Religious Activities

Missionary work and other religious activities undertaken by religious workers sent by foreign religious organizations.
Applicants who fall under this criteria include missionaries, etc., sent by a foreign religious organization.

1. Application for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
   * This form is available at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus.
   You can also access it via this page.
2. Photograph (4 cm long x 3 cm wide) - 1 photograph
   • 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. Reply envelope (a standard envelope with the address clearly showing and 404 yen in postage stamps (simplified registered mail) attached) - 1 copy
4. Copies of documents from the relevant foreign religious organization certifying the applicant’s dispatch period, position, and remuneration - as required
5. Materials outlining the dispatching and accepting organizations (including denomination, history, representative(s), structure, facilities, and number of members) - as required

6. Documents certifying the foreign national's position and career as a religious worker - as required

   * The applicant must submit documents certifying their position and career as a religious worker, such as a certificate from their dispatching organization. This is not required if the applicant’s position and career as a religious worker are detailed in their dispatch certificates and other documents (as stipulated in Article 4).

• "Applicant" refers to the foreign national who wishes to enter and reside in Japan.
• All certificates issued in Japan must have been issued within three months prior to the submission of the application.

• Presentation of proof of identity (company ID, etc.)
  * If a representative, proxy, or legal representative submits the application, proof of identity is required to confirm that the person submitting the application is qualified to do so.

• It should be understood that other materials may be requested after the application has been submitted.

1. If the documents to be submitted are in a foreign language, attach Japanese translations.
2. If the name on the Certificate of Eligibility and passport are different, it may take some time to complete immigration procedures, due to having to confirm your name during each procedure before entering Japan. Therefore, we ask that you please submit a copy of your passport at the time of application when possible.
3. As a general rule, submitted documents cannot be returned. If you wish for them to be returned for a special reason, such as difficulty obtaining new originals, make a request for their return at the time of application.