What is this application?
The Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence is required when a foreign national is already in Japan but does not yet have a valid status of residence.
A typical case is when a child is born in Japan to foreign parents. Since the child does not automatically receive a status of residence, the parents must apply within 30 days of birth to obtain one.
When is it required?
- When a child is born in Japan and needs to obtain a status of residence
- When a person entered Japan without a valid status but is later granted special permission to stay (e.g., recognized refugees)
- When the Minister of Justice specially approves a case for residence
👉 The most common case is for children born in Japan.
Who applies?
- In principle, the applicant themselves or their legal representative (such as a parent) applies.
- An administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) or other professional can also apply on behalf of the applicant.
Required documents (example: birth case)
- Application form for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence
- Birth certificate or certificate of acceptance of birth registration
- Parents’ residence cards and passports
- Resident record (juminhyo) listing all household members
- Photo of the child (4 cm × 3 cm)
※ Additional documents may be required depending on the case.
Application process
- Prepare the necessary documents
Collect birth certificate, parents’ ID documents, and resident record. - Submit to the Immigration Bureau
The application must be filed within 30 days of birth. - Screening (about 1–2 months)
Immigration reviews the parents’ residence status and the family’s living situation in Japan. - Residence card issued
Once approved, the child is granted a status of residence and issued a residence card.
Examples
- Child born in Japan to foreign parents
Application submitted within 30 days → After 1–2 months, the child is granted a “Dependent” or other suitable status → Residence card issued. - Recognized refugee
Initially without a valid residence status → Granted a new status such as “Long-Term Resident.”
What Immigration checks
- Whether the parents’ residence status is valid and stable
- Whether the family has a stable living base in Japan
- Whether there are any legal violations
Important notes
- If you fail to apply within 30 days of birth, the child will be considered “without status,” which could be treated as illegal stay.
- If the parents’ residence status is unstable, the application may be denied.
- Incomplete documents or missed deadlines pose serious risks.
Benefits
- Ensures the child has a valid legal status in Japan
- Allows access to education, healthcare, and government services
- Provides eligibility for future extensions or changes of status
Why consult a professional?
- To ensure the application is submitted correctly within the short time frame
- To organize all required documents and avoid mistakes
- To advise on the most appropriate status of residence depending on the parents’ situation
Summary
The Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence is especially important for children born in Japan, as it ensures they have a legal foundation for their life here.
Applying properly provides peace of mind for the child’s future education, healthcare, and residence in Japan.