Official Visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Status of Residence: "Official"
Stay Period	5, 3, 1 year; 3 months; 30, 15 days
Cost	Not stated in the source
Eligibility Timing	Not stated in the source
Work Rights	Official duties for approved foreign governments/organizations
Study Rights	Not stated in the source
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel Facility	Not stated in the source
Citizenship Pathway	Not stated in the source
Family Provisions	Covers members of the same household
Visa Record	Not stated in the source

---

Purpose & Eligible Activities

This status applies to foreign nationals engaging in official duties for a foreign government or an international organization approved by the Japanese government, as well as members of their same household. It excludes activities covered under the "Diplomatic" residence status.

Period of Stay

Granted periods of stay include:

• 5 years
• 3 years
• 1 year
• 3 months
• 30 days
• 15 days

Family & Domestic Staff Provisions

• Members of the same household as the person performing official duties are eligible for this status.
• Requirements for bringing or employing domestic helpers are stipulated separately in the public notice of the Ministry of Justice.

General Documentation Guidelines

• Paper standard: Print all application forms and documents on Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) A4 paper, single-sided only.
• Validity: Certificates issued within Japan must have been issued within the last three months.
• Translations: Any document written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
• Original documents: Submitted materials are generally not returned. Applicants must specifically request the return of difficult-to-reobtain original documents at the time of submission.
• Additional documentation: Immigration authorities may request supplementary materials during the review process.
• Third-party submission: Individuals submitting on behalf of the applicant must present proof of identity and eligibility (e.g., company ID card, application intermediary certificate, or family register transcript).

Application Types & Required Evidence

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

For foreign nationals seeking initial entry into Japan under this status.

• Certificate of Eligibility Application Form (1 copy)
• One photograph complying with official standards (attached to or printed directly on the form)
• One self-addressed, stamped envelope (standard size with registered mail postage)
• One letter of admission or official document issued by a foreign government or international organization certifying identity and purpose
• Recommended: A copy of the applicant's passport if the name on the COE application differs from the passport, to prevent entry processing delays

2. Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence

For foreign nationals currently residing in Japan under another status who are transitioning to official activities.

• Application Form for Change of Status of Residence (1 copy)
• Presentation of valid passport and residence card
• One letter of admission or official document certifying identity and purpose from a foreign government or international organization

3. Application for Extension of Period of Stay

For individuals already holding "Official" status wishing to continue their activities.

• Application Form for Extension of Period of Stay (1 copy)
• Presentation of valid passport
• One letter of admission or official document certifying identity and purpose from a foreign government or international organization

4. Application for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence

For individuals residing in Japan who require the acquisition of a status of residence (e.g., following renunciation of Japanese nationality).

• Application Form for Permission to Acquire Status of Residence (1 copy)
• Presentation of valid passport
• One letter of admission or official document certifying identity and purpose from a foreign government or international organization
• Category-specific supporting evidence:
  • For renunciation of Japanese nationality: Documents proving foreign nationality
  • Other circumstances: Documents establishing the reason requiring the acquisition of status

Important Warnings

• Documentation completeness: Incomplete applications may cause significant processing delays or lead to unfavorable review outcomes.
• Timely status changes: Foreign nationals transitioning to official activities must apply promptly. Ceasing activities associated with a previous residence status without changing status may result in revocation of residence.