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What is the "Designated Activities" Status of Residence?

The "Designated Activities" status of residence is granted to foreigners who engage in activities individually specified by the Minister of Justice. It covers activities that do not fall under other statuses of residence (such as "Professor" or "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services"), but which are recognized for policy reasons or based on individual circumstances.

Examples include: domestic servants of diplomats, working holiday participants, EPA-based foreign nurses and certified care worker candidates, Japan university graduates seeking employment or starting businesses, foreign entrepreneurs, long-term residents for tourism and recreation, digital nomads, and many other categories.

Designated Activities are classified as follows:

  • Designated Activities under the Immigration Control Act: Activities stipulated in the Immigration Control Act
  • Notified Designated Activities: Activities for which requirements and content are pre-defined by a public notice issued by the Minister of Justice (many categories exist)
  • Non-Notified Designated Activities: Activities individually designated by the Minister of Justice that are not covered by any public notice

Period of Stay

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or a period individually specified by the Minister of Justice (not exceeding 5 years). The period granted varies depending on the category.

Main Categories of Designated Activities (Links to Official Ministry of Justice Information)

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan website provides guidance on the requirements and required documents for each category. Please check the relevant link for the category that applies to you.

The full list is updated regularly on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan - "Designated Activities" Status of Residence page.

Descriptions by Category of Designated Activity

The following descriptions are based on the content of each page of the Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Please always refer to the official page for detailed requirements and required documents.

Domestic Servant

This category covers activities performed by a person employed by a diplomat, consular officer, staff member of a foreign embassy or consulate, or a foreigner staying under the "Business Manager" or "Legal/Accounting Services" status of residence, to engage in domestic duties (cooking, cleaning, shopping, childcare assistance, etc.) at that person's residence. Documents demonstrating the applicant's conversational ability in the language used by the employer in daily life are required, along with an employment contract (specifying activities, duration, and remuneration) and documents proving the employer's identity and status of residence.

Domestic Servant (Ministry of Justice) →

Domestic Servant for Highly Skilled Professional / Specially Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner

This category covers activities performed by a person employed by a foreigner staying under the "Highly Skilled Professional" or "Specially Highly Skilled Professional" status of residence, to engage in domestic duties at that person's residence. The eligibility criteria for employing a domestic servant are stipulated in the public notice of the Ministry of Justice, and this category is recognized as a preferential measure for highly skilled talent. The required documents follow the same approach as the "Domestic Servant" category above, with the addition of documents proving that the employer holds the relevant highly skilled professional status.

Domestic Servant for Highly Skilled / Specially Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner (Ministry of Justice) →

Amateur Athletes and Their Family Members

This category covers activities performed by a person who engages in activities as an amateur athlete based on a contract with a public or private organization in Japan, as well as activities performed by the athlete's spouse or children who live with and are financially supported by the athlete. Documents proving the athlete's activity content, contract details, and an overview of the affiliated organization are required.

Amateur Athletes and Their Family Members (Ministry of Justice) →

Parents of Highly Skilled Professional Foreigners or Their Spouses

In principle, entry and stay of parents of foreigners residing under employment-based statuses is not permitted. However, as a preferential measure for Highly Skilled Professional Foreigners (including Specially Highly Skilled Professional Foreigners), entry and stay of parents is permitted for the following purposes: (1) to care for a child under the age of 7 of the Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner or their spouse; (2) to assist the pregnant spouse of the Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner, or the Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner who is pregnant, through personal support and domestic help. Parents may enter Japan at the same time as the Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner, or may be brought from their home country after the foreigner has already entered Japan.

Parents of Highly Skilled / Specially Highly Skilled Professional Foreigners (Ministry of Justice) →

Working Spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner

This category allows the spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner (including Specially Highly Skilled Professional Foreigners) to engage in work-related activities that fall under statuses of residence such as "Researcher," "Instructor," "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services," or "Entertainer," provided that the specified conditions are met. Requirements include receiving remuneration equivalent to or higher than that of Japanese nationals in the same position, and residing together with the Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner. Employment is not permitted if the couple lives separately. Sponsoring a spouse from overseas is also possible.

