Japan Immigration & Living Glossary

Essential Japanese terms for foreigners dealing with visas, housing, and business in Japan.

Quick Reference

在留資格 = Status of Residence (your visa type)
在留カード = Residence Card (your ID in Japan)
保証人 = Guarantor (required for most rentals)
印鑑 = Personal seal (used instead of signature)

Visa & Immigration Terms

在留資格 (Zairyū Shikaku)

Status of Residence - The legal category under which a foreigner is permitted to stay in Japan. Examples include 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services', 'Student', 'Spouse of Japanese National', etc.

在留カード (Zairyū Card)

Residence Card - ID card issued to foreign residents in Japan with a period of stay exceeding 3 months. Must be carried at all times.

在留資格認定証明書 (COE)

Certificate of Eligibility - Document issued by Immigration that pre-approves a visa application. Required for most long-term visas.

在留期間更新 (Zairyū Kikan Kōshin)

Extension of Period of Stay - Application to extend your current visa before it expires. Usually submitted 3 months before expiration.

在留資格変更 (Zairyū Shikaku Henkō)

Change of Status of Residence - Application to switch from one visa type to another (e.g., Student to Work visa).

出入国在留管理庁

Immigration Services Agency of Japan - Government agency that handles all immigration matters, visa applications, and foreign resident registration.

Housing & Rental Terms

保証人 (Hoshōnin)

Guarantor - A person (usually Japanese) who guarantees payment if tenant defaults. Required by most landlords for foreigners.

保証会社 (Hoshō Gaisha)

Guarantor Company - Company that acts as guarantor for a fee. Alternative when you don't have a personal guarantor.

敷金 (Shikikin)

Security Deposit - Refundable deposit, typically 1-2 months rent. Used to cover damages or unpaid rent.

礼金 (Reikin)

Key Money - Non-refundable 'gift' to landlord, typically 1-2 months rent. Unique to Japanese rental system.

Banking & Business Terms

合同会社 (GK - Gōdō Kaisha)

Limited Liability Company (LLC) - Simpler business structure with lower setup costs. Good for small businesses.

株式会社 (KK - Kabushiki Kaisha)

Stock Corporation - Traditional company structure. Higher credibility but more complex setup and regulations.

印鑑 / 実印 (Inkan / Jitsuin)

Personal Seal / Registered Seal - Official stamp used instead of signature for contracts, banking, and official documents.

印鑑証明書 (Inkan Shōmeisho)

Seal Registration Certificate - Official document proving your seal is registered with the local government. Required for many official procedures.

General Terms

行政書士 (Gyōsei Shoshi)

Administrative Scrivener - Licensed professional who can help with immigration applications, company formation, and various permits.

弁護士 (Bengoshi)

Lawyer/Attorney - Licensed legal professional who can represent you in court and provide legal advice.