The status of residence "Legal and Accounting Business" is for foreign legal consultants, foreign certified public accountants, and other legally licensed professionals engaging in legal or accounting-related work activities (source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Status of Residence "Legal and Accounting Business").

This status applies not only to attorneys and CPAs but also to those practicing with Japanese professional licenses, including: attorneys (bengoshi), judicial scriveners (shiho shoshi), tax accountants (zeirishi), administrative scriveners (gyosei shoshi), patent attorneys (benrishi), land and house investigators (tochi kaoku chosashi), social insurance labor consultants (shakai hoken romushi), maritime agents (kaiji dairishi), as well as foreign legal consultants and foreign CPAs.

Two men shaking hands

Eligible Activities Under This Status of Residence

Typical examples include attorneys and certified public accountants. To obtain this visa, you must submit a document proving that you hold one of the following Japanese qualifications (a copy of your license, certificate, etc.).

  1. Attorney (Bengoshi)
  2. Judicial Scrivener (Shiho Shoshi)
  3. Land and House Investigator (Tochi Kaoku Chosashi)
  4. Foreign Legal Consultant (Gaikoku-ho Jimu Bengoshi)
  5. Certified Public Accountant (Konin Kaikei-shi)
  6. Foreign Certified Public Accountant (Gaikoku Konin Kaikei-shi)
  7. Tax Accountant (Zeirishi)
  8. Social Insurance Labor Consultant (Shakai Hoken Romushi)
  9. Patent Attorney (Benrishi)
  10. Maritime Agent (Kaiji Dairishi)
  11. Administrative Scrivener (Gyosei Shoshi)

Period of Stay

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

Required Documents

The required documents vary depending on the type of application. Certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of issuance. Documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. For full details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency website.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (for those entering Japan for the first time)

  1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility — 1 copy
  2. Photograph — 1 photo (meeting the specified requirements)
  3. Return envelope (a standard-size envelope with the destination address clearly written and a stamp for simple registered mail affixed) — 1 envelope
  4. A document proving that the applicant holds one of the above qualifications (attorney, judicial scrivener, land and house investigator, foreign legal consultant, CPA, foreign CPA, tax accountant, social insurance labor consultant, patent attorney, maritime agent, or administrative scrivener) — copy of license or certificate — 1 copy

Application for Change of Status of Residence (for those currently residing in Japan under a different status)

  1. Application for Change of Status of Residence — 1 copy
  2. Photograph — 1 photo (meeting the specified requirements; not required for those under 16 years of age)
  3. Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)
  4. A document proving that the applicant holds one of the above qualifications — copy of license or certificate — 1 copy

Application for Extension of Period of Stay (for those currently residing in Japan under this status)

  1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay — 1 copy
  2. Photograph — 1 photo (meeting the specified requirements; not required for those under 16 years of age or those applying for an extension of 3 months or less)
  3. Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)

Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence (for those already in Japan who wish to obtain this status)

  1. Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence — 1 copy
  2. Photograph — 1 photo (meeting the specified requirements; not required for those under 16 years of age)
  3. Documents verifying nationality or the grounds for acquisition (varies by category)
  4. Passport (to be presented)
  5. A document proving that the applicant holds one of the above qualifications — copy of license or certificate — 1 copy

Notification obligations: While residing in Japan under this status, you are required to submit the prescribed notifications if there are any changes to your affiliated organization, place of residence, or information on your Residence Card. For details, please contact your local Regional Immigration Services Bureau or refer to the Ministry of Justice website.