Working Spouse of Highly Skilled / Specially Highly Skilled Professional Foreigner (Ministry of Justice) →

Internship, Summer Job, and International Cultural Exchange

This category applies to foreign university students who wish to engage in one of the following activities. (1) Internship: Activities involving practical training at a Japanese company or organization as part of academic study. (2) Summer Job: Activities involving work at a Japanese company or organization during a summer vacation period (not exceeding 3 months) for the purpose of academic advancement and future career development. (3) International Cultural Exchange: Activities involving participation in an international cultural exchange program organized by a local government during a period not exceeding 3 months when university classes are not held, and delivering lectures on international cultural exchange at Japanese elementary or junior high schools. Documents such as proof of enrollment and a contract with the accepting organization are required.

Internship, Summer Job, and International Cultural Exchange (Ministry of Justice) →

EPA Nurses, Certified Care Workers, and Their Candidates

This category covers nurse candidates and certified care worker candidates accepted from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam under Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA), as well as EPA nurses and EPA certified care workers who work after passing Japan's national licensing examinations. Procedures for transitioning from candidate to qualified worker status and procedures related to changes in workplace are outlined by category on the Ministry of Justice website.

EPA Nurses, Certified Care Workers, and Their Candidates (Ministry of Justice) →

Family Members of EPA Nurses and EPA Certified Care Workers

This category covers activities performed by a spouse or child who resides with and is supported by a person who has obtained a Japanese nursing license under the EPA framework and is staying as a nurse, or who has obtained a certified care worker qualification and is staying as a certified care worker. Only those who have obtained the national qualification and are actively working as EPA nurses or EPA certified care workers are eligible to be supporting persons; residence as a dependent of a candidate is not permitted.

Family Members of EPA Nurses and EPA Certified Care Workers (Ministry of Justice) →

Medical Stay and Accompanying Persons

This category covers activities involving hospitalization and medical treatment at a Japanese hospital or other medical institution, as well as activities as an accompanying person (companion). The requirements and required documents for those seeking medical treatment are stipulated in the public notice of the Ministry of Justice, and documents from the medical institution, a treatment plan, and documents proving the ability to cover costs are required.

Medical Stay and Accompanying Persons (Ministry of Justice) →

Specified Research Activities

This category covers activities involving research, research supervision, or education (education limited to universities and similar institutions) in a specific field, based on a contract with a qualifying public or private organization in Japan (one designated by the Minister of Justice as contributing to research in a specified field requiring advanced specialized knowledge), conducted at that organization's facilities. It also covers activities involving the management of a business related to such research in conjunction with the research activities. The organization must be designated by the Minister of Justice, and documents proving the contract details and the applicant's background are required.

Specified Research Activities (Ministry of Justice) →

Specified Information Processing Activities

This category covers activities involving information processing work requiring technology or knowledge in the natural sciences or humanities, based on a contract with a qualifying public or private organization in Japan (one designated by the Minister of Justice as contributing to the development of the information processing industry), conducted at that organization's business office (or, in the case of dispatched workers, at the business office of the client organization). Dispatched workers are also eligible.

Specified Information Processing Activities (Ministry of Justice) →

Parents of Specified Research/Information Processing Activity Holders and Family Stay Activities

[Family Stay] Activities performed by a spouse or child who resides with and is supported by a foreigner (the supporting person) engaged in "Specified Research Activities" or "Specified Information Processing Activities." [Parent Sponsorship] Activities performed by the parents of the supporting person and the parents of the supporting person's spouse, who reside with and are supported by the supporting person, and who meet both of the following conditions: (1) they resided with and were supported by the supporting person while overseas; (2) they are relocating to Japan together with the supporting person. Required documents include proof of family relationship, proof of the supporting person's employment and income, and, in the case of parents, documents proving overseas co-residence/support and a written statement of intent to relocate to Japan.

Parents of Specified Research/Information Processing Activity Holders and Family Stay (Ministry of Justice) →

Long-Term Residents for Tourism and Recreation and Their Spouses

This category covers activities involving tourism, recreation, or similar activities in Japan for a period not exceeding one year, as well as activities performed by the accompanying spouse. Employment is not permitted. Applicants must meet the requirements stipulated in the public notice of the Ministry of Justice (including assets/income and a stay plan); please check the official page for required documents.

Long-Term Residents for Tourism and Recreation (Ministry of Justice) →

Digital Nomads and Their Spouses/Children

This category applies to individuals who stay in Japan for the purpose of international remote work and similar activities (digital nomads), engaging in either: (1) activities involving work at a business office of a foreign organization located outside Japan, based on an employment contract with that foreign organization, using information and communication technology; or (2) activities involving the provision of services for remuneration or the sale of goods to persons located overseas, using information and communication technology (excluding services or goods that cannot be provided or sold without entering Japan). The period of stay is 6 months and cannot be extended. Re-entry under the same status is possible after 6 months from departure. Requirements include a personal annual income of at least JPY 10 million at the time of application and holding the nationality of a designated country or region. Activities outside the scope of the visa are generally not permitted, and employment based on a contract with a Japanese organization is not allowed. Spouses and children may be permitted to stay under the same status as dependents residing with the digital nomad in certain cases.

Digital Nomads (Ministry of Justice) →

Japan University Graduates and Their Spouses

This category applies to foreigners who have graduated (or completed the first phase of a professional university program, been conferred the title of "highly specialized professional," etc.) from a Japanese university, graduate school, junior college, college of technology, or similar institution, and who engage in activities specified in the public notice of the Ministry of Justice, such as work involving the use of the Japanese language (Japan University Graduate activities), as well as activities performed by their spouses or children who reside with and are supported by them. Required documents include proof of the applicant's academic background, Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1 or BJT Business Japanese 480 points or above, etc.), a letter of reason for employment, and a written statement of working conditions. Please refer to the latest Ministry of Justice page and PDF materials, as the requirements were revised in February 2024.

Japan University Graduates and Their Spouses (Ministry of Justice) →

Ski Instructors

This category covers activities involving ski instruction based on a contract with an organization operating a ski resort or similar facility in Japan. Applicants are required to hold an Alpine Ski Stage I - IV certification recognized by the Japan Ski Instructors Association (SIA, a public interest incorporated association), or a ski instruction qualification deemed equivalent or higher by SIA. Required documents include an employment contract, written statement of working conditions, proof of qualification, and documents providing an overview of the employer's establishment.

Ski Instructors (Ministry of Justice) →

Stay from Job Offer Confirmation (During School or After Graduation) Until Employment Start Date

This category covers activities performed by a foreigner staying under the "Student" status of residence, or a foreigner staying under the "Designated Activities" status for the purpose of continuing job-seeking activities, who has received a job offer while enrolled in school or after graduation, and who is waiting until the official start date of employment. Required documents include materials from the hiring company confirming the job offer details and date, documents equivalent to those required for the status of residence under which the applicant will work after being hired, and a written pledge (regarding notification obligations, etc.). Please refer to the Ministry of Justice guidance page for details on eligibility, requirements, and activities outside the scope of the visa.

Stay from Job Offer Confirmation Until Employment Start Date (Ministry of Justice) →

4th Generation Japanese Descendants (Nikkei Yonsei)

This is a status of residence under the expanded acceptance program for 4th generation Japanese descendants. Fourth-generation descendants of Japanese nationals may stay in Japan to engage in certain activities (such as learning Japanese and experiencing Japanese culture) with the support of an individual or organizational sponsor. Guidance documents and lists of required materials are published on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website, including the documents required for the Certificate of Eligibility application.

Expanded Acceptance Program for 4th Generation Japanese Descendants (Ministry of Justice) →

Foreign Entrepreneurs (Startup Visa)

This status of residence is granted to foreigners who, utilizing the Foreign Entrepreneur Activity Promotion Project based on the "Public Notice on Foreign Entrepreneur Activity Promotion Projects" designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), engage in startup preparatory activities in Japan under the management and support of a local government or private operator (Foreign Entrepreneur Activity Promotion Implementing Organization) certified by the Minister of METI. The visa allows up to 2 years for startup preparatory activities. Required documents include a certificate confirming the startup preparation activity plan, a copy of the plan confirmed by the implementing organization, and documents proving academic background and practical experience. Please also refer to the METI startup visa guidance for full details.

Foreign Entrepreneurs (Ministry of Justice) →

J-Find (Entrepreneurship/Job-Seeking for Outstanding Graduates of Overseas Universities)

The Future Creation Human Resource Program (J-Find). Since April 2023, outstanding graduates of highly ranked overseas universities who wish to engage in "job-seeking activities" or "startup preparatory activities" in Japan are granted the "Designated Activities" (Future Creation Human Resource) status of residence, allowing a stay of up to 2 years. Requirements: (1) the applicant must have graduated from or completed a graduate program at a university ranked in the top 100 in at least 2 of the 3 major world university rankings, obtaining a degree or equivalent; (2) the graduation or completion date must be within 5 years of the application; (3) the applicant must have savings of at least JPY 200,000 at the time of application. The list of eligible universities is updated regularly in a PDF published by the Ministry of Justice.

J-Find (Ministry of Justice) →

Stay Until Graduate School Enrollment for Japan University Graduates

This category applies to international students who have graduated from a Japanese university and are staying under the "Designated Activities" status until they enroll in graduate school. Details on eligibility and requirements are provided in the guidance on "Status of Residence for International Students Graduating from Japanese Universities and Proceeding to Graduate School." Required documents include a copy of the graduation certificate or diploma, an admission letter from the graduate school, documents proving the ability to cover living expenses, and a written pledge from the graduate school. Only a change of status of residence permit application is available; a Certificate of Eligibility application is not applicable.

Stay Until Graduate School Enrollment (Ministry of Justice) →

For Those Wishing to Transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i) Status

Guidance is provided on the procedures for those who wish to transition to the "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" status of residence under the Specified Skilled Worker system. The requirements and required documents for changing to the Specified Skilled Worker (i) status for those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) or (iii) can be found on the dedicated Specified Skilled Worker page.

Transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Ministry of Justice) →

Technical Intern Trainees Undergoing Transfer Procedures

This covers measures related to the stay of technical intern trainees during the period in which they are undergoing transfer procedures to continue technical intern training under a new supervising organization after their relationship with their previous supervising organization has been dissolved. The "Designated Activities" status of residence may be granted based on documents proving that transfer procedures are underway.

Technical Intern Trainees Undergoing Transfer Procedures (Ministry of Justice) →

Special Measures for Those Unable to Continue Employment Due to Unavoidable Circumstances

These are special measures for cases where it has become difficult to continue activities under the current employment-based status of residence due to unavoidable circumstances (such as termination of a fixed-term contract, business downsizing, natural disaster, etc.). If certain requirements are met, the continuation of employment activities or job-seeking activities may be permitted under the "Designated Activities" status of residence. Please check the Ministry of Justice guidance for the applicable circumstances and requirements.

Special Measures for Employment Continuity Difficulties (Ministry of Justice) →

Preparatory Activities for Specified Skilled Worker (i) Status in the Road Transportation Sector

For those wishing to become a "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" in the road transportation sector who wish to obtain a Japanese driver's license or complete a new driver training program as preparation, the "Designated Activities" (Specified Road Transportation Preparatory Activities) status of residence may be granted. Please check the relevant Ministry of Justice page for requirements and required documents.

Road Transportation Sector - Specified Skilled Worker Preparatory Activities (Ministry of Justice) →

Requirements for Obtaining a Designated Activity Visa

The requirements differ depending on the category. Please check the relevant Ministry of Justice public notice and Immigration Services Agency guidance for the applicable category.

Below, we summarize the conditions for "bringing parents living overseas to Japan," which is one of the most frequently consulted topics at our office.

Bringing Parents Living Overseas to Japan (Specified Research/Information Processing Activity - Parents and Family Stay)

The parents of a foreigner (the supporting person) engaged in "Specified Research Activities" or "Specified Information Processing Activities," as well as the parents of the supporting person's spouse, may be granted the Designated Activity (Parent Sponsorship) status of residence if all of the following conditions are met:

  • They reside with and receive financial support from the supporting person.
  • They previously resided with and received financial support from the supporting person while overseas.
  • They are relocating to Japan together with the supporting person.

※ In the case of a spouse or child, they must be a spouse or child who receives financial support and resides with the supporting person, under the "Specified Research Family Stay Activities" or "Specified Information Processing Family Stay Activities" category. For details, please refer to the Ministry of Justice - Parents and Family Stay for Specified Research/Information Processing Activities page.

Required Documents (Overview)

Required documents vary depending on the type of application (Certificate of Eligibility application, Change of Status of Residence application, Extension of Period of Stay application, or Acquisition of Status of Residence application) and the category of Designated Activity. The following provides an overview of common considerations and documents that are typically required across major categories. Please always confirm the details on the relevant Ministry of Justice pages listed above.

Common Notes for All Applications (Based on Ministry of Justice Guidance)

  • If submitted documents are in a foreign language, please attach a Japanese translation.
  • Certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
  • Applications with incomplete documentation may result in delays or unfavorable outcomes during review.
  • For guidance on how to fill out application forms and details on required documents, please contact the Foreign Residents Information Center (TEL: 0570-013904).

Examples of Common Required Documents by Application Type

  • Certificate of Eligibility Application (for new entry into Japan): Certificate of Eligibility application form, photo, return envelope, category-specific documents (proof of family relationship, proof of income/employment, documents proving activity content, etc.)
  • Change of Status of Residence Application (changing from another status to Designated Activities): Change of Status of Residence application form, photo, passport and residence card (to be presented), category-specific documents
  • Extension of Period of Stay Application (continuing the same Designated Activity): Extension of Period of Stay application form, photo, passport and residence card (to be presented), category-specific documents (proof of income, etc.)
  • Acquisition of Status of Residence Application (acquiring Designated Activities status while in Japan): Acquisition of Status of Residence application form, photo, documents proving the reason for application, passport (to be presented), category-specific documents

Example Required Documents for Sponsoring Parents, Spouses, or Children (Specified Research/Information Processing Activity - Parents and Family Stay)

When sponsoring a spouse, child, or parent (and their spouse's parent) of the supporting person, the following documents are generally required (these vary by application type; please confirm the details on the Ministry of Justice - Parents and Family Stay for Specified Research/Information Processing Activities page).

  • Certificate of Eligibility application form (or Change/Extension/Acquisition application form)
  • Photo (specified format)
  • Documents proving family relationship with the supporting person (family register, marriage registration acceptance certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
  • Copy of the supporting person's residence card or passport
  • Documents proving the supporting person's occupation and income (certificate of employment, residence tax assessment certificate and tax payment certificate, etc.)
  • [For parents] Documents proving overseas co-residence and financial support from the supporting person, and a written statement of intent to relocate to Japan together with the supporting person
  • Return envelope (for Certificate of Eligibility applications)

If someone other than the applicant submits the application documents, they may be required to present identification. Please always check the latest required documents on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan's relevant page.