Requirements for the Religious Activities Visa

The Religious Activities Visa applies to religious workers who are dispatched to Japan by a foreign religious organization and engage in missionary work or other religious activities. The following requirements apply:

1. The "foreign religious organization" does not necessarily need to be the headquarters of a specific denomination. Even if the applicant is invited by a religious organization headquartered in Japan, if the applicant is currently affiliated with an overseas religious organization and holds a letter of dispatch or recommendation from that organization, they will be considered as having been dispatched from a foreign religious organization.
2. Even if the applicant engages in language education, medical care, or social welfare activities alongside missionary work, these activities may be recognized as religious activities provided they are carried out as part of the missionary activities under the instruction of the affiliated religious organization and are performed without remuneration. (If remuneration is received, a permit for activities outside the scope of the status of residence is required.)
3. Religious activities must not violate domestic laws or harm the public welfare.

Period of Stay

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months (granted by the Minister of Justice under the Immigration Control Act).

Required Documents (Overview)

The required documents vary depending on the type of application. The following is an overview based on the Immigration Services Agency's page on "Status of Residence: Religious Activities". Please refer to that page and the document checklist (PDF) for the latest forms and full details. Additional documents may be requested during the review process.

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

• Certificate of Eligibility Application form   1 copy
• Photograph   1 photo (meeting specified requirements)
• Return envelope (standard envelope with the recipient's address and stamps for simplified registered mail attached)   1 envelope
• Copy of dispatch letter or equivalent from the foreign religious organization (document certifying the dispatch period, position, and remuneration)   as required
• Materials describing the overview of the dispatching and receiving organizations (denomination, history, name of representative, organizational structure, facilities, number of worshippers, etc.)   as required
• Documents certifying the applicant's position and work history as a religious worker   as required (※ may not be necessary if such information is included in the dispatch letter, etc.)

Application to Change Status of Residence (from another status to Religious Activities)

• Application to Change Status of Residence form   1 copy
• Photograph   1 photo (meeting specified requirements; not required for persons under 16)
• Passport and Residence Card   for presentation
• Copy of dispatch letter or equivalent from the foreign religious organization (document certifying the dispatch period, position, and remuneration)   as required
• Materials describing the overview of the dispatching and receiving organizations (denomination, history, name of representative, organizational structure, facilities, number of worshippers, etc.)   as required
• Documents certifying the applicant's position and work history as a religious worker   as required (※ may not be necessary if such information is included in the dispatch letter, etc.)

Application to Extend Period of Stay (for renewal while residing under Religious Activities status)

• Application to Extend Period of Stay form   1 copy
• Photograph   1 photo (meeting specified requirements; not required for persons under 16 or those applying for an extension of 3 months or less in some cases)
• Passport and Residence Card   for presentation
• Copy of dispatch letter or equivalent from the foreign religious organization (document certifying continuation of dispatch)   as required
• Certificate of residence tax assessment (or non-assessment) and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status for the year)   1 copy each (issued by the municipal office of the place of residence as of January 1; a single document covering both is also acceptable)

Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence (for persons in Japan acquiring Religious Activities status)

• Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence form   1 copy
• Photograph   1 photo (meeting specified requirements; may not be required for persons under 16)
• For those who have renounced Japanese nationality: document proving nationality / For others: document proving the grounds for acquisition   1 copy
• Passport   for presentation
• Copy of dispatch letter or equivalent from the foreign religious organization (document certifying the dispatch period, position, and remuneration)   as required
• Materials describing the overview of the dispatching and receiving organizations (denomination, history, name of representative, organizational structure, facilities, number of worshippers, etc.)   as required
• Documents certifying the applicant's position and work history as a religious worker   as required (※ may not be necessary if such information is included in the dispatch letter, etc.)

Notes for Application

• Please submit certificates issued in Japan within 3 months of the date of issuance.
• Documents prepared in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
• Incomplete applications may result in delays or other disadvantages during the review process.
• If someone other than the applicant submits the application documents, they must present identification.

For detailed guidance on completing application forms and required documents, you may also contact the Information Center for Foreign Residents (TEL: 0570-013904).