Hello! This is Willow Inc., here to support you in finding a place in Japan where you can truly say, “I’m home.”
When living in Japan, your “Status of Residence” (在留資格, Zairyu Shikaku) is your most important form of identification and the foundation for all your activities. However, there are many different types, and it can be very complex, can’t it?
“What’s the difference between a ‘Visa’ and a ‘Status of Residence’?”
“Can I work a part-time job or get a full-time job with my status?”
“Will this status make it easier to rent an apartment?”
You must have the answers to these questions before you start searching for a room or a job. In this article, we will clearly explain the main types of Status of Residence that affect most foreigners, their differences, and what they do—and do not—allow you to do!
[The Basics] “Visa” and “Status of Residence” are Different Things
First, let’s understand the difference between these two commonly confused terms.
- Visa (査証, Sashou): This is like a “letter of recommendation” to *enter* Japan. It is issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country and certifies that “it is okay for this person to enter Japan.”
- Status of Residence (在留資格, Zairyu Shikaku): This is your “permit to *stay* in Japan.” It is written on the “Residence Card” (Zairyu Card) you receive at the airport (port of entry) and is the permission itself, stating, “You are permitted to stay in Japan for this period of time to conduct this activity (e.g., study, work).”
For our daily lives in Japan, the one that truly matters is the latter: the “Status of Residence.”
Key Types of “Status of Residence” and Their Features
There are nearly 30 types of statuses, but we will focus on the main ones that are particularly relevant to our clients.
① “Student” (留学, Ryugaku)
What it allows: This status is for receiving education at a Japanese university, technical college, or language school.
Regarding work: As a general rule, you are not allowed to work. However, if you apply for and receive “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted,” you can work part-time for up to 28 hours per week (expanded to 40 hours per week during long school holidays).
② “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/Int’l Services” (技術・人文知識・国際業務)
What it allows: This is one of the most common “work visas.” It is for professionals working in specialized fields such as engineering, programming, translation, design, marketing, or international trade.
Regarding work: You are only permitted to work in the specialized field for which your status was granted. For example, a person who received this status as a “Translator” cannot, in principle, work a part-time job as a waiter in a restaurant.
③ “Specified Skilled Worker” (特定技能, Tokutei Ginou)
What it allows: This status is for working in specific industries where Japan has a severe labor shortage (e.g., nursing care, food service, construction, agriculture).
Regarding work: You can only work in the permitted field. It is possible to change jobs, but there are rules, such as being limited to a job in the same field. Willow strongly supports “Specified Skilled Worker” clients in both their job and housing searches.
④ “Statuses Based on Relationship or Position”
Unlike the statuses above, which are based on “activities,” these are granted based on your personal status.
- Permanent Resident (永住者, Eijusha)
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等)
- Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等)
- Long Term Resident (定住者, Teijusha)
Regarding work: Those who hold one of these statuses have no restrictions on their work activities. You can work in any job (including non-specialized labor) just like a Japanese national, and you are free to change jobs.
Regarding apartment hunting: Because there are no work restrictions, you are considered highly credible during the tenant screening process. This is a huge advantage when renting an apartment.
Conclusion: Your “Status of Residence” Defines Your Future Options
As you can see, the “Status of Residence” you hold drastically changes the type of work you can do and how easy it is to find an apartment in Japan.
“Can I change to this job with my current visa?”
“I plan to switch from a Student to a Work visa. When can I start looking for an apartment?”
At Willow Inc., we are a group of professionals specializing in both real estate and human resources, making us experts on “Status of Residence” issues.
We can provide one-stop support for everything: from recommending housing that best suits your status, to supporting your career change, and even providing advice on visa change procedures. We are here to fully support you so that you never have to feel anxious about your Status of Residence during your life in Japan.
Whether you’re looking for an apartment or a job, consult with us on LINE first!
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