Gaijin Residents

Research tool only — not legal advice. Information may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm with the responsible office before acting. Full disclaimer · Report an error

NationalImmigration

Change of Status of Residence

在留資格変更許可申請

In short: Apply to switch to a different status of residence when your activity changes.For foreign nationals who want to change their status of residence (except changes to Permanent Resident) — Immigration Control Act Art. 20.(Source: www.moj.go.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)

Validity: Current as of 2026-10-15 (FY2026 / Reiwa 8); source page live on that date. Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2.html

Not yet confirmed — check with the office:
  • Fees, documents and processing time for change of status (not yet extracted)

Who qualifies

  • For foreign nationals who want to change their status of residence (except changes to Permanent Resident) — Immigration Control Act Art. 20. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]

Conditions by topic

AgeNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
IncomeNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
HouseholdNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
Child ageNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
Residence in JapanNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
Residence in Tokyo / municipalityNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
Work / insurance typeNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.
DisabilityNot stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office.

Residence status

Any status of residence.

Excluded: Permanent Resident (永住者)

Change to Permanent Resident uses a separate application.

[official source · verified on 2026-10-15]

Where to apply

Not yet verified from an official source.

Find addresses in the office finder.

Deadlines

  • From when the reason for the change arises until the expiry of your current period of stay. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]

Documents

Not yet verified from an official source.

Key details

  • If you are not doing the activity of your current status, the status may be revoked. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]

Phone / counter phrases

すみません、在留資格の変更の手続きについて伺いたいのですが、何を持っていけばよいですか。

Sumimasen, zairyū shikaku no henkō no tetsuzuki ni tsuite ukagaitai no desu ga, nani o motte ikeba yoi desu ka.

Hello. I would like to ask about the procedure for changing my status of residence. What documents should I bring?

すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか。

Sumimasen, mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka.

Sorry, could you please speak a little more slowly?

Generic phrases for practical help, not official wording.