Law of JapanModule 5
Entering, living, working and studying in Japan: statuses of residence, the residence card, permanent residence, naturalisation, health insurance, pensions and consumer protection
Japan’s immigration law is built around one idea: a foreigner is allowed to stay for a **specific purpose**, called a **status of residence**, for a **specific period**. The **visa** is only a document, issued abroad, that lets him **arrive**; the **status** decides what he may **do** in Japan. The system is run by the **Immigration Services Agency** under the **Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act**. Once in Japan, a resident is **registered** with his municipality, **must carry** a **residence card** and is covered by **public health insurance** and the **pension system**. This module explains the structure without becoming an immigration consultancy. **Visa-free lists, fees and processing times change**, so check the current rule.
This course explains the law of Japan, not US law. Rules that look the same elsewhere may be different.
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See what is included in the Courses & AI Lab Pass →General education on the law of Japan, using invented people and businesses. It states laws and procedures in simplified form and is not legal advice. The law and its practice change, and every case turns on its facts and on the authority concerned. It does not offer legal representation or a legal opinion on any case. Consult a Japanese-qualified attorney (bengoshi) for any real matter.
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