Oak Admin Guides
Japan's immigration process is formal, document-driven, and administered nationally through government procedures. This guide explains what people mean by "immigration lawyer" in Japan, how immigration procedures work across the country, and the difference between Gyoseishoshi (行政書士) and Bengoshi (弁護士).
Japan's residence procedures are administered by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Ministry of Justice), which publishes official procedure pages, forms, and guidance through the government's Residence Procedures portal.
What Does "Immigration Lawyer" Mean in Japan?
The phrase "immigration lawyer" is widely used in English, but in Japan, most immigration matters are handled as administrative procedures rather than court cases. For most visa and residence status applications, the professional commonly involved is a Gyoseishoshi (行政書士), a nationally licensed specialist who supports administrative filings.
The government defines and publishes residence categories as official Statuses of Residence.
Gyoseishoshi vs Bengoshi: Who Does What?
Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Procedures Specialist)
Gyoseishoshi commonly assist with:
- Choosing an appropriate status from the official Status of Residence list
- Preparing and submitting immigration applications as administrative procedures
- Aligning documents with the official rules described in Procedures by type
They are widely used for routine procedures like COE, Change of Status, extensions, and permanent residence filings.
Bengoshi (Attorney-at-Law)
Bengoshi are qualified attorneys who can represent clients in court. They may be necessary if an immigration matter becomes a legal dispute (litigation), but most immigration processes are administrative filings handled through published government procedures.
How Immigration Procedures Work Nationwide
Japan's immigration system is centralized nationally under the Immigration Services Agency, with regional offices handling submissions and processing. Regardless of region, procedures follow national rules published through the government's procedure pages.
The Immigration Services Agency also publishes guidance for Online Residence Applications where applicable.
Common Immigration Procedures
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
A COE is a pre-approval document issued in Japan for many mid-to-long-term statuses. The official government procedure is Application for a Certificate of Eligibility.
Extension of Period of Stay
If you are renewing your period of stay under your current status, the official procedure is Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間の更新).
Permanent Residence (永住許可)
Permanent Residence is a distinct permission/status administered by the Immigration Services Agency. The official government procedure page is Permanent Residence / Application for Permission for Permanent Residence.
What Immigration Professionals Commonly Help With
Immigration professionals commonly assist with:
- Preparing COE packages for employment or family-based statuses
- Renewals under the official Extension of Period of Stay
- Building long-term documentation strategies for Permanent Residence
- Using the official Residence Procedures portal to ensure correct forms and procedure selection
Why Professional Support Can Help
Japan's immigration procedures require careful document alignment with government rules. Professional support can help:
- Reduce procedural errors and missing documents
- Present documentation clearly and consistently
- Manage timelines and procedural steps across complex cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa types can a Gyoseishoshi assist with?
A Gyoseishoshi can assist with most administrative immigration procedures, including preparation and submission of applications for many statuses of residence, such as:
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
- Business Manager
- Intra-company Transferee
- Student
- Dependent
- Spouse of Japanese National
- Spouse of Permanent Resident
- Long-Term Resident
- Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)
- Permanent Residence
- Change of Status and Extensions of Stay
These procedures are handled as administrative filings under published government rules.
Can a Gyoseishoshi handle Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications?
Yes. Gyoseishoshi commonly prepare and submit Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications on behalf of employers, family members, or sponsoring organizations in Japan. This includes organizing supporting documents, preparing written explanations, and submitting the application to immigration.
Can a Gyoseishoshi apply for a visa on my behalf?
A Gyoseishoshi cannot apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate overseas, as visas are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, they can handle the immigration procedures inside Japan, such as COE issuance, Change of Status, Extensions, and Permanent Residence, which are often the most complex part of the process.
Can a Gyoseishoshi visit the immigration office on my behalf?
Yes. Gyoseishoshi are authorized to submit applications and handle procedural interactions with immigration offices on behalf of clients. This may include visiting the immigration office to submit documents, respond to procedural requests, or manage administrative steps, depending on the case.
Do I need to personally go to immigration if I use a Gyoseishoshi?
In many cases, no. Much of the application process can be handled by a Gyoseishoshi, although immigration may still require the applicant to appear in person in certain situations (for example, identity verification or special procedures).
Can a Gyoseishoshi collect documents from ward offices on my behalf?
Yes, in many cases, with proper authorization. With a Power of Attorney (委任状), a Gyoseishoshi may be able to visit municipal or ward offices to request and collect certain documents, such as:
- Resident certificate (住民票)
- Tax certificates (課税証明書・納税証明書)
- Certificate of registered matters
- Other administrative documents required for immigration filings
Availability depends on the specific document type and local office rules.
What is a Power of Attorney (委任状), and when is it needed?
A Power of Attorney (委任状) is a written authorization allowing a Gyoseishoshi to act on your behalf for specific administrative procedures. It is commonly used when requesting documents from local government offices or handling procedural submissions where representation is permitted.
Can a Gyoseishoshi communicate with immigration for me?
Yes. Gyoseishoshi regularly communicate with immigration offices regarding procedural matters, application status, and document requirements. This helps ensure that applications follow official procedures and respond appropriately to administrative requests.
Can a Gyoseishoshi represent me in court if there is a problem?
No. Gyoseishoshi cannot represent clients in court or handle litigation. If an immigration matter becomes a legal dispute requiring court representation, a Bengoshi (Attorney-at-Law) would be required.
What is the difference between an immigration lawyer and a Bengoshi in Japan?
In Japan, the term "immigration lawyer" in English usually refers to a Gyoseishoshi who handles administrative immigration procedures. A Bengoshi is a fully qualified attorney who can represent clients in court and handle litigation. Most immigration matters do not involve court proceedings and are handled administratively.
Do immigration lawyers or Gyoseishoshi in Japan speak English?
Some do, but not all. English support is not guaranteed by default. Many Gyoseishoshi operate primarily in Japanese, and English ability varies significantly by office and individual. If English communication is important, it is advisable to confirm in advance whether the professional offers bilingual (English/Japanese) support.
Can immigration procedures be handled entirely in English?
Official immigration forms and procedures are generally conducted in Japanese. While explanations and consultations may be provided in English by bilingual professionals, applications themselves are typically prepared and submitted in Japanese to align with official requirements.
Can a Gyoseishoshi help with business-related visas?
Yes. Gyoseishoshi commonly assist with business-related immigration procedures, including:
- Business Manager visas
- Employer-sponsored work visas
- Changes related to company formation, role changes, or employer changes
- Supporting documentation for business activities
These cases often require careful document preparation and alignment with immigration guidelines.
Can a Gyoseishoshi help with Permanent Residence?
Yes. Permanent Residence applications are one of the most common long-term procedures handled by Gyoseishoshi. Assistance may include eligibility review, document preparation, written explanations, and procedural submission.
Can a Gyoseishoshi help with Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visas?
Yes. Gyoseishoshi frequently assist with Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) applications, including point calculation, document preparation, and coordination with immigration under the official HSP framework.
Can a Gyoseishoshi help if my visa is expiring soon?
Yes, but timing matters. If your visa is close to expiration, professional support can help ensure that the correct procedure (extension, change of status, or other filing) is submitted promptly and correctly.
Is professional help required for immigration procedures in Japan?
Professional assistance is not legally required, and many individuals apply on their own. However, professional support is often recommended for:
- Work and business visas
- Family-related statuses
- Permanent Residence
- Complex or time-sensitive cases
- Situations involving changes in employment or circumstances
How do I know whether I need a Gyoseishoshi or a Bengoshi?
As a general rule:
- Administrative immigration procedures: Gyoseishoshi
- Court disputes or litigation: Bengoshi
If your case involves document preparation and administrative review rather than a legal dispute, a Gyoseishoshi is usually the appropriate professional.
Can a Gyoseishoshi help even if I live outside Tokyo?
Yes. Immigration procedures are governed by national law, and Gyoseishoshi can assist clients across Japan. Regional immigration offices handle submissions, but procedures follow the same national framework.
What documents are commonly required for immigration procedures?
Required documents vary by visa type but often include:
- Application forms
- Passport and residence card
- Employment or business documents
- Tax and income certificates
- Family or marital records
- Written explanations describing activities in Japan
A Gyoseishoshi can help determine which documents apply to your specific case.
Can a Gyoseishoshi help after a rejection?
Gyoseishoshi can assist with reviewing procedural issues and advising on next steps. If a case escalates into a legal dispute or requires court action, consultation with a Bengoshi may be necessary.