Main Activities and Qualifications Covered by This Status of Residence

As applicable examples, you must hold one of the following Japanese qualifications and work in the corresponding field:

• Physician / Dentist
• Other than physician/dentist: Pharmacist, Public Health Nurse, Midwife, Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Dental Hygienist, Clinical Radiographer, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Orthoptist, Clinical Engineer, Prosthetist/Orthotist

※ All qualifications must be evidenced by a Japanese license or certificate. For details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Status of Residence: Medical" and the Landing Permission Standards (PDF).

Period of Stay

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months

Required Documents

Required documents vary depending on the type of application (new entry, change of status, renewal, or acquisition). The list below is a reference based on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan's guidelines. Additional documents may be requested during the review process. Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. Certificates issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of the application date.

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (for new entry from abroad)

[Common to all]

• Application form for Certificate of Eligibility: 1 copy
• Photo: 1 (as per specified format)
• Self-addressed return envelope (with address clearly written and return postage for registered mail): 1

[Category 1: Physicians / Dentists]

• Document proving the applicant holds a Japanese qualification as a physician or dentist (copy of license or certificate): 1 copy
• Materials providing an overview of the employing organization (for hospitals/clinics, must indicate the date establishment permission was granted): 1 copy

[Category 2: Other than Physicians / Dentists]

• Document proving the applicant holds one of the following Japanese qualifications — pharmacist, public health nurse, midwife, nurse, licensed practical nurse, dental hygienist, clinical radiographer, physical therapist, occupational therapist, orthoptist, clinical engineer, or prosthetist/orthotist (copy of license or certificate): 1 copy
• Materials providing an overview of the employing organization (for hospitals/clinics, must indicate the date establishment permission was granted): 1 copy

※ If a copy of your passport can be submitted at the time of application, it is recommended to include it.

2. Application for Change of Status of Residence (changing from another status to "Medical")

[Common to all]

• Application form for change of status of residence: 1 copy
• Passport and Residence Card (for presentation)
• Photo: 1 (as per specified format; not required for applicants under 16 years of age)

[Category 1: Physicians / Dentists]

• Document proving Japanese qualification as a physician or dentist (copy of license or certificate): 1 copy
• Materials providing an overview of the employing organization: 1 copy

[Category 2: Other than Physicians / Dentists]

• Document proving one of the above qualifications (copy of license or certificate): 1 copy
• Materials providing an overview of the employing organization: 1 copy

※ Please apply promptly if you intend to engage in activities corresponding to this status of residence. If you are not conducting activities based on your current status of residence, your status may be revoked.

3. Application for Extension of Period of Stay (continuing to reside under "Medical" status)

[Common to all]

• Application form for extension of period of stay: 1 copy
• Passport and Residence Card (for presentation)
• Photo: 1 (as per specified format; may not be required for applicants under 16, etc.)
• Municipal tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate showing total annual income and tax payment status: 1 each
• Certificate of employment or other documentation from the affiliated organization certifying job duties and remuneration: 1 copy

[Category 1: Physicians / Dentists]

• No additional documents are generally required.

[Category 2: Other than Physicians / Dentists]

• Document proving the qualification (copy of license or certificate): 1 copy

※ For the first renewal after changing jobs, materials providing an overview of the new employing organization are also required.

4. Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence (acquiring "Medical" status while residing in Japan)

[Common to all]

• Application form for acquisition of status of residence: 1 copy
• Passport (for presentation)
• Photo: 1 (as per specified format; may not be required for applicants under 16, etc.)
• Document proving nationality or the reason for acquisition: 1 copy (as appropriate to the category)

[Category 1: Physicians / Dentists]

• Document proving Japanese qualification as a physician or dentist: 1 copy
• Materials providing an overview of the employing organization: 1 copy

[Category 2: Other than Physicians / Dentists]

• Document proving one of the above qualifications: 1 copy
• Materials providing an overview of the employing organization: 1 copy

If documents are submitted by someone other than the applicant, proof of the submitter's identity may be required. For the most up-to-date required documents and forms, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Status of Residence: Medical" or your local Regional Immigration Services Bureau.