment. It’s often used by IT engineers, project managers, and financial analysts working in global corporations.
Spouse of Japanese National / Long-Term Resident
If you’re married to a Japanese citizen or someone with long-term resident status, this visa allows you to live in Japan with them and enjoy a high level of flexibility:
- No restriction on employment type or number of hours
- Easier eligibility for permanent residency
- Ability to work in any field, including part-time, self-employment, or freelance
Applicants will need to provide proof of relationship, shared residence, and intent to live together in Japan.
Student Visa / Dependent Visa / Highly Skilled Professional Visa
These are just a few of the other visa types we can support:
- Student Visa: For those studying at Japanese language schools, universities, or vocational institutions
- Dependent Visa: For spouses and children of work or student visa holders
- Highly Skilled Professional Visa: A fast-track visa for applicants who meet certain point-based criteria in education, work experience, income, and language ability
If you’re unsure which visa best fits your situation, we’ll help you evaluate your background and long-term goals.
Temporary Visitor Visa
Planning a short trip to Japan for tourism, visiting friends/family, or a brief business meeting?
This visa allows you to stay up to 90 days and is often required for nationals of countries without visa exemptions. While it’s not for working, we help ensure your application includes all necessary documents—such as itinerary, invitation letter, and financial proof—to increase your chances of success.
Not sure which visa fits your situation?
We can help you find the best match based on your personal goals and circumstances.
Do You Want to Work in Japan?
Japan is known for its unique culture, advanced technology, and high standard of living. It’s no wonder that so many people from around the world want to work here.
If you’re planning to work in Japan, you’ll likely need a visa called “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services”—commonly known as a “working visa.” This visa is available to people who have a job offer in fields such as IT, marketing, international trade, design, translation, education, and more. To qualify for this visa, you generally need a university degree or relevant professional experience. The process involves several steps, including preparing documents, coordinating with your employer, and submitting an application to Immigration.
We support you through every part of this process, including:
- Reviewing your eligibility
- Communicating with your employer
- Preparing and checking your documents
- Submitting the application to Immigration on your behalf
If you’re still job-hunting, we can also give you advice on what kind of positions are likely to qualify for a visa and what to watch out for when signing a contract.
And once your visa is approved, we’re still here for you. If you need help understanding your rights as a worker, renewing your visa, or changing jobs in the future, you can count on us to assist you. Let us help you take the next step toward your career in Japan – with confidence.
Have You Been Transferred to Japan by Your Company?
Has your company assigned you to a position in Japan?
If you’re being transferred from an overseas office to a branch or subsidiary in Japan, you may need an Intra-Company Transferee visa.
This visa is for employees who have worked at a company abroad and are now being relocated within the same corporate group to continue similar duties in Japan. It’s commonly used for positions such as:
- IT engineers
- Sales and marketing staff
- Financial specialists
- Project managers
- Internal auditors or consultants
To qualify, you must:
- Have worked at your current company (or group company) outside Japan for at least one year before the transfer
- Be transferred to perform a similar job in Japan
- Submit documentation from both the overseas and Japanese offices
We support both individuals and corporate HR departments by:
- Reviewing eligibility and explaining the process
- Coordinating with the company’s Japan office
- Preparing and checking all necessary documents
- Submitting the application to Immigration on your behalf
We understand that corporate transfers often come with tight schedules. We work efficiently and communicate clearly to make your relocation to Japan as smooth as possible. Whether you’re coming to Japan for a few months or several years, let us help you get started on the right foot.
Do You Want to Start a Business in Japan?
Japan is not only one of the world’s largest economies, but also a country with strong consumer trust, advanced infrastructure, and a deep appreciation for quality and innovation. From tourism and trade to technology and food services, Japan offers exciting opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful and lasting.
If you’re planning to start your own business in Japan, you will likely need a “Business Manager” visa.
This visa is for people who want to launch and manage a business in Japan. You don’t need to speak Japanese fluently, but there are several legal and practical requirements, such as:
- Having a clear and realistic business plan
- Securing a proper office space in Japan
- Investing at least 5 million yen in capital
- Establishing a company structure that can operate independently
We offer full support – especially for those who are still outside Japan.Many of our clients begin by applying for a 4-month Business Manager visa, which allows them to enter Japan and handle key startup tasks: opening a bank account, registering the company, finding an office, and more. Once everything is in place, we help them switch to a longer-term visa (usually 1 year or more).
Our support includes:
- Reviewing your business idea and visa eligibility
- Preparing all required documents (including Japanese business plans)
- Guiding you through company registration, office leasing, and more
- Ensuring compliance with immigration rules
- Providing ongoing support even after your visa is granted
We understand how challenging it can feel to leave your home country and start a business in a foreign land. There may be language barriers, cultural differences, and unexpected roadblocks – but you don’t have to face them alone. We’re here not only to help you get your visa, but to walk with you – step by step – as you build your new life and business in Japan.
