Immigration Guide
Comprehensive information on Japanese visa types, official resources, immigration offices, and practical tips for a smooth application.
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Official Resources
Trusted government sources for Japanese immigration information.
Immigration Services Agency
Official ISA homepage — news, policies, and procedures.
Application Forms
Download official visa application forms and guides.
Japan eVISA System
Electronic visa for eligible nationalities (short-term).
MOFA Visa Information
Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa overview and embassy list.
Regional Office List
Find your nearest immigration bureau.
Immigration Offices
Japan's 8 Regional Immigration Bureaus. Visit the one covering your area of residence.
Weekdays 9:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00
Tokyo
5-5-30 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
03-5796-7111
Jurisdiction
Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata
Osaka
2-1-17 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
06-6941-0771
Jurisdiction
Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, Wakayama
Nagoya
4-3-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya
052-951-2391
Jurisdiction
Aichi, Mie, Shizuoka, Gifu, Fukui, Toyama, Ishikawa
Fukuoka
1-22 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
092-717-5420
Jurisdiction
Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Okinawa
Sapporo
12 Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
011-261-7502
Jurisdiction
Hokkaido
Sendai
1-3-20 Gorin, Miyagino-ku, Sendai
022-256-6076
Jurisdiction
Miyagi, Fukushima, Yamagata, Iwate, Akita, Aomori
Hiroshima
2-31 Kami-Hacchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
082-221-4411
Jurisdiction
Hiroshima, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Tottori, Shimane
Takamatsu
1-1 Marunouchi, Takamatsu, Kagawa
087-822-5852
Jurisdiction
Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi
Practical Tips
Avoid common mistakes and save time at the immigration office.
Apply Early
Submit your renewal at least 3 months before your current visa expires. Processing can take 2–8 weeks depending on the office.
Originals + Copies
Always bring original documents plus one photocopy of each. The officer will return originals after verifying.
Revenue Stamps
Purchase revenue stamps (収入印紙, shūnyū inshi) at a post office or convenience store before visiting immigration. ¥4,000 for most extensions; ¥10,000 for permanent residency.
Photo Requirements
Prepare a 4×3 cm photo with white background, taken within the last 3 months. No hats or sunglasses.
Check Office Wait Times
Arrive early — popular offices like Tokyo and Osaka can have 2–3 hour waits. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less crowded.
Keep Copies of Everything
Photocopy your completed application form and all attachments before submitting. You may need them for future renewals.
Residence Card Update
After approval, visit your local ward office (市区町村役場) within 14 days to update your address on the new residence card.
Online Reservation
Some offices now accept online reservations. Check the ISA website for your regional bureau's appointment system.