A Visa is a document issued by embassies/consulates which is placed in a passport. It is a kind of a letter of recommendation to foreigners who wish to enter Japan. In principal, foreign nations are not able to enter Japan without a visa, however Japan has taken measures concerning the Visa Exemption Arrangements (for Short-Term stay) with 68countries/nations (as of March 2023). Foreign nations of those countries/nations are not required to obtain a visa to enter Japan when their purposes of visiting are tourism, commerce, conferences, visiting relatives/ acquaintances, etc. The important point is that having a visa in your passport does not guarantee admission to Japan. The inspector at Japan port of entry will examine the visa and any other relevant documents brought by the visa holder and will decide whether to let the visa holder enter Japan. Once the inspector admits the visa holder into Japan, the visa becomes irrelevant.
On the other hand status of residence is granted by the Immigration Bureau after the inspection at a port of entry and admitted to Japan. This gives you certain rights and controls which activities you are allowed to do while in Japan. Foreigners staying in Japan must obtain a status of residence. There are 29 types of status based on purpose of staying in Japan. For example if you work for a school as an teacher you are holding status of residence of Instructor. if you are a tourist you are holding status of residence of short term visitor. In order to be in lawful status, foreigners must obey the regulations relating to their particular status. For example if you are holding status of residence of Instructor you are not permitted to work as a chef at a restaurant. You would only be permitted to work as a teacher.
How to obtain a status of residence
The best way to obtain a status of residence is to apply for Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) before entering Japan. CoE proves that you are eligible to engage in certain activities while you are in Japan. Once you show your visa, passport and CoE at a port of entry, and the inspector admits you into Japan, this admission places a status of residence upon you. However if you are trying to obtain a status of residence of Short-Term visitor (on the purpose of tourism, commerce, conferences, visiting relatives/ acquaintances, etc), it is not necessary to apply for CoE in advance.
Example of steps to enter Japan to obtain status of residence of working, while you are outside of Japan
- Apply for CoE at Japan Immigration bureau (your company can represent you)
- Once your company receive CoE, they need to send it to you.
- Bring CoE to Japanese embassy/consulate in your country and apply for visa.
- Show your CoE and visa at Japan Port of entry.
- Once the inspector admits you into Japan, you will be granted a status of residence and the visa becomes irrelevan.
Japanese words you may need to know
Status of residence:在留資格
Immigration bureau:入国管理庁
Certificate of Eligibility:在留資格認定証明書
