Eligibility quiz
Do you have an adoptive parent who is a Japanese citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Live in Japan
You can live in Japan for the period shown on your residence card.
The period is generally 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months, or an individually set period of no more than 5 years.
Your stay is temporary but renewable, not a right to live in Japan indefinitely.
Study in Japan
Your residence status does not restrict ordinary study.
It does not guarantee admission to a school.
Work in Japan
Holders can work without immigration restrictions on their occupation or working hours.
They can change jobs or work for themselves, while following the laws that apply to their work.
Travel and return
You can leave Japan and return with permission and a valid passport.
Special permission normally allows you to return within one year, or before your stay expires if that is sooner.
Ordinary permission can last up to five years, but not beyond your current period of stay.
If you cannot get a passport because you are stateless or for another accepted reason, Japan can issue a document for your return.
Use public healthcare
Residents staying over three months must have the appropriate public health insurance.
Employees at covered workplaces generally use their workplace plan, while others under 75 normally use National Health Insurance.
People aged 75 or older use the medical-care system for that age group.
How to apply
From outside JapanFrom outside Japan
Find the immigration office
Find the Japanese immigration office responsible for your child’s intended address in Japan, or for the address of the person applying on your child’s behalf.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Japan immigration office handles a Long-Term Resident Certificate of Eligibility for an address in your city?”
Download the application form
Download the Certificate of Eligibility application form for your child’s Long-Term Resident application.
Download the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download Japan’s Long-Term Resident Certificate of Eligibility application form for an adopted child?”
Fill in the form
Complete and sign the form for your child.
See how to fill itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Japan’s Long-Term Resident Certificate of Eligibility application for an adopted child?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your child’s application.
See required documentsSubmit the application online
As an eligible representative, register for the online residence application system, upload the form and documents, and submit them for your child. You can instead have an eligible representative hand them in at the immigration office; choose whether to receive the certificate on paper or electronically.
Apply for the certificateSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply online for a Japan Long-Term Resident Certificate of Eligibility for an adopted child?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the immigration office’s decision on your child’s certificate. Provide any extra documents it requests or attend an interview if asked.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Japan Long-Term Resident Certificate of Eligibility application for an adopted child take?”
Receive the certificate
Receive your child’s Certificate of Eligibility on paper or by email, according to the option chosen. An electronic certificate can be forwarded to you by email for the visa application.
Find certificate delivery informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive a Japan Long-Term Resident Certificate of Eligibility for an adopted child?”
Find your consulate
Find the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for the place where your child lives.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Japanese embassy or consulate handles a Long-Term Resident visa application for a child living in your city?”
Apply for the visa
Apply for your child’s visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate, presenting your child’s passport and paper or electronic Certificate of Eligibility.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for a Japan Long-Term Resident visa for an adopted child with a Certificate of Eligibility at the Japanese consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the visa
Wait for your child’s visa to be issued. Your child can then travel to Japan before the applicable certificate and visa periods expire.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Japan Long-Term Resident visa application for an adopted child take at the Japanese consulate serving your city?”
Once in JapanOnce in Japan
Enter Japan
Travel with your child to Japan and have your child go through the arrival examination. Your child will receive a residence card at a designated airport or seaport; otherwise, it will be mailed to the registered address in Japan.
See arrival informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does an adopted child with a Japan Long-Term Resident visa enter Japan and receive a residence card?”
Register your child’s address
Register your child’s address at the town hall within 14 days of establishing a home in Japan. Your child should carry the residence card.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register an adopted child’s address as a Japan Long-Term Resident at the town hall in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Get your birth certificate from the office that issued it.
Parent's family register
Get your Japanese adoptive parent's complete family register from their municipal office in Japan. If your adoption is not recorded in it, also get an adoption acceptance certificate from the municipal office that accepted the adoption notice. Japanese certificates should generally have been issued within the last three months.
Parent's residence record *
Get your Japanese adoptive parent's residence certificate from their municipality in Japan. It should show everyone in the household and all other entries except the My Number, and generally should have been issued within the last three months.
* Only if you apply for a certificate of eligibility.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Address and personal details
You must register your address at the municipal office, generally within 14 days after settling there, and report a move.
You must also report changes to your name, nationality, sex or date of birth under the notification rules.
You may need to report changes to your employer, another organisation you are connected with, or your marital status.
Failing to make required notifications may affect renewal.
Residence card carrying
Holders aged 16 or older must carry their residence card.
Becoming Japanese
This residence status ends if you become a Japanese citizen.
Cancellation and removal
Your status can be cancelled or withdrawn, and serious criminal or immigration violations can lead to removal.
False information, missed notifications, a long absence or unpaid public charges may also jeopardise renewal.
So may failure to meet the relevant basis for your stay, where that applies.
Expiry and renewal
You must apply to renew before your stay expires.
You can generally apply from three months before expiry, but renewal is not automatic.
Your status ends if your stay expires without renewal or another lawful status, and staying without permission can lead to removal.
Your residence, activities, notifications, taxes and other circumstances can affect the decision.
Leaving without permission
Your status and period of stay end if you leave Japan without permission to return.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
For Foreigners Living In Japan
English Facebook group for people living in Japan interested in Japanese visas
Join on Facebookr/movingtojapan
English Reddit group for people living in Japan interested in Japanese visas
Join on RedditMoving to Japan
English Facebook group for people living in Japan interested in Japanese visas
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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