Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

1. Companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange
2. Mutual companies operating an insurance business
3. Local government agencies (foreign or Japanese)
4. Independent administrative agencies
5. Special corporations and government-authorized corporations
6. Locally or nationally approved public interest corporations
7. Public corporations listed in Appendix 1 of the Corporation Tax Act
8. Companies which fall under clause a or b as stated in the center column of the special supplemental table in Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the Ministerial Ordinance on Highly Skilled Professionals (also known as "innovation companies")
   * Please refer to the "List of Measures to Promote Innovation" in the link above.
9. Companies that satisfy certain conditions (in Japanese)

1. Individuals or organizations whose withheld taxes (as listed in the total statutory report) from the previous year totaled 10 million yen or more
2. Institutions that have received approval to use the online residency application system

General

1. Application form for change of status of residence - 1 copy
   * This form is available at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus.
   You can also access it via this page.
2. One photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide)
   A sharp, clear photo of the applicant facing forward with no hat, cap, or head covering taken against a plain backdrop with no shadows; must have been taken within three months prior to submitting the application.
   The photograph should be attached to the photograph section of the application with the name of the applicant written on the back of the photograph.
3. Presentation of passport and residence card

4. Document (or documents) certifying that the applicant falls under one of the categories listed above.

   Category 1	Copy of a quarterly report or another document proving that the company is listed on a Japanese stock exchange Copy of a document certifying that the institution has been approved by the relevant authorities Proof that the "innovation company" falls under clause a or b as stated in the center column of the special supplemental table in Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the Ministerial Ordinance on Highly Skilled Professionals (e.g., a copy of the grant approval notice) Document proving that the company meets the aforementioned "certain conditions" (e.g., a copy of the relevant certifications)
   Category 2	Copy of the total statutory report, including withheld taxes for earned income from the previous year (stamped with the seal of the office that accepted it) Documents proving that the institution has received approval to use the online residency application system (emailed notices of approval, etc.)
   Category 3	Copy of the total statutory report, including withheld taxes for earned income from the previous year (stamped with the seal of the office that accepted it)

5. Document proving that the applicant has graduated from a professional training college and obtained the appropriate title(s) for their respective field

1. One of the following documents that clearly defines the activities of the applicant:

   1. In cases where a labor contract is being executed:
      Documents which state that the working conditions are compliant with Article 15, Paragraph 1 of the Labor Standards Act, and Article 5 of the Ordinance for the Enforcement of the Labor Standards Act.
   2. In cases where the applicant is assuming a post as an executive member of a Japanese company:
      Copies of either the articles of incorporation which detail the remuneration for executive members, or the minutes from the general shareholders meeting in which the remuneration was decided upon (for companies with a compensation committee, then those minutes)
   3. In cases where the applicant is transferring to the Japanese branch of a foreign company, or assuming a post as an executive member of a Japanese non-corporate organization:
      Documents from the relevant organization which state the applicant’s position (job description), contract period, and remuneration

2. Document certifying the applicant's academic background, work history, and other relevant background information:

   1. Resume which clearly outlines the applicant’s skills, knowledge, and period of time in which they have been employed in their field - 1 copy
   2. One of the following documents which prove the applicant’s academic background, work history, and other matters:
   1. Either a university diploma or a certificate proving that the applicant has completed the equivalent (or higher) degree of post-secondary education; for those with DOEACC accreditation, proof of having obtained either Level A, B, or C
   2. A Certificate of Employment or similar document which outlines the length of time the applicant has spend in the field (including certificates from universities, professional training colleges, or vocational schools which outline the time spent acquiring the necessary skills/knowledge
   3. For IT engineers, proof of having obtained accreditation for or having passed an examination related to information processing technology, as determined in a special public notice made by the Minister of Justice
      * (Note) Not required if the documents in Item 5 are being submitted.
   4. For those wishing to engage in activities which require an understanding of or sensitivity to foreign cultures, proof of a minimum of three years experience in the field (excluding those who majored in translation, interpretation or language education).
3. Certificate of registration

4. One of the following documents that clearly defines the employment activities:

   1. Informative materials outlining the employer’s history, staff, structure, and business operations (including major clients and accomplishments) - 1 copy
   2. Other documents required to support/supplement the information provided above in point (1) - 1 copy

1. Recent financial documents (for the current fiscal year) - 1 copy

1. Copies of recent financial documents (for the current fiscal year), or copies of financial plans (for new businesses)

2. Any of the following materials which clearly explain why the total statutory report (including withholding tax slips) from the previous year cannot be submitted:

   (1) For institutions that do not need to withhold taxes at the source:
   A certificate from a foreign corporation which proves that taxes do not need to be withheld at the source (or a similar document) - 1 copy

   (2) For institutions other than the above in point 1:

   1. Notification of the establishment of a payroll office, etc. - 1 copy
   2. Either of the following materials:
      1. Statements (copies of dated receipts) which show that income taxes (for retirement, etc.) have been paid over the past three months
      2. Documents which show that approval has been obtained for an exemption of payment - 1 copy