How Long Does a Work Visa Extension Take in Japan? (2026 Guide)

Renewing a work visa in Japan can be stressful—especially when your residence card is close to expiring. One of the most common questions foreign residents ask is:

“How long does the work visa extension actually take?”

The short answer: it depends.
The longer answer is below—based on realistic timelines, common delays, and what you should do while waiting in 2026.

Average Work Visa Extension Processing Time (2026)

In most cases, a work visa extension in Japan takes 2 to 8 weeks after you submit your application.

Typical Timeline

Average total: 3–6 weeks
Complex cases: Up to 2–3 months

When Should You Apply?

You can apply for a visa extension up to 3 months before your current visa expires.

Best practice:
Apply 6–8 weeks before expiration.

Applying early:

• Reduces stress

• Gives you time to fix mistakes

• Prevents overstay risks

Waiting until the last minute is one of the most common—and avoidable—mistakes.

What Affects Processing Time?

1. Visa Type

Some work statuses are reviewed faster, especially:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

• Highly Skilled Professional

• Intra-company Transferee

Unusual job categories or unclear roles often take longer.

2. Company Stability

Immigration looks closely at your employer, including:

• Company size

• Financial health

• Tax compliance

Small, new, or financially unstable companies often face longer reviews.

3. Your Work History

Your application may slow down if:

• You changed jobs recently

• Your actual work doesn’t clearly match your visa category

• You had long unpaid leave

Consistency matters more than people expect.

4. Missing or Incorrect Documents

Delays commonly happen because of:

• Incomplete application forms

• Missing employment contracts

• Vague or incorrect job descriptions

• Unpaid taxes or pension contributions

Even one missing document can add weeks.

Documents That Help Speed Things Up

Prepare these carefully before applying:

• 在留期間更新許可申請書
  (zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinseisho – Application for Extension of Period of Stay)

• Passport & residence card

• Employment contract

• Certificate of employment (在職証明書 – zaishoku shōmeisho)

• Company registration documents

• Tax certificates:

  • 課税証明書 (kazei shōmeisho)

  • 納税証明書 (nōzei shōmeisho)

Well-organized documents reduce questions—and delays.

What If Your Visa Expires While You’re Waiting?

Don’t panic.

Once you submit your application, immigration places a special stamp on your residence card. This allows you to:

• Stay legally in Japan

• Continue working

• Remain until a decision is made

Even if the printed expiration date passes, your stay is still legal while your application is under review.

How to Check Your Application Status

Japan Immigration does not offer online tracking.

Your options are:

• Wait for the approval postcard

• Call the immigration office

• Visit in person (only if urgent—this rarely speeds things up)

Patience is usually required.

What If It’s Taking Too Long?

If more than 8 weeks pass with no update:

• Review the documents you submitted

• Prepare additional explanations (especially from your employer)

• Ask your company to contact immigration

• Consult an immigration specialist (行政書士 – gyōsei shoshi)

This is common—and usually solvable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change jobs while my extension is pending?
Not recommended. This can complicate or reset your application.

Does Tokyo immigration take longer?
Yes. Tokyo and Shinagawa offices are often slower than regional offices.

Will using a lawyer make it faster?
Not always, but it greatly reduces mistakes and rejection risk.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, most work visa extensions in Japan are completed within 3–6 weeks, but delays can happen due to company issues, document problems, or job changes.

The key is simple:

• Apply early

• Prepare documents carefully

• Stay calm while waiting

With the right preparation, visa renewal is usually a routine process—not a crisis.

Related Articles

• How to renew a work visa in Japan (2026 guide)

• Visa renewal rejected: what to do next

• How to change jobs on a work visa in Japan

• Permanent residency in Japan: requirements & timeline