Visa Application Services
ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office

Nationwide
support
03-6905-6371
(Mon.-Fri. 9AM~6PM)
Contact us  

Complete Guide to Japan’s Long-Term Resident Visa|System, Requirements, Procedures & Screening Points

Last updated:

Long-Term Resident Visa Japan Guide
Japan Visa Application Service >  Long-Term Resident Visa Japan Guide

The route for applying for Long-Term Resident status differs depending on each individual’s circumstances.

Select the relevant residence status from the four pages below to check the required years of residence, key review points, and important notes for your specific case.

This page explains the review approach, required documents, and important precautions that are common to all Long-Term Resident application routes.

▼ Scroll down to check the latest system updates and policy information.

Table of Contents
  1. What is the Long-Term Resident Visa? (System Overview)
    1. Individually approved status granted based on personal circumstances
    2. Differences from Permanent Residency (period of stay, requirements, renewal)
    3. Advantages & disadvantages of the Long-Term Resident Visa
  2. Four Categories Eligible for the Long-Term Resident Visa
    1. Remaining in Japan after divorce or bereavement
    2. Raising/custody of a Japanese child
    3. Bringing a foreign-born stepchild to Japan
    4. Descendants of Japanese nationals (2nd–4th generation) and their families
  3. Key Points Considered in Screening
  4. Application Types & Procedures / Immigration Review Timeline
    1. Applying from overseas (Certificate of Eligibility: COE)
    2. Changing your current status to Long-Term Resident Visa
    3. Immigration review processing time
  5. List of Required Documents
  6. Applying for Permanent Residency from a Long-Term Resident Visa
  7. Frequently Asked Questions About the Long-Term Resident Visa
    1. Can an adult child be brought to Japan under the Long-Term Resident Visa?
    2. Can I change to Long-Term Resident Visa immediately after divorce?
    3. Can I obtain the Long-Term Resident Visa even if not living with my Japanese child?
    4. Can 4th-generation Japanese descendants work in Japan on a Long-Term Resident Visa?
  8. Clients Who Obtained the Long-Term Resident Visa with ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office
  9. Long-Term Resident Visa Application Support by ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office
    1. Service Overview
    2. Service Inclusions
    3. Benefits of Working with ACROSEED
    4. Service Fees
  10. Popular Pages Related to the Long-Term Resident Visa

1. What Is the Long-Term Resident Visa? (System Overview)

The Long-Term Resident Visa is a status of residence granted when the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (the Minister of Justice) determines, based on a comprehensive review of the applicant’s individual circumstances, that the person requires special consideration to continue living in Japan. It is categorized as a status-based residence category.

Unlike visas determined uniformly by fixed criteria, the Long-Term Resident Visa is granted based on family relationships, living conditions, and humanitarian considerations. These personal circumstances are reviewed carefully on a case-by-case basis.

Typical examples include staying in Japan after divorce or bereavement from a Japanese spouse, raising or having custody of a Japanese child, bringing a foreign-born stepchild of a Japanese or permanent resident from overseas, or Japanese descendants and their families living and working long-term in Japan.

However, depending on the situation, individuals outside these types may also qualify. Therefore, it is considered a flexibly assessed status of residence based on individual circumstances.


1. A Status of Residence Granted at the Minister’s Discretion

Although certain patterns are indicated in laws and ministerial notices, the Long-Term Resident Visa is ultimately approved or denied at the discretion of the Minister of Justice. The following factors are reviewed comprehensively:

  • Family relationships: Depth of ties with spouse, children, and relatives, and the likelihood these relationships will continue
  • Living foundation in Japan: Length of residence, employment history, Japanese language ability, and community ties
  • Need for support: Necessity of supporting or caring for a child or spouse
  • Good behavior and legal compliance: Criminal record, past immigration violations, and payment of taxes and social insurance

Thus, the screening focuses not only on which visa category the person fits into, but also on whether it is appropriate for the individual to continue living in Japan. Because circumstances differ widely, even applicants with similar backgrounds may receive different results.


