Difference Between Status of Residence and Visa in Japan (Simple Explanation)

One of the most confusing parts of Japan’s immigration system is this question:

“What’s the difference between a visa and a status of residence?”

Many foreign residents use these terms interchangeably — but in Japan, they mean two completely different things, and misunderstanding the difference can cause serious immigration problems.

This article explains the difference clearly and practically, using real-life examples so you know exactly what matters once you’re living in Japan.

What Is a Visa in Japan?

A visa is an entry document issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate outside Japan.

Key Facts About Visas

• Used only to enter Japan

• Issued before arrival

• Becomes irrelevant after landing

• Has an expiration date for entry, not for stay

💡 Think of a visa as a key to open the door to Japan — not permission to live or work there.

Common Visa Types

• Work visa (issued overseas)

• Student visa

• Dependent visa

• Temporary visitor (tourist visa)

Once you enter Japan, the visa itself no longer controls your stay.

What Is a Status of Residence?

A Status of Residence (在留資格) is your legal permission to live and work in Japan after entry.

It is granted by:

• Immigration at the airport (initially)

• Immigration Services Agency (for renewals and changes)

Status of Residence Determines:

• What kind of work you can do

• Whether you can work at all

• How long you can stay

• Renewal eligibility

• Permanent Residency eligibility

Your Residence Card shows your status of residence — not your visa.

Simple Comparison: Visa vs Status of Residence

Real-Life Example (Very Important)

Example: Engineer Coming to Japan

1. You apply for a work visa at a Japanese embassy

2. You enter Japan using that visa

3. At the airport, immigration grants you:

   • Status of Residence: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities

4. Your visa expires later — nothing happens

5. Your status of residence determines:

   • How long you can stay

   • Whether you can work

   • When you must renew

👉 Overstaying is about status of residence, not visa expiration.

Why This Difference Matters So Much

Many people make dangerous assumptions, such as:

• “My visa is still valid, so I’m fine” ❌

• “I don’t need to renew yet” ❌

• “Changing jobs doesn’t matter” ❌

In reality:

• If your status of residence expires, you become illegal — even if your visa was valid once

• Working outside your status is a serious violation

• Renewals apply to status, not visas

Can You Change One Without the Other?

Change Status of Residence

✅ Yes (inside Japan)
Examples:

• Student → Work visa

• Work visa → Highly Skilled Professional

• Work visa → Dependent

Change Visa

❌ No (inside Japan)
Visas are issued only outside Japan.

This is why Japan officially uses the term “Change of Status of Residence”, not “visa change.”

Permanent Residency vs Visa vs Status

• Permanent Residency is a status of residence

• It is not a visa

• It allows:

  • Unlimited work

  • Indefinite stay

  • No renewals (in practice)

Even permanent residents still entered Japan using a visa at some point.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Confusing visa expiry with legal stay
❌ Working outside your status category
❌ Forgetting to renew status on time
❌ Assuming employer controls your visa

⚠️ Your status of residence belongs to you, not your company.

Final Thoughts

In Japan:

• A visa lets you enter

• A status of residence lets you stay

Understanding this distinction protects you from:

• Overstays

• Work violations

• Renewal problems

• PR delays

If you live in Japan long-term, this is one of the most important immigration concepts to understand correctly.

Related Posts:

• Self-Sponsorship Visa in Japan: Is It Possible?

• Highly Skilled Professional Visa Japan: Benefits & Points System Explained (2026)

• Real Visa Rejection Stories in Japan (Anonymized)

• Visa Overstay in Japan: Penalties, Grace Periods, and Solutions

• Work Visa Renewal Documents in Japan (2026): Complete Checklist for Foreigners

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