Community guide
Visa types, official contacts, immigration lawyers and gyoseishoshi by city, and a regularly updated news section covering Japan immigration law changes — compiled for the Muslim community in Japan.
Immigration news and policy changes — updated by our community
As of early 2026, Japan has extended the Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker visa to all 16 designated industries (up from 2 previously). This is significant for Muslim workers in food service, hospitality, construction, and care — Type 2 allows indefinite renewal and family sponsorship, essentially a path to permanent residence.
The Immigration Services Agency announced updated guidelines allowing PR applications after 5 years for those who have consistently paid taxes and social insurance, and demonstrate deep integration into Japanese society. This particularly benefits Muslim workers on continuous work visas who have strong community ties.
From April 2026, Japan's immigration offices require a My Number card (not just the notification slip) for all residence status change and renewal procedures. If you have not yet upgraded to the physical card, visit your nearest city hall (役所) as early as possible — wait times can be several weeks.
Based on reports from the Al-Nikah Japan community, spouse visa processing times at Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau have improved significantly following new digital submission options. Applications submitted with complete documentation are averaging 6–8 weeks versus the previous 3–4 months. Osaka and Nagoya remain slower — allow 10–14 weeks.
A reminder for all zairyu card holders: Japanese law requires you to notify your city hall of any address change within 14 days of moving. Failure to do so can complicate visa renewals and PR applications. The procedure takes 10 minutes at your local city hall (役所) with your residence card and My Number card.
The most relevant visa categories for Muslims living in or moving to Japan
留学 (Ryūgaku)
For those enrolled in a Japanese language school, vocational college, or university. Allows part-time work up to 28 hours per week with a work permit. Commonly the first step for Muslims who arrive to study and later transition to a work visa.
技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Gijinkoku)
The most common work visa for white-collar professionals in Japan — IT engineers, business, translation, education, and more. Requires a university degree or relevant professional experience in the field.
特定技能 (Tokutei Ginou)
Introduced in 2019 to address Japan's labour shortage. Covers 16 industries including food service, hospitality, construction, and care work. Type 2 (introduced 2023) allows family bring-along and a path toward PR. Very accessible for Muslims from Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and other countries.
日本人の配偶者等 / 家族滞在 (Haigusha / Kazoku Taizai)
For spouses and dependents of Japanese nationals or permanent residents. Spouse visa holders may work without restriction. If you marry a Japanese national through Al-Nikah Japan, this is typically the first visa you will apply for. Processing takes 1–3 months on average.
経営・管理 (Keiei-Kanri)
For those running or managing a business in Japan. Requires a registered company, a physical office, and in most cases at least ¥5,000,000 in capital or two full-time employees. Popular with Muslim entrepreneurs in food, import/export, and technology sectors.
永住者 (Eijūsha)
PR grants the right to live and work in Japan indefinitely without visa renewal. Standard requirement: 10 years continuous residence (including 5 years on a work visa). Can be reduced to 5 years for spouses of Japanese nationals, or 1 year for Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) point-system holders. PR holders can sponsor family members.
帰化 (Kika)
Becoming a Japanese citizen. Requirements: 5+ years continuous residence, financial independence, clean record, and willingness to relinquish existing citizenship (Japan generally does not allow dual citizenship). Applications are submitted at your local Legal Affairs Bureau. Processing typically takes 12–24 months.
Direct contacts for Japan’s Immigration Services Agency regional bureaus
出入国在留管理庁
National immigration authority — all visa, PR, and status enquiries
English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese language support available via the information center.
東京出入国在留管理局
Handles applications for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Yamanashi, and Nagano
One of the busiest offices — consider the Shinagawa branch and arrive early.
大阪出入国在留管理局
Covers Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Shiga, and nearby prefectures
名古屋出入国在留管理局
Covers Aichi, Mie, Gifu, Shizuoka, Fukui, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Nagano
福岡出入国在留管理局
Covers Kyushu, Okinawa, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions
Legal professionals who can prepare and submit immigration applications on your behalf
Gyoseishoshi (行政書士) vs Bengoshi (弁護士): For most immigration applications (visa renewal, PR, status change), a gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener) is sufficient and significantly cheaper than a full lawyer (bengoshi). Gyoseishoshi are licensed specifically to prepare and submit immigration paperwork. You only need a bengoshi if your case involves a court dispute or complex legal challenge.
Gyoseishoshi (行政書士) · Shinjuku / Shibuya
Multiple immigration-specialist gyoseishoshi offices operate in Shinjuku and Shibuya. Gyoseishoshi (administrative scriveners) are licensed professionals who can prepare and submit all immigration paperwork at lower cost than a full bengoshi (lawyer).
Search: 行政書士 ビザ 新宿 on Google Maps for current listings
Full-service law firm (Bengoshi) · Minato / Toranomon
One of Japan's leading international law firms with a dedicated immigration and employment practice. Best suited to corporate clients and business visa applicants.
Full-service law firm (Bengoshi) · Marunouchi, Tokyo
Experienced in complex immigration cases including PR appeals and naturalization. Also handles family law matters relevant to international couples in Japan.
Gyoseishoshi (行政書士) · Namba / Shinsaibashi
Several gyoseishoshi offices near Namba specialize in immigration for Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and South Asian nationals. Look for offices listing Indonesian (インドネシア語) or English on their signs.
Search: 行政書士 ビザ 大阪 on Google Maps
Gyoseishoshi (行政書士) · Nagoya central
Nagoya has a growing network of immigration specialists serving the manufacturing and automotive industry workforce, including many South Asian and Southeast Asian Muslim workers.
Search: 行政書士 在留資格 名古屋 on Google Maps
Gyoseishoshi (行政書士) — Online · Nationwide (remote service)
Several gyoseishoshi now offer fully remote services across Japan. Useful for those in smaller cities without a local immigration specialist. Documents are handled by post and electronic submission.
Search: オンライン 行政書士 ビザ on Google
Referral directory · Nationwide
An English-language directory of immigration professionals across Japan. Useful starting point for finding a verified specialist in your area.
If you know an immigration lawyer or gyoseishoshi who should be listed here, has helped you personally, or if you have a relevant immigration update or policy change to report — please send it to us. We review all submissions and publish within 48 hours.
All submissions reviewed before publishing. Sources always credited.