Love Knows No Borders: Marrying a Japanese National
Congratulations on your marriage – or your plans to marry – a Japanese national!
Getting married is a big life step, and doing so across countries and cultures is both beautiful and complex. If you’re planning to live in Japan together, you will need a Spouse of Japanese National visa.
This visa allows you to live and work freely in Japan as the spouse of a Japanese citizen. But the application process involves more than just submitting a marriage certificate. Immigration authorities will carefully examine your relationship to confirm it is genuine and stable.
You will need to prepare:
- Proof of a sincere and ongoing relationship
- Marriage certificate and related legal documents
- Statements or letters from both partners
- Evidence of your plans to live together in Japan
We can support you by:
- Carefully guiding you through the required documents
- Helping you write your personal statements in Japanese
- Communicating with local city halls and Immigration on your behalf
- Responding to requests for additional evidence or interviews
We also understand that starting a new life together in Japan involves more than just completing paperwork. From adjusting to life in a new country to navigating daily routines as a couple, there are many things to think about after your visa is approved.
We are here to provide reliable support tailored to your situation—so you and your partner can begin your life in Japan with confidence and peace of mind. International marriage is a journey, and we’re here to support you along the way.
Other Visa Types – We Support a Wide Range of Situations
Not sure which visa applies to your case?
Even if your situation doesn’t fall under the categories we’ve already mentioned, we can still help.
Our office handles many different visa types and situations, such as:
- Student visa to working visa transitions
- Dependent visas for family members
- Permanent residency applications
- Specialist fields like legal/accounting, nursing care, skilled labor, etc.
- Extensions and changes of your current visa status
- Re-entry procedures and other related filings
We understand that every person’s situation is different.
Whether you’re an artist, an engineer, a caregiver, or planning to live in Japan with your family, we take the time to listen carefully and find the best path forward for you. No matter how simple or complex your case may seem, we’re here to provide clear guidance and dependable support.
Every situation is unique.
We’re here to help you understand what’s best for you.
Already in Japan? Need to Change or Extend Your Visa?
Are you currently living in Japan and wondering what to do when your visa is about to expire? Or maybe your situation has changed and you now need a different type of visa?
We help people who are already in Japan with:
- Visa extension (renewal) procedures
- Changing your visa status (for example, from Student to Engineer, or from Spouse to Permanent Resident)
- Handling overstay situations or special cases
- Guidance on what documents you need, and when to apply
Many people find these procedures confusing—even people who have lived in Japan for years! Immigration rules can be strict and change over time, so it’s important to prepare properly.
We will:
- Carefully review your situation and explain your options
- Prepare and check all the required documents
- Submit the application to Immigration on your behalf (if needed)
- Help you respond to any questions or requests from Immigration
Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your work, study, or family life in Japan.
Why Choose Us?
There are many immigration support services in Japan—but here’s what makes our office different:
We Offer Personalized Support
We take the time to listen and understand your goals, background, and concerns. Every person’s situation is unique, and we don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. We provide practical, customized guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
Full Support—Before and After You Get Your Visa
Getting a visa is just one step. We support you not only with the application process, but also with what comes next – starting a business, settling into daily life, or getting through paperwork at city offices. We are here to help you make a smooth transition to life in Japan.
Experience with a Wide Range of Visas
From working and business visas to marriage and long-term residence, we have handled many types of applications. Whether your case is simple or complex, we are ready to assist you with reliable, up-to-date advice.
Easy to Reach and Communicate With
We know how important clear communication is. We reply quickly and explain things clearly, so you never feel lost or overwhelmed. You can count on us to be responsive, supportive, and thorough.
Common Visa Mistakes in Japan — and How You Can Avoid Them
Learn from the most frequent problems — and prepare for success.
At our office, we regularly assist clients who have faced challenges or rejections in their visa applications. In many cases, these difficulties arise not from ill intent, but from misunderstandings or a lack of proper preparation. Below, we introduce six common visa-related mistakes based on industry-wide patterns and known examples. These are not actual client cases, but they reflect real issues that many applicants have faced in Japan.
Case 1: “Vague Business Plan”
Visa Type: Business Manager
Applicant Background: A tech consultant from India wanted to establish a small IT advisory firm in Tokyo.
What went wrong:
- The business plan was only 4 pages and lacked structure
- No detailed explanation of services, pricing, or target clients
- Financial projections were unrealistic and unsupported by data
- Office location and staff plans were missing
Why Immigration Rejected It:
Immigration officials need to confirm that your business is sustainable, clearly defined, and viable in the Japanese market. A vague or overly simple business plan raises doubts about the seriousness and feasibility of your project.
