How to Renew Your Work Visa in Japan
在留期間更新許可申請ガイド
If you're working in Japan on a work visa (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Worker, or Business Manager), you'll need to renew your visa before it expires. This process is officially called the Period of Stay Extension (在留期間更新許可申請).
When to Apply
You can apply for renewal up to 3 months before your current visa expires. We recommend applying at least 2 months before expiration to avoid any gaps.
If your visa has already expired, you may still be able to apply within a special grace period — consult your local Immigration Bureau immediately.
Required Documents
For All Work Visa Renewals
- Application Form (在留期間更新許可申請書) — Form #5, available from Immigration Bureau or auto-generated by NipponVisa
- Passport — Valid passport with current visa sticker
- Residence Card (在留カード) — Front and back copies
- Photo (4cm x 3cm) — Taken within 3 months, white background
- Fee — 4,000 yen revenue stamp (収入印紙)
Documents from Your Employer
- Certificate of Employment (在職証明書) — From your current employer
- Company Registration (登記事項証明書) — If your employer is a corporation
- Most Recent Tax Certificate (課税証明書) — Showing your annual income
- Tax Payment Certificate (納税証明書) — Proving you've paid taxes
Additional Documents (depending on your category)
- For Engineers/Specialists: University degree certificate or 10+ years of work experience documentation
- For Business Managers: Business plan, financial statements, office lease agreement
- For Skilled Workers: Certificates of qualification in your skill area
Processing Time
- Standard: 2 weeks to 1 month
- Busy periods (March-April): Up to 2 months
- You'll receive a postcard (はがき) when the decision is ready
Where to Apply
Submit your application at the Immigration Bureau (出入国在留管理局) that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Major offices:
- Tokyo: Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau (品川)
- Osaka: Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau (南港)
- Nagoya: Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau
- Fukuoka: Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Don't wait until the last minute — Apply at least 2 months before expiration
- Keep your employer informed — They may need to provide supporting documents
- Pay your taxes — Unpaid taxes can cause delays or rejection
- Update your address — Your residence card address must match your actual address
- Use NipponVisa — Our AI auto-fills your application form by scanning your residence card and passport, saving hours of paperwork
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Incomplete or incorrect application forms
- Insufficient income or tax payment issues
- Job duties don't match your visa category
- Criminal record or immigration violations
Cost Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 4,000 yen |
| Photos | 500-1,000 yen |
| Tax certificates | 300-400 yen each |
| Company registration | 600 yen |
Automate Your Application with NipponVisa
Skip the manual paperwork. NipponVisa scans your residence card and passport, auto-fills Form #5, and generates a nationality-specific checklist of required documents. Start your renewal in minutes, not hours.