What is an Extension of Period of Stay?
This application allows foreign nationals to extend their period of stay in Japan while keeping the same status of residence.
For example, a person with a one-year “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa can extend it for another one or three years if they continue working for the same company.
When is it required?
- When the validity of your residence card is about to expire
- When you continue working at the same company
- When you continue studying at the same school (for students)
- When dependents (spouse or children) need to continue living in Japan
👉 If you fail to renew your visa before the expiration date, you may become an overstayer, which could lead to serious consequences such as deportation or being barred from re-entry.
Who applies?
- The foreign national themselves applies at the nearest Immigration Bureau.
- Employers or schools may help prepare the necessary documents.
- An administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) can also apply on behalf of the applicant.
Required documents (example: work visa)
- Application form for Extension of Period of Stay
- Passport and residence card
- Employment contract, certificate of employment
- Company registration certificate, financial statements
- Tax payment certificates (inhabitant tax)
- Photo (4 cm × 3 cm)
※The required documents vary depending on the status of residence (e.g., student, dependent).
Application process
- Prepare the necessary documents
Collect employment or enrollment certificates, tax records, etc. - Submit to Immigration Bureau
Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before the expiration date. - Screening (about 1–2 months)
Immigration reviews whether your activities still match your status of residence and whether your financial/working situation is stable. - New residence card issued
If approved, a new residence card will be issued with an extended period of stay.
Examples
- Work visa
Current validity: 1 year → Continue with the same company → Apply for extension → A 3-year extension may be granted. - Student visa
A university student nearing the end of their visa → Submit certificate of enrollment and transcripts → Extension granted until graduation.
What Immigration checks
- Whether your activities still match your status of residence
- Continuity of employment or study
- Tax and social insurance payment status
- Past violations of immigration law
Important notes
- Late applications risk overstaying, which carries severe penalties
- Incomplete documents may result in refusal of extension
- Unpaid taxes or mismatches between actual activities and visa type are common reasons for denial
Benefits of this procedure
- Ensures uninterrupted life, work, or study in Japan
- May result in a longer residence period (3 or 5 years)
- Stable residence status helps with employment, school, and housing contracts
Why consult a professional?
- Prevents mistakes and missing documents
- Identifies and addresses risk factors such as unpaid taxes or unclear employment records
- Ensures timely and smooth application before expiration
Summary
The Extension of Period of Stay is an essential procedure to continue living in Japan legally and securely.
By preparing early and applying properly, you can maintain a stable life, career, or studies in Japan without interruption.