This article series will provide useful insights into the changing investment and innovation environment, and new business opportunities in Japan.
2.13 Online Procedures and Digitalization of Residency Application
2.13.1 Expansion of the eligible users of the online residency application procedure
Formerly, only limited users, including the staff of affiliated organizations, attorneys at law, or administrative scriveners, were eligible to submit online residency applications. To further enhance the convenience, online submissions in person by foreign nationals who have a My Number Card are accepted now (excluding applications for “diplomat” and “temporary visitor”).
For details on the digitalization of immigration procedures and online residency application procedures, please see the following website.
2.13.2 Online issuance of Certificate of Eligibility
Formerly, a paper Certificate of Eligibility was issued, but now it is possible to receive it via e-mail (March 2023).
The received e-mail can be forwarded to the foreign national residing abroad, eliminating the time, expense, and hassle of mailing the Certificate of Eligibility overseas. By presenting the e-mail with a smartphone, the foreign national living overseas can apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad or apply for landing at an airport.
Those who can receive the Certificate of Eligibility by e-mail are limited to those who apply for the Certificate of Eligibility online or those who register online in advance and apply for the Certificate of Eligibility at a regional immigration bureau. For more information, please refer to the following website.
2.13.3 Digitization of the disembarkation card for foreigners (ED Card)
The disembarkation card (ED card) used by foreign nationals entering Japan has been digitalized. You need to enter information on the app in advance to use a digital disembarkation card. Minors and those unfamiliar with smartphone functions may continue to use conventional disembarkation cards (paper ED cards).
Only new entrants to Japan can use digital disembarkation cards, those re-entering the country (including those with special re-entry permissions) and those with special landing permissions are not eligible.
Section2: Contents & Reference
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2.1
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2.2
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2.3
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2.4
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2.5
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2.6
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2.7
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2.8
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2.11
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2.12
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2.13
Section2. Documents businesses are required to submit to authorities
Materials listed as ‘Reference’ contain samples of documents regarding registration, visa, taxation, personnel and labor matters that are necessary when a foreign company establishes a corporation or other entity in Japan. These documents are not published by competent authorities and therefore are not official. For those who are going through the official procedures, please obtain the latest official documents from the competent authorities and related bodies or consult a person who specializes in advising on such information and procedures.
The information contained in this documents should be used at the reader’s independent discretion. While JETRO makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it provides, no responsibility is accepted by JETRO for any loss or damage incurred as a result of actions based on the information provided in these documents or provided by the external links listed on these pages.
Laws and Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan Pamphlet
The pamphlet "Laws & Regulations" is available in PDF, and outlines basic information about laws, regulations and procedures related to setting up a business in Japan. It is available in 8 languages (Japanese, English, German, French, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean and Vietnamese).
You can download via the "Request Form" button below.
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