2. Differences Between Long-Term Resident and Permanent Resident

The Permanent Resident status is often compared with the Long-Term Resident Visa. The key differences are as follows:

Category Long-Term Resident Visa Permanent Resident
Period of Stay 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years —
always with a fixed duration
Indefinite period of stay (no expiration)
Renewal Renewal required every period No renewal required in principle
Screening Criteria Discretionary judgment based on
family or humanitarian needs
Must meet broad legal requirements such as
“good conduct,” “financial stability,” and “benefit to Japan.”
Purpose of the Status Allows mid- to long-term residence based on individual circumstances Intended for individuals to settle permanently in Japan

In short, Permanent Residency is similar to a “final goal” for living in Japan indefinitely, while the Long-Term Resident Visa is a status that allows mid- to long-term residence based on specific personal circumstances.

For some people, the Long-Term Resident Visa serves as an intermediate step toward Permanent Residency.


3. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Long-Term Resident Visa

The Long-Term Resident Visa offers many benefits but also comes with important considerations.

Main Advantages

  • No work restrictions: You can work in most industries except certain regulated sectors.
  • Supportive of family life: Favorable for raising children or living with a spouse.
  • No academic or job-type requirements: Unlike work visas, there are no strict requirements for education or specialized skills.

Main Disadvantages / Points of Caution

  • Renewal required: You must undergo screening every time your period of stay expires.
  • Changes in circumstances may affect renewal: Divorce, separation, childcare changes, or reduced income may negatively affect future renewals.
  • Less stability than Permanent Residency: Long-term stay is possible, but indefinite residence is not guaranteed.

The Long-Term Resident Visa is meant to protect family and humanitarian needs while ensuring a stable life in Japan.

Since renewal screenings occur periodically, maintaining stable income, proper tax payment, and social insurance compliance is essential.

[Free Assessment of Long-Term Resident Visa Eligibility]
Tell us your current status and we will guide you to the fastest route to Long-Term Resident Visa approval.
English & Chinese support available.
Contact Us   03-6905-6371

2. Four Main Categories Eligible for the Long-Term Resident Visa

Even though they all fall under the same status of residence called “Long-Term Resident”, applications are examined in several different categories depending on the applicant’s background and reasons. Here we will organize the overall picture of the four main categories that are most frequently consulted in practice.

In all of these categories, the immigration authority will review common elements such as financial stability, the strength of ties to Japan, and the actual state of family relationships. However, the specific points emphasized will differ depending on the category. Detailed requirements and document lists are explained on each dedicated page; the purpose here is to help you understand what types of situations may qualify for a Long-Term Resident Visa in Japan.


1. Remaining in Japan After Divorce or Bereavement (Divorce-Based Long-Term Resident Visa)

When a foreign national holding the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” wishes to continue living in Japan after divorce or bereavement from a Japanese spouse, it may be possible to change to a Long-Term Resident Visa if certain conditions are met. In general, the following points are important factors in the decision:

  • Reality of the marriage: How long the couple actually lived together and to what extent they led a genuine married life
  • Living foundation in Japan: Employment history, length of residence, Japanese language ability, and ties to the local community
  • Need to remain in Japan: Whether the applicant lacks a stable base of life in their home country, or has realistic prospects for re-employment in Japan, etc.
  • Presence of a Japanese child: Whether there is a Japanese child and whether the applicant lives with and continues to care for that child

If there is a Japanese child, the parental role in raising the child often strengthens the evaluation of the applicant’s ties to Japan. On the other hand, if the marriage period was short or is judged to have been merely formal, changing to a Long-Term Resident Visa is more likely to be difficult.

For more details on applying for a Long-Term Resident Visa after divorce from a Japanese spouse, please see the following page:


2. Caring for and Raising a Japanese Child in Japan (Child-Raising Long-Term Resident Visa)

If a foreign parent of a Japanese child is living together in Japan with that child and is involved in daily care and upbringing, a Long-Term Resident Visa may be granted on that basis. In this category, the key point—regardless of whether there was a divorce—is whether the parent is actually raising the Japanese child in Japan.

