Types of residence status
What is a residence status?
Foreigners visiting Japan for tourism can enter the country with just their passport, but those staying for medium to long-term stays, such as for work or study, are required to have a valid residence status. If an employer hires a foreigner with an incorrect status or a foreigner whose residence permit has expired, the employer will also be subject to penalties, so be sure to check the residence card when hiring.
There are a total of 29 types of residence statuses.
(As of October 1, 2025)
Residence status that permits employment (with activity restrictions)
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外交 外国政府の大使館、公使等及びその家族
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公用 外国政府等の公務に従事する者及びその家族
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教授 大学教授等
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芸術 作曲家、画家、作家等
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宗教 外国の宗教団体から派遣される宣教師等
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報道 外国の報道機関の記者、カメラマン等
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高度専門職 ポイント制による高度人材
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経営・管理 企業等の経営者、管理者等
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法律・会計業務 弁護士、公認会計士等
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医療 医師、歯科医師、看護師等
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研究 政府関係機関や企業等の研究者等
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教育 高等学校、中学校等の語学教師等
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技術・人文知識・国際業務 機械工学等の技術者、通訳、IT関係、簿記経理等
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企業内転勤 外国の支店等から日本国内支店等への転勤者
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介護 介護福祉士
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興行 俳優、歌手、プロスポーツ選手等
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技能 外国料理の調理師、スポーツ指導者等
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技能実習 技能実習生（１号、2号、3号迄有り）
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特定技能 （１号、２号迄有り）
Residence status that does not permit employment
20. Cultural Activities: Researchers of Japanese Culture, etc.
21. Short-term tourists, conference participants, etc.
twenty two. Students of universities , vocational schools, Japanese language schools, etc.
23. Trainees
24. Spouses and children of foreign nationals residing in Japan under family stay work visas, etc.
Whether or not you are permitted to work depends on your residence status and the activities you specify.
25. Domestic servants of diplomats engaged in specific activities , working holiday visa holders, etc.
Status of residence based on personal status or position (status of residence)
26. Permanent Residents: Persons who have been granted permanent residency.
27. Spouse of a Japanese national: Spouse of a Japanese national, biological child, or adopted child.
28. Spouse of a Permanent Resident: Spouse of a Permanent Resident or Special Permanent Resident, or biological child born in Japan and continuously residing in Japan.
29. Third-generation Japanese residents , stepchildren of foreign spouses, etc.
*The residence statuses marked with a green symbol above are the most popular and commonly seen residence statuses.
Residence status that allows employment (with activity restrictions)
While often referred to as a "visa," foreigners possess two types of identification: a passport and a residence card. What is generally called a "visa" is actually a passport, which is used to confirm permission to leave the country and entry/exit history. On the other hand, "status of residence" refers to the reason for staying in Japan, and the residence card is proof of this status of residence (reason).
1. The name field lists the legal name based on nationality, not a nickname. This is followed by the date of birth, gender, nationality, and place of residence (address) in Japan.
2. The "Status of Residence" section lists the applicable status from the 29 types of statuses of residence. To the right of this, it indicates whether or not the applicant is employed. International students are generally not allowed to work, but they are permitted to work part-time jobs that cover their living expenses .
3. The period of stay (expiration date) indicates that you are permitted to stay in Japan under this status for a period of XX years and XX months from the date the residence card was issued .
4. The "Date of Permission" indicates the date the status of residence was approved, and the "Date of Issuance" indicates the date the residence card was issued .
5. The bottom row shows the expiration date of your currently granted residence status.
As a side note, let me explain one common mistake: when renewing your residence status, some people apply right before the expiration date. However, the application documents must be tax-related documents and other forms specified by the immigration office, and the residence status review process takes a considerable amount of time, ranging from two to six months, as it is handled on an individual basis. Therefore, applying right before the expiration date will not be sufficient. If you do not make the deadline, you will be required to return to your home country, so please be sure to prepare the documents and apply for the renewal of your residence status at least two to three months before the expiration date.
How to read the back of your residence card
Information is also printed on the back of your residence card, so be sure to check it carefully so you don't overlook anything.
◆ Permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted
"Permission: Generally, no more than 28 hours per week, excluding work in the adult entertainment industry, etc."
This stamp is located in the lower section on the back of the residence card. It signifies that you are permitted to work part-time in addition to your residence status. (No restrictions on type of work; however,work related to the Entertainment Business Act is not permitted.)
You can check this by looking for a stamp on the back of your residence card. A common example is seeing a "Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted Under the Status of Residence" stamp on the back of a student's residence card. This permission is necessary to work part-time.
◆The address written on the back may differ from the address on the front. In that case, the address written on the back is the new address.
*The address printed on the back will be the result of your resident registration at the local municipal office, and will serve as proof that your address has been correctly updated.
◆If you have applied for permission to extend your period of stay, etc. , this stamp will be placed on the lower right of the back of your residence card. This means that you have applied to the immigration office for procedures related to your residence status, such as extending the expiration date of your residence status or changing your status, and are awaiting review .
Although the decision on your residence status has not yet been made, those whose applications are pending are still eligible to stay in Japan and are not illegal immigrants.