Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Certificate of Eligibility Application

Overview of the Certificate of Eligibility Application process

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document issued in advance by each Regional Immigration Bureau under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, certifying that a foreign national's intended activities in Japan are genuine, fall under one of the categories of status of residence (excluding short-term stay) defined under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, and satisfy the conditions for landing permission.

Holding a Certificate of Eligibility makes it easier to obtain a visa at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate General within the standard processing period (5 business days from the day after the application is received). Please note that possessing a COE does not guarantee visa issuance. Once the Immigration Services Agency issues the COE, it is sent to the applicant who is residing abroad. The applicant then presents it at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate to complete the visa application process, allowing the visