How to Renew a Work Visa in Japan (2026 Guide)

Renewing a work visa in Japan is a routine but important administrative procedure for foreign residents working in the country. Whether you are an engineer, teacher, researcher, or employed in another professional field, timely visa renewal ensures that you remain in Japan legally and can continue working with peace of mind.

This 2026 guide explains who needs to renew, when to start the process, what documents are required, how to submit your application, and useful tips for smooth processing.

1. Do You Need to Renew Your Work Visa?

Yes. In Japan, work visas do not renew automatically. You must apply for an extension before your current status of residence (zairyū shikaku – 在留資格) expires.

Work visa categories include (but are not limited to):

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (gijutsu / jinbun chishiki / kokusai gyōmu – 技術・人文知識・国際業務)

• Instructor (e.g., language teachers) (kyōiku – 教育)

• Skilled Labor (ginō – 技能)

• Intra-Company Transferee (kigyōnai tenkin – 企業内転勤)

• Business Manager (keiei / kanri – 経営・管理)

• Researcher (kenkyū – 研究)

If your visa is nearing its expiration date and you intend to continue working in Japan, you must apply for renewal through the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (nyūkoku zairyū kanri-chō – 出入国在留管理庁).

2. When Should You Apply?

You may submit your renewal application up to three months before your visa expiration date.

Key terms:

• Expiration date (zairyū kigen – 在留期限)

Important points:

• Do not wait until the final week. Processing may take several weeks, especially during busy seasons.

• If you apply after the expiration date, you may require a special extension period (tokurei kikan – 特例期間) or face administrative complications.

3. Where to Apply

Applications must be submitted in person at the Regional Immigration Office (chihō nyūkoku kanrikyoku – 地方出入国在留管理局) that has jurisdiction over your residential address.

Major immigration offices are located in:

• Tokyo

• Osaka

• Nagoya

• Fukuoka

• Sapporo

• Kyoto

You can confirm office locations, opening hours, and procedures on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/

4. Required Documents (Standard Checklist)

The specific documents you need may vary by individual circumstances (e.g., changes in employer, salary, or visa category), but the core documents include:

1. Passport (original required) (pasupōto – パスポート)

2. Residence Card (original required) (zairyū kādo – 在留カード)

3. Visa Renewal Application Form (zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinseisho – 在留期間更新許可申請書)

   • Downloadable from the Immigration Agency site

     • You can download it from here → https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930004094.pdf

4. One Recent Photo

   • 4 cm×3 cm

   • Taken within 3 months

5. Certificate of Employment (zaishoku shōmeisho – 在職証明書)

   • Issued by your company

   • Should include job title, period of employment, and expected continuation

6. Proof of Income / Tax Payment

   • Tax certificate (gensen chōshūhyō – 源泉徴収票)

   • Income tax payment certificate (shotoku / jūminzei kazei shōmeisho – 所得・住民税課税証明書)

   • National tax payment certificates (nōzei shōmeisho – 納税証明書)

7. Copy of Work Contract

   • If applicable/updated

8. Company Documents (if required)

   • Corporate registration certificate (tōki jikō shōmeisho – 登記事項証明書)

   • Business license copy (kaisha gaiyō / jigyō kyoka – 会社概要 / 事業許可)

Additional documents may be requested depending on your case, such as:

• A detailed employment history

• Evidence of specialized work

• Academic certificates

• Explanation of job duties

5. Special Notes for 2026 Updates

Japan’s immigration rules are periodically adjusted, and in 2026 the following trends or changes are especially relevant:

A. Increased Fees

Visa renewal fees (tesūryō – 手数料) have increased in 2026 for many residence statuses. Expect to pay a higher processing charge at the counter at the time of submission.

B. Digital Submission Options

Some regional immigration bureaus now accept partial pre-submission of documents digitally. However, originals must be presented in person at the counter.

C. Stricter Document Review

Immigration officers are placing greater emphasis on:

• Proof of stable employment (antei shūgyō – 安定就業)

• Evidence of long-term intention to remain (chōki taizai ishi – 長期滞在意思)

• Clear job description aligned with visa status (zairyū shikaku itchi – 在留資格一致)

Be prepared with clear supporting documentation.

6. How the Process Works

1. Prepare all required documents according to the checklist above.

2. Organize your papers and ensure translations where necessary (Japanese preferred).

3. Visit your local immigration office in person.

4. Submit the application and pay the renewal fee.

5. Receive your receipt with a processing number.

6. Wait for a decision (typically 2–4 weeks, but can vary).

7. When approved, return to the office to collect your new Residence Card with updated period of stay.

7. Common Renewal Outcomes

• Renewal Approved: Visa extended for 1–5 years depending on category and applicant stability

• Shortened Period of Stay: Renewal approved with a shorter validity (common if job stability is unclear)

• Denial: Rare if documentation is complete; may be followed by a request for clarification

If your renewal is delayed or rejected, you can inquire at the immigration counter and may be allowed to stay legally until the outcome is finalized.

8. Tips for a Smooth Renewal

• Start the process early (3 months before expiry)

• Bring certified translations for any non-Japanese documentation

• Prepare multiple copies of your documents

• Bring your employer’s contact information

• Use the Immigration Agency website for the latest forms and updates:
  https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/

9. What Happens After Renewal?

Once approved, your Residence Card will be reissued with:

• A new Period of Stay

• Updated visa status

• Your existing work permissions

Be sure to confirm the validity period and adhere to conditions (e.g., employment scope, employer changes).