Avoid it by:
Preparing a 10–15 page business plan, ideally in Japanese
Including:
- Market research and competitive analysis
- Clear business model and services
- Detailed financial projections (1–3 years)
- Plans for office space and employee hiring
Explaining why your business is needed in Japan (e.g. tech localization, support for foreign companies)
Case 2: “Unclear Financial Support Evidence”
Visa Type: Spouse of Japanese National
Applicant Background: A foreign spouse applying for a visa renewal submitted insufficient proof of the Japanese partner’s financial ability to support the household.
What went wrong:
• Submitted only one month’s pay slip
• No recent tax certificate or bank statements provided
• Lack of explanation about stable income or employment status
• Immigration doubted whether the sponsor could financially support the spouse
Why Immigration Rejected It:
To issue or renew a Spouse Visa, immigration needs to confirm the Japanese spouse can financially support the foreign spouse and that the couple can live stably in Japan. Insufficient proof can lead to rejection.
Avoid it by:
Providing multiple months of pay slips or employment certificates
Including recent tax certificates (gensen choshuhyo) and bank statements
Adding a letter explaining employment status and financial situation
Consulting a professional to prepare a convincing financial evidence package
Case 3: “Degree Doesn’t Match Job”
Visa Type: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Applicant Background: A business graduate from Southeast Asia applied for a web engineer position at a Japanese start-up.
What went wrong:
- Their major was in marketing, not engineering
- The job description involved full-stack development
- No formal training or work history in IT
- The company didn’t provide justification for the match
Why Immigration Rejected It:
This visa requires your academic background or work experience to be relevant to your job duties. If not, the application may be considered ineligible even if the employer is willing to hire you.
Avoid it by:
Aligning your major and job content (or proving relevant experience)
Supplementing with:
- Certificates (e.g. programming, design)
- Past projects or freelance work
- A letter from the company explaining the match
Translating these materials into Japanese with care
Case 4: “Missing Supporting Documents”
Visa Type: Dependent
Applicant Background: A dependent visa applicant for a child of a foreign resident in Japan.
What went wrong:
- Missing copy of the sponsor’s residence card
- No recent proof of income (pay slips or tax documents)
- Child’s birth certificate was untranslated
- No explanation letter for missing documents
Why Immigration Rejected It:
Immigration requires complete and current documentation to verify identity, relationship, and financial support. Applications with missing or outdated documents are often rejected without further notice.
Avoid it by:
Double-checking document lists before submission
Providing:
• Recent tax records, pay slips, or bank statements
• Japanese translations of all foreign documents
• A cover letter explaining any unavailable documents
Consulting a specialist to ensure completeness
Case 5: “Invitation Letter Lacked Specific Details”
Visa Type: Temporary Visitor (短期滞在)
Applicant Background: A foreign national applied for a Temporary Visitor visa to visit a friend in Japan. The Japanese friend provided an invitation letter, but the application was rejected.
What went wrong:
- The invitation letter was too vague: it mentioned “a personal visit” but did not explain the purpose clearly
- No schedule or itinerary was included
- Relationship between inviter and invitee was not documented (e.g., no photos, messages, or history of contact)
- Immigration could not assess the legitimacy or necessity of the visit
Why Immigration Rejected It:
Japanese immigration is strict when it comes to private visit visas, especially if the applicant is from a country requiring visas. A vague invitation raises suspicion that the purpose might not be purely personal or that the inviter may not take responsibility.
Avoid it by:
Writing a detailed invitation letter explaining the relationship, purpose, and reason for the visit
Including a proposed itinerary with travel dates, places to visit, and accommodation plans
Providing supporting documents: photos together, chat history, copies of residence card/passport of inviter
Ensuring all documents are consistent and professionally presented
How We Help You Avoid These Pitfalls
Many applicants underestimate the strict expectations of Japanese immigration. We provide expert support to make sure your application is accurate, persuasive, and fully compliant.
Free Consultation / Contact Us
Starting a new chapter in Japan can be both exciting and a little overwhelming.
We understand that every person’s path is unique, and we’re here to walk alongside you with care and honesty.
If you’re curious about how we can assist with your visa or life in Japan, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
You can reach us anytime by email or through our simple contact form – no pressure, just a friendly conversation.
We’ll take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions clearly, and help you explore the best options for your situation. We look forward to hearing from you – and to supporting you as you make your dreams in Japan come true.
Contact Us
Whether you’re looking for a specialist to work with you and achieve your objectives, or seeking an expert for advice on a particular matter, we’ll make sure the right person for the job gets back to you. Simply fill out the form below.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve you !
Takei International Legal Office
Step-by-Step Visa Application Journey Map
Applying for a Japanese visa can feel complex, especially if it’s your first time. To make the process clear and manageable, here is a step-by-step guide showing how we support you from start to finish:
