Foreign nationals staying in Japan are generally required to obtain a status of residence appropriate to the purpose of their stay.

Statuses of residence are established according to the activities a foreign national intends to engage in Japan, such as employment, studying, living with family, or managing a business, as well as their personal status or position.

The following are some examples of the major statuses of residence in Japan.

1．Examples of Statuses of Residence That Allow Employment

A　Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

This status of residence is for foreign nationals who engage in work that requires specialized knowledge or skills.

B　Business Manager

This status of residence is for foreign nationals who operate or manage a business in Japan.

C　Specified Skilled Worker (i) / (ii)

This status of residence is for foreign nationals who have a certain level of skills and Japanese language ability and work in designated fields in Japan.

D　Designated Activities

This status of residence is for foreign nationals who engage in activities specifically designated by the Minister of Justice.

Depending on the type of activity designated, employment may or may not be permitted.

2．Examples of Statuses of Residence Not Primarily for Employment

A　Student / Trainee

These statuses of residence are for foreign nationals who study at universities, professional training colleges, Japanese language schools, or other educational institutions, or who receive certain types of training in Japan.

B　Dependent

The Dependent status of residence is for the spouses and children of certain foreign nationals residing in Japan who are supported by them and wish to live in Japan.

C　Temporary Visitor

The Temporary Visitor status of residence is for relatively short stays in Japan, such as tourism, visiting relatives, or short-term business activities.

3．Examples of Statuses of Residence Based on Personal Status or Position

As a general rule, statuses of residence based on personal status or position do not impose restrictions on the activities that the holder may engage in, including employment.

A　Spouse or Child of Japanese National

This status of residence is granted to spouses of Japanese nationals and certain children of Japanese nationals.

B　Long-Term Resident

This status of residence is granted to foreign nationals who are permitted to reside in Japan for a specified period based on special circumstances recognized by the Minister of Justice.

C　Permanent Resident

This status of residence is granted to foreign nationals who meet certain requirements and have been granted permission for permanent residence in Japan by the Minister of Justice.

In addition to the above, Japan has various other statuses of residence.

The appropriate status of residence depends on the purpose of the stay in Japan, as well as the applicant’s background, family circumstances, type of employment, and other individual circumstances.

Therefore, when applying for, changing, or renewing a status of residence, it is important to determine which status of residence is appropriate for your individual circumstances.