Visa9 min read
Immigration Lawyer vs Gyoseishoshi: Which Do You Need in Japan?
Comparing immigration lawyers and administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) in Japan. Costs, services, when to use each, and how to find a good one.
Published: 1/19/2026•Updated: 1/19/2026
Key Takeaways
- Lawyers cost 2-3x more but can represent you in court
- Gyoseishoshi is sufficient for most standard visa applications
- Use a lawyer for deportation, criminal record issues, or court cases
- Many gyoseishoshi offer free consultations - start there
- Look for specialists with immigration experience
Understanding Your Options
When dealing with visa issues in Japan, you have two main types of professionals who can help:
1. Immigration Lawyer (入管専門弁護士)
• Licensed attorney (弁護士) specializing in immigration
• Can represent you in court
• Handle all legal matters including disputes 2. Administrative Scrivener (行政書士) - Gyoseishoshi
• Licensed for administrative document preparation
• Specializes in visa applications and paperwork
• Cannot represent in court but handles most visa needs Key Difference: Lawyers can go to court; gyoseishoshi cannot. For standard visa applications, both can help effectively.
• Licensed attorney (弁護士) specializing in immigration
• Can represent you in court
• Handle all legal matters including disputes 2. Administrative Scrivener (行政書士) - Gyoseishoshi
• Licensed for administrative document preparation
• Specializes in visa applications and paperwork
• Cannot represent in court but handles most visa needs Key Difference: Lawyers can go to court; gyoseishoshi cannot. For standard visa applications, both can help effectively.
Cost Comparison
Immigration Lawyer Fees:
• Consultation: ¥5,000-15,000/hour
• Work visa application: ¥150,000-300,000
• Permanent residence: ¥200,000-400,000
• Complex cases/appeals: ¥300,000-500,000+ Gyoseishoshi Fees:
• Consultation: Free-¥5,000
• Work visa application: ¥80,000-150,000
• Permanent residence: ¥100,000-200,000
• Standard cases: ¥50,000-150,000 Cost Difference: Gyoseishoshi typically costs 50-70% less than lawyers for the same service.
• Consultation: ¥5,000-15,000/hour
• Work visa application: ¥150,000-300,000
• Permanent residence: ¥200,000-400,000
• Complex cases/appeals: ¥300,000-500,000+ Gyoseishoshi Fees:
• Consultation: Free-¥5,000
• Work visa application: ¥80,000-150,000
• Permanent residence: ¥100,000-200,000
• Standard cases: ¥50,000-150,000 Cost Difference: Gyoseishoshi typically costs 50-70% less than lawyers for the same service.
When to Use an Immigration Lawyer
You NEED a Lawyer If:
✓ Facing deportation - You need legal representation
✓ Criminal record issues - Legal expertise required
✓ Complex appeals - Court representation may be needed
✓ Detention - Lawyers can visit detention centers
✓ Legal disputes with immigration
Lawyer Advantages:
• Full legal representation
• Can handle court cases
• More comprehensive legal protection
• Better for high-stakes situations
• Full legal representation
• Can handle court cases
• More comprehensive legal protection
• Better for high-stakes situations
When to Use a Gyoseishoshi
Gyoseishoshi is Best For:
✓ Standard visa applications - Work, spouse, student visas
✓ Visa renewals - Straightforward extensions
✓ Status changes - Student to work visa, etc.
✓ Permanent residence - Standard applications
✓ Document preparation - When you know what you need
Gyoseishoshi Advantages:
• Lower cost
• Often more specialized in visa paperwork
• Faster turnaround for standard cases
• Many speak English
• Lower cost
• Often more specialized in visa paperwork
• Faster turnaround for standard cases
• Many speak English
How to Find a Good Professional
Finding an Immigration Lawyer:
• Japan Federation of Bar Associations
• Referrals from embassies
• Online directories with reviews
• Look for 入管専門 (immigration specialist) Finding a Gyoseishoshi:
• Japan Federation of Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialists
• Real estate agent referrals
• Online directories
• Look for 入管業務 (immigration work) Questions to Ask: 1. How many visa cases have you handled? 2. What's your success rate? 3. Do you speak English? 4. What's included in your fee? 5. How long will my case take?
• Japan Federation of Bar Associations
• Referrals from embassies
• Online directories with reviews
• Look for 入管専門 (immigration specialist) Finding a Gyoseishoshi:
• Japan Federation of Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialists
• Real estate agent referrals
• Online directories
• Look for 入管業務 (immigration work) Questions to Ask: 1. How many visa cases have you handled? 2. What's your success rate? 3. Do you speak English? 4. What's included in your fee? 5. How long will my case take?
Comparison Table
| Factor | Immigration Lawyer | Gyoseishoshi |
|--------|-------------------|---------------|
| Cost | ¥150,000-500,000+ | ¥50,000-200,000 |
| Court representation | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Standard visa work | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Deportation cases | ✓ Best choice | △ Limited |
| Appeals | ✓ Full service | △ Partial |
| Document preparation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Specialized |
| Consultation | ¥5,000-15,000/hr | Often free |
Our Recommendation
For Most Foreigners:
Start with a Gyoseishoshi if:
• Your case is straightforward
• No legal complications
• Budget is a concern
• Just need help with paperwork Go directly to a Lawyer if:
• Facing deportation or detention
• Have a criminal record
• Previous visa rejections with complications
• Need court representation Pro Tip: Many gyoseishoshi offer free initial consultations. Start there to understand your case, then decide if you need a lawyer.
• Your case is straightforward
• No legal complications
• Budget is a concern
• Just need help with paperwork Go directly to a Lawyer if:
• Facing deportation or detention
• Have a criminal record
• Previous visa rejections with complications
• Need court representation Pro Tip: Many gyoseishoshi offer free initial consultations. Start there to understand your case, then decide if you need a lawyer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Gyoseishoshi regularly handle permanent residence applications. Unless you have complications (criminal record, tax issues, etc.), a gyoseishoshi is usually sufficient and more affordable.
A good gyoseishoshi will recognize when a case needs a lawyer and refer you. Many work with immigration lawyers and can facilitate the transition.
Many immigration lawyers and gyoseishoshi speak English, especially in major cities. Ask about language support when you contact them.
Yes, for simple renewals. But for complex cases or first-time applications, professional help significantly increases success rates.
Last updated: January 19, 2026