“Extending My Visa in Japan: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide”

Visa Extension in Japan: For Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident

So, your visa as a Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident is about to expire, and you're wondering what paperwork you need to stay longer in Japan. Don’t worry, I’ve been there! Here’s a full breakdown of what I prepared, how the process went, and some tips to make it easier (and less stressful) for you.

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💾 Basic Documents You’ll Need:

• ✅ Passport

• ✅ Residence card (在留カード)

• ✅ Application for Extension of Period of Stay
  → You can get this at your local Immigration Bureau or download it online.

• ✅ Photo (taken within 3 months, size 4cm × 3cm)
  ⚠️ Not required for children below 16 years old.

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📚 Supporting Documents (Specific to Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident)

Here’s what I submitted under the Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident category:

📄 Certificates

• Copy of Marriage Certificate (for spouse) or

• Copy of Birth Certificate (for child)

📾 Employment & Tax

• 在職証明書 (Zaisyoku Shoumeisho) – Employment certificate

• 住民票 (Jūminhyō) – Resident certificate showing all household members

• 住民税の課税証明書 – Certificate of Taxation (latest year)

• 住民税の税端証明書 – Certificate of Tax Payment (latest year)

✍️ Guarantee

• 保証書 (Letter of Guarantee) – Signed by your guarantor (usually spouse or parent)

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📋 Additional Required Copies from Your Guarantor

These may not be written clearly on the Immigration checklist, but they’re usually requested:

• 📁 Photocopy of Guarantor’s Passport

• 📁 Photocopy of Guarantor’s Residence Card

• 📁 Photocopy of Guarantor’s Health Insurance Card

• 📁 Photocopy of Guarantor’s My Number Card (front side only)

✨ Tip: Make sure everything is current and not expired. Paperclip each group of documents and label them.

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🏢 Submitting Your Application

I brought all my documents to the Nagoya Immigration Office and submitted everything in person. The officer checked my papers, gave me a small paper and a postcard, and asked me to:

• ✍️ Write my full name and address

• ✖️ A reference number was attached to the postcard

Then they told me:

“Please wait for this postcard (ハガキ / hagaki) to arrive in the mail.”

Once you receive the postcard, it means your visa extension has been approved!

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🥪 While You Wait — What If Your Visa Expires?

⚠️ Don’t worry! After you apply, Immigration will stamp the back of your residence card. This stamp shows:

🛬 You’ve already applied for an extension.

If a police officer checks your card randomly (yes, it happens), they’ll see this and know you’re still legally staying in Japan.

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⏳ Waiting Time

• Usually 2–4 weeks, but it may vary by season or office.

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📬 Once Approved

When your hagaki (postcard) arrives, bring these back to Immigration:

• ✅ The postcard

• ✅ Your passport

• ✅ Your residence card

• ✅ A ¥6,000 revenue stamp

✨ Where to buy the stamp?
In Nagoya, there’s a small convenience store inside the Immigration Bureau where you can buy it. Super easy!

Then they call your number, update your info, and hand you your new residence card.

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🎉 Done! You’re Officially Extended!

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📍 Final Notes & Tips

The process isn’t difficult, but it can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips:

• ⏳ Apply as early as 3 months before your visa expires
  Give yourself time in case of missing documents or follow-ups.

• 🖨️ Make Xerox copies of everything
  Immigration will keep some documents and won't return originals.

• 📂 Organize your papers
  Use paper clips, folders, and sticky notes — it really helps.

• ✍️ Write your reason for extension clearly
  Especially if you're not working or in a special situation, a short letter helps.