  • Actual cohabitation and care: Whether the parent lives with the child and to what extent they are involved in day-to-day care and education
  • Parental responsibility: Payment of child support, communication with schools or nursery facilities, and sharing of living expenses
  • Best interests of the child: Whether the child is attending school in Japan and requires a stable, continuous environment

For Long-Term Resident Visas based on a relationship with a Japanese child, the category is strongly framed from the perspective of the child’s “best interests”. If the child is left with relatives overseas while the parent alone remains in Japan, it becomes more difficult to obtain a Long-Term Resident Visa on the grounds of “child-raising.”

For more information on obtaining a Long-Term Resident Visa when raising a Japanese child, please refer to the following page:


3. Bringing a Child from a Previous Marriage to Japan (Step-Child Long-Term Resident Visa)

When a foreign spouse of a Japanese national, or a Permanent Resident / current Long-Term Resident, wishes to bring their biological child from a previous marriage (a foreign national) to Japan to live together, the so-called “step-child Long-Term Resident Visa” may be considered. In this category, the following points are especially important:

  • Child’s age and marital status: Generally, the child must be underage and unmarried
  • Need for support: Whether the child is not yet self-supporting and is recognized as needing parental care
  • Actual parent-child relationship: Past caregiving, frequency of contact, and future cohabitation plans
  • Financial capacity in Japan: Whether the parent living in Japan (Japanese national, Permanent Resident, etc.) has sufficient income and a stable living base to support the child

Legally, underage children may fall within the scope of this category, but the older the child becomes, the easier it is for immigration to judge that the child could live independently, and the weaker the recognized need for support may become. For that reason, it is important to start considering and preparing for a step-child Long-Term Resident Visa as early as possible.

For details on bringing a foreign child to Japan under a Long-Term Resident Visa, please refer to the following page:


4. Japanese Descendants (2nd–4th Generation) and Their Families (Nikkei Long-Term Resident Visa)

A Nikkei Long-Term Resident Visa is a Long-Term Resident Visa for Japanese descendants who wish to live and work in Japan. It is widely used by, for example, Nikkei Brazilians and Nikkei Peruvians who come to Japan with their families.

  • Eligible generations: Mainly 2nd- and 3rd-generation descendants, with 4th-generation descendants possibly eligible under certain conditions
  • Proof of blood relationship: Family registers, birth certificates and other documents up to grandparents or great-grandparents proving Japanese ancestry
  • Life plan in Japan: Prospective place of employment, housing, and relationship with dependents
  • Family members also eligible: Whether the applicant’s spouse and underage children can obtain a corresponding status of residence

A major feature of the Nikkei Long-Term Resident Visa is that there are no occupational restrictions, and holders can work in a wide range of jobs. However, collecting and translating documents to prove blood ties and organizing family lineage can take time and effort, so early preparation is essential.

For more information on applying for a Long-Term Resident Visa as a Japanese descendant, please see the following page:


These four categories are the most typical “entry points” when considering a Long-Term Resident Visa in Japan. It is important to first determine which category your situation most closely matches, then plan your application strategy after confirming the specific requirements, necessary documents, and key screening points.

3. Key Factors Commonly Reviewed in Long-Term Resident Visa Screening

The status of residence “Long-Term Resident” covers a wide range of types, including divorce-based, child-raising, step-child, and Nikkei Long-Term Resident Visas. Regardless of the category, however, there are several common screening items. Below, we organize the main points examined from four perspectives.


1. Ability to Maintain Livelihood (Income, Employment Status, Support Plan)

The first major point is whether the applicant can maintain a stable life in Japan. Because the Long-Term Resident Visa allows employment, immigration will examine how the applicant and their family will cover living expenses.

  • Current income: Whether there is a certain stable income, as shown in pay slips, withholding tax certificates, and tax returns
  • Actual employment status: Whether the employer’s business, employment type, tenure, and job content are reasonable and credible
  • Support plan: Whether the income level is realistic for the planned number of dependents (spouse and children)
  • Savings and supporting relatives: Where necessary, whether there are sufficient savings or financial support from relatives

A high income is not always required, but immigration will focus on whether there is a credible prospect of covering living expenses continuously. If you have just changed jobs and your income has not yet stabilized, or if your income is relatively low due to part-time work, it is advisable to prepare documents that clearly explain your household budget and support plan.


2. Ties to Japan (Living Base, Family Relations, Residence History)

Because the Long-Term Resident Visa is intended to allow mid- to long-term residence in Japan, “ties to Japan” are also an important screening element. Immigration will consider whether Japan is truly the center of the applicant’s life, rather than a place of temporary stay.

  • Living base: Stability of residence (rental contract or owned home), presence of cohabiting family, and actual day-to-day life in Japan
  • Family relationships: Ties with Japanese spouses, Japanese children, or Nikkei relatives living in Japan
  • Residence history: Length of stay in Japan, frequency of moving, and whether the applicant has Japanese language ability
  • Community ties: Relationships with schools, workplaces, and local communities (such as PTA activities or local events)

In particular, applicants with a Japanese child or Japanese spouse are often assessed as having strong ties to Japan. Conversely, if the period of residence in Japan is extremely short or most family members live abroad, it may be difficult for immigration to view Japan as the center of the applicant’s life.


3. Good Conduct and Legal Compliance (Social Insurance and Tax Payment)

As with other statuses of residence, the Long-Term Resident Visa requires that the applicant’s conduct be good and that they respect laws and regulations. This assessment includes not only criminal history but also daily compliance with rules in ordinary life.

  • Criminal and violation history: Criminal cases, violations of the Immigration Control Act, and the nature and frequency of traffic violations
  • Immigration compliance: Whether there has been overstay or unauthorized activities outside the permitted status
  • Social insurance: Enrollment in health insurance and pension plans, and the payment status of premiums
  • Tax payment: Filing and payment status of resident tax, income tax, and other taxes

In recent years, unpaid social insurance premiums and taxes have increasingly become an issue in screening. Even short-term delays may be viewed negatively if left unresolved, as they can suggest a low awareness of legal obligations. Before applying for a Long-Term Resident Visa, it is important to settle any outstanding payments and obtain proof of payment.


4. Proving the Authenticity and Continuity of Relationships

In all categories—divorce-based, child-raising, step-child, and Nikkei Long-Term Resident Visas—immigration will focus on whether the family relationships and living situation described in the application are real and whether they are likely to continue.

  • Authenticity of family relationships: History of marriage and divorce, how the parent-child relationship was formed, and past cohabitation and financial support
  • Continuity of cohabitation and contact: Length of cohabitation, presence and reasons for any periods of separation, frequency of contact, and supporting evidence such as photos or remittance records
  • Consistency of explanations: Whether the contents of the application forms, written explanations, and any interview statements are consistent

For example, in a step-child Long-Term Resident Visa case, immigration will look at how the parent-child relationship has been maintained overseas; in a divorce-based case, what kind of married life the couple actually had; and in a child-raising case, who is providing daily care for the child. It is important to demonstrate these points through specific episodes and supporting documents.

For a Long-Term Resident Visa in Japan, it is not enough simply to prepare documents; you also need to clearly and consistently explain why you need to continue living in Japan, supported by objective evidence. Before applying, it is advisable to整理 your own situation and think carefully about which points you will substantiate with which documents.

[Free Assessment of Long-Term Resident Visa Eligibility]
Tell us your current status of residence, and we will guide you to the fastest route to obtaining a Long-Term Resident Visa in Japan.
English and Chinese support available.
Contact us by email   03-6905-6371

4. Main Application Patterns for the Long-Term Resident Visa


1. Bringing Family Members from Overseas (Certificate of Eligibility: COE Application)

When you wish to invite family members living overseas (such as a step-child, spouse, parent of a Japanese child, or family of a Japanese descendant) to Japan and have them start their stay under a Long-Term Resident Visa, the first step is for the family member in Japan to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE serves as a “pre-screening” for obtaining that status of residence in Japan. Once it is issued, the family member abroad can apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate.

The screening period is generally around 1–3 months. After the COE is issued, the applicant abroad will obtain a visa at the Japanese embassy, and upon entering Japan, their stay as a Long-Term Resident will officially begin.

  • 1

    Free Consultation

    We first check whether your current situation (inviting a step-child, staying after divorce, raising a Japanese child, Japanese-descendant family, etc.) meets the requirements for a Long-Term Resident Visa.

    Consultations are available by (1) telephone, (2) email, (3) online (Zoom, Skype, LINE, WeChat), or (4) in-person at our office.

  • 2

    Engagement of Our Services
    Once you decide to proceed, we begin work after confirming the signed engagement agreement and payment.
    We carefully review your family structure, support relationships, and financial situation, and then decide on the most suitable strategy for the COE application.
  • 3

    Preparation of Application Documents
    Depending on the applicable Long-Term Resident category (step-child, divorce-based, child-raising, Nikkei, etc.), we prepare family-relationship certificates, evidence of financial capacity, and written explanations, as these are critical documents for screening.
    You will review the prepared documents, and after you sign them, we proceed with the application.
  • 4

    Filing the Application with Immigration
    An administrative scrivener from ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office submits the Certificate of Eligibility application (COE) to the Immigration Services Agency on behalf of the family member in Japan or the guarantor.
    (Screening period: approximately 1–3 months)
  • 5

    Receipt of the COE
    Once screening is completed, the Immigration Services Agency issues the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
    After confirming the details, we send it to the applicant overseas.
  • 6

    Sending the COE to the Applicant Abroad
    The COE is sent safely to the applicant overseas by EMS or another international delivery method, or as data where accepted. For family applications, we can support all family members in one coordinated process.
  • 7

    Visa Application at the Japanese Embassy
    After receiving the COE, the applicant submits a Long-Term Resident Visa application at the local Japanese embassy or consulate.
    The visa is typically issued in about 1–2 weeks.
  • 8

    Entry into Japan
    With the issued visa, the applicant enters Japan and, following immigration inspection, is granted the status of residence “Long-Term Resident”.
    From that day, they can begin their life in Japan under the Long-Term Resident Visa.

2. Changing Your Status of Residence within Japan

There are many cases where a foreign national who is already staying in Japan under another status of residence applies to change to a Long-Term Resident Visa due to changes in personal circumstances. Typical patterns include:

  • Wishing to continue living in Japan after divorce or bereavement from a Japanese spouse
  • A foreign parent who is caring for and raising a Japanese child applying to change to “Long-Term Resident” based on that ongoing care
  • Needing to begin cohabitation in Japan with a foreign child (step-child) who has joined the household
  • Having lived in Japan for many years with stable work and income, and wishing to obtain a more flexible status of residence to allow career changes or self-employment

Change of status applications are submitted to the Immigration Services Agency in Japan. Screening is conducted comprehensively based on current status of residence, employment history, income, dependents, living base, social insurance, and tax payment status. In particular, a proven track record of continuous, stable living in Japan is important, including factors such as length of residence, resident registration, savings, and actual family relationships.

By changing to a Long-Term Resident Visa in Japan, you can gain greater freedom in terms of job type, making it easier to change jobs, take on side work, or start your own business. In many cases, it is also used as an important stepping stone toward a future Permanent Residency application.

  • 1

    Free Consultation

    We check whether your current situation (divorce, child-raising, living with a step-child, employment status, etc.) meets the conditions for changing to a Long-Term Resident Visa.

    Consultations are available by (1) telephone, (2) email, (3) online (Zoom, Skype, LINE, WeChat), or (4) in-person at our office.

  • 2

    Engagement of Our Services
    After signing the engagement agreement and confirming payment, we begin our work.
    Based on your work history, family structure, and actual living conditions, we design an application strategy that maximizes the likelihood of approval for the change of status.
  • 3

    Preparation of Application Documents
    We prepare employer documents, income certificates, tax payment certificates, social insurance records, resident records, and family relationship documents,
    assembling objective evidence that you are living stably in Japan.
    All documents are drafted by ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, and you simply confirm and sign.
  • 4

    Submitting the Application to Immigration
    An administrative scrivener from ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office acts as your representative and files the Application for Change of Status of Residence with immigration.
    The screening period is generally about 1–2 months.
  • 5

    Approval and Visa Stamp
    Once the approval notice is issued, our administrative scrivener completes the stamping procedures at immigration, and the change to a Long-Term Resident Visa is formally finalized.
  • 6

    Return of Residence Card and Passport
    We return your new residence card and passport with the updated status, and our services are complete.
    From this point, you are allowed to stay and work in Japan under the Long-Term Resident Visa.

Applications to change to a Long-Term Resident Visa in Japan are evaluated individually based on each person’s family situation, living conditions, and employment status. Therefore, the required documents and key screening points will differ significantly depending on which Long-Term Resident category you are aiming for.

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office draws on extensive practical experience to provide comprehensive support from change of status applications to family applications and subsequent Permanent Residency applications.


3. Immigration Screening Time

The screening time for applications is published by the Immigration Services Agency and is updated monthly. You can check the latest average processing times using the link below.

5. Required Documents for Long-Term Resident Visa Applications

Because required documents for the Long-Term Resident Visa may change frequently due to legal amendments and policy updates, please make sure to check the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency website.

If you entrust your case to ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we will use the required document lists published on the Immigration Services Agency website as a base, and then prepare the set of documents most likely to result in approval, tailored to your specific situation.

6. Key Points When Applying for Permanent Residency from a Long-Term Resident Visa

While the Long-Term Resident Visa allows mid- to long-term residence in Japan, it is still a time-limited status of residence that requires periodic renewal.

Therefore, as you spend more years in Japan under a Long-Term Resident Visa, how stable your life in Japan has become will have a major impact on whether your future Permanent Residency application in Japan will be approved.

In a Permanent Residency application, immigration authorities comprehensively review the following points based on laws and official guidelines:

  • Continuous employment and stable livelihood: Earning a stable income for a certain period as a Long-Term Resident
  • Proper payment of social insurance, pension, and taxes: No unpaid amounts and full compliance with mandatory enrollment and payment obligations
  • Good conduct: Absence of serious violations and a demonstrated attitude of respecting laws and regulations in daily life

In particular, payment records for social insurance, pension, and taxes are among the most heavily weighted items in Permanent Residency screening. Immigration will review objective records to determine whether health insurance premiums and resident tax have been paid every year, and whether any past delays or arrears have already been fully settled.

As a general benchmark, immigration usually expects 10 years of residence in Japan for a standard Permanent Residency application. However, for “status-based” residence categories such as Long-Term Resident or Spouse of Japanese National, shorter periods may be accepted.

In the case of a Long-Term Resident Visa, around five or more years of continuous residence is often treated as a guideline. If you can demonstrate a stable life and a good record of tax and social insurance payments, it is possible to begin considering a Permanent Residency application from your Long-Term Resident status.

For more details on applying for Permanent Residency from a Long-Term Resident Visa, please see the page below:


7. Q&A on Long-Term Resident Visa Applications

Can I invite my adult child to Japan on a Long-Term Resident Visa?

As a general rule, bringing a “step-child” to Japan under a Long-Term Resident Visa is intended for underage and unmarried children, and the requirements are quite strict for adult children.
Because the Long-Term Resident Visa places strong emphasis on the “need for support and care,” immigration may decide that there is little need for parental support once the child is considered old enough to live independently.

That said, if there are special circumstances, such as health problems, disabilities, or a long-term history of actual dependency, it is not impossible for an exceptional decision to be made. However, even in such cases, detailed written explanations and documentary evidence related to medical care and financial support are required, and the burden of proof is high.
If you wish to invite an adult child to Japan, we recommend considering not only the Long-Term Resident Visa but also the possibility of other appropriate statuses of residence.

Can I change to a Long-Term Resident Visa immediately after divorce?

If you have the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” and get divorced, you cannot automatically change to a Long-Term Resident Visa immediately after the divorce.
Immigration will comprehensively review factors such as the duration of the marriage, the reality of cohabitation, your living base in Japan, your employment situation, and whether you have a Japanese child, to decide whether there is a genuine need for you to stay in Japan mid- to long-term.

In general, a certain period of substantive married life and a track record of stable living in Japan are considered desirable. If you live with a Japanese child and continue to care for and raise that child, the likelihood of a Long-Term Resident Visa being approved increases.
On the other hand, if the marriage period was extremely short or there are reasons to suspect a purely formal marriage, it will be difficult to change to a Long-Term Resident Visa. If a divorce seems likely, it is important to consult in advance about your future residence strategy.

Can I obtain a Long-Term Resident Visa even if I do not live with my Japanese child?

Having a Japanese child is an important factor that shows a strong tie to Japan, but it does not automatically mean that a Long-Term Resident Visa will be granted if you are living apart.
For Long-Term Resident Visas based on “caring for and raising a Japanese child,” immigration will focus on how much you are actually involved in day-to-day parenting.

For example, even if you do not live together, if you frequently visit your child, pay child support on an ongoing basis, attend school events or hospital visits, and can demonstrate that you are actively fulfilling your role as a parent, these factors may be viewed positively.
Conversely, if there has been little contact for a long time and no child support payments, it will be difficult to apply for a Long-Term Resident Visa on the grounds of “child-raising.” It is important to整理具体的な関わり方 and check what you can realistically prove with documents and records.

Can a fourth-generation Japanese descendant (Nikkei 4th generation) work in Japan with a Long-Term Resident Visa?

For a Nikkei 4th generation applicant, the first point is which status of residence you currently have in Japan, or which status you are planning to apply for.

In principle, the standard Long-Term Resident Visa framework mainly assumes Nikkei 2nd and 3rd generations, but for Nikkei 4th generation, there may be cases where a Long-Term Resident Visa is considered based on individual circumstances, such as family composition, proof of blood relationship, and actual living and work history in Japan.

If a Long-Term Resident Visa is granted, you are generally allowed to work in Japan without strict limitations on job type or industry. However, there are separate schemes for Nikkei 4th generation under other statuses such as “Designated Activities,” and the most suitable status of residence will depend on factors such as your family’s current residence status, your life plan in Japan, and whether you aim to apply for Permanent Residency in the future.

If you are a Nikkei 4th generation descendant and wish to work in Japan, we recommend consulting a specialist about not only the Long-Term Resident Visa but also other possible statuses of residence.

[Free Assessment of Long-Term Resident Visa Eligibility]
Tell us your current status of residence, and we will guide you to the fastest route to obtaining a Long-Term Resident Visa.
English and Chinese support available.
Contact us by email  03-6905-6371

8.Google Customer Reviews

9. Introduction to Our Long-Term Resident Visa Application Support

1. Service Overview

This is a specialized service designed to assist clients who wish to obtain or renew a Long-Term Resident Visa in Japan due to a variety of personal circumstances, including staying in Japan after divorce, bringing a step-child to Japan, caring for a Japanese child, or consolidating a long-term living base in Japan.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we carefully review and organize all elements required for a Long-Term Resident Visa application—such as family relationships, support arrangements, financial capacity, and actual living conditions—and provide strategic application planning and document preparation support aimed at maximizing the approval rate.

Our Long-Term Resident Visa support covers situations such as the following:

・ You wish to continue living in Japan after divorce from your Japanese spouse.
・ You want to change your status of residence so you can continue living with and raising your Japanese child in Japan.
・ You would like to bring a step-child or biological child who is living overseas to Japan.
・ You have been living in Japan for many years and want to switch to a more stable, status-based residence such as a Long-Term Resident Visa.
・ You want to organize your residence situation now in preparation for a future application for Permanent Residency in Japan.

2. Scope of Services

  1. Preparing optimal supporting documents to prove family relationships, actual living conditions, and other requirements.
  2. Acting as your representative for filing applications with the Immigration Services Agency and handling post-approval stamping procedures.
  3. Handling both overseas family invitations (Certificate of Eligibility applications) and in-country change of status applications to a Long-Term Resident Visa.
  4. Monitoring application progress during the screening period and assisting with preparation and submission of any additional documents requested.
  5. Analyzing the reasons for refusal and providing support for one free re-application where applicable.
  6. Advising on application strategies to aim for longer periods of stay, such as three-year or five-year Long-Term Resident Visa renewals.

For a Long-Term Resident Visa application, immigration will examine multiple aspects such as family relationships, living conditions, ability to provide financial support, and ties to Japan. Accurate review and organize of information and persuasive documentation are therefore essential. Drawing on extensive practical experience, ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office provides comprehensive support so that you and your family can continue living in Japan with peace of mind under a Long-Term Resident Visa.

3. Why choose ACROSEED


    Why clients choose ACROSEED

  • Founded in 1986; industry-leading 40,000+ visa filings
  • 99.9% approval rate; trusted by many clients
  • No travel expenses; flat fees nationwide
  • Extensive track record in complex/re-application after refusal cases
  • No add-on fees; transparent pricing
  • Free re-application until approval if refused
  • Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese

Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications

Consulting for obtaining a Business Manager visa

ACROSEED was founded in 1986. Since 1990—the first year administrative scriveners were allowed to handle immigration under the law—we have specialized in immigration work. Our total filings exceed 40,000 (as of March 2025).

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa filings annually, visiting immigration twice a week to stay current on examinations and legal changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you get services based on the latest examination trends and the industry’s deepest practical experience.


99.9% approval rate—peace of mind backed by clients’ trust

Since opening in 1986, ACROSEED has always prioritized trustworthy services. At the free consultation stage, if approval seems unlikely, we explain this and decline the engagement.

As a result, we have maintained an approval rate of 99%+ (including re-applications) since opening.

However, for cases with a viable chance where clients wish to proceed, we will make a maximum effort together.

Our attentive, tailored service has earned broad support from clients.


No travel fees—flat rates nationwide

Nationwide coverage

Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle immigration cases nationwide at flat rates with no travel expenses.

For distant clients, we offer online consultations via Skype or Zoom so you can speak face-to-face with your consultant just like an in-person visit.


Strong results in difficult and re-application cases

We have many approvals for cases repeatedly refused by clients on their own or by other law firms.

ACROSEED’s track record is unparalleled, and we are often referred the most difficult cases from around the country—operating like a “general hospital” for the industry.

Don’t give up—consult us even for seemingly difficult cases.


No add-on fees—transparent pricing

Pricing system for the Business Manager visa

Our service fees are only those listed on our website.

We do not add fees due to client circumstances such as frequent travel or prior refusals.

We provide a transparent pricing system for your peace of mind.


Free re-application until approval if refused

Free re-application if refused

If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.

While some competitors offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem.

Accepting a case casually and leaving a refusal record in your filing history can make approval much harder later.

Clients who choose ACROSEED from among many firms deserve our stance of “getting the fastest approval possible—and if refused, supporting relentlessly until approval.”


4. Service Fees for Long-Term Resident Visa Applications via ACROSEED (Excluding Tax)

・There are no hidden or additional fees based on your individual situation.

・ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office supports clients nationwide in Japan. Even if you live far from Tokyo, you can use our Long-Term Resident Visa services at the same fees shown below.

・Payment by Visa and Mastercard credit cards is also available.

Inviting family from overseas on a Long-Term Resident Visa
(Certificate of Eligibility application)
150,000円
Change of Status to a Long-Term Resident Visa 150,000円
Renewal of a Long-Term Resident Visa
(no changes in conditions)
50,000円
Renewal of a Long-Term Resident Visa
(with changes in conditions)
150,000円

11. Related Pages Often Read Together with Long-Term Resident Applications







Q&A Supervisor
Q&A監修者

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office
Representative Administrative Scrivener
Makoto Sano

1998 Graduated from Aoyamagakuin University
2001 Registered as an administrative scrivener

He has Over 20 years of experience as an international administrative scrivener, specializing in foreign employment consulting and residence procedures for foreign residents in Japan.

Click here to see information about his business achievements
Click here to see books he has authored

Free consultation/inquiry for visa application

Since opening our practice in 1986, we have been involved in consulting on visa applications for foreigners for nearly 40 years as an immigration lawyer.
Telephone consultation, email consultation, online consultation, and consultation at our office are available.

Immigration Services Menu

Work in Japan


Start a Business in Japan


Living in Japan


Long-Term Resident


Permanent Residency


Naturalization


Procedures Related to Irregular Stay


Procedural Services



About Our Office



Q&A

Free Consultation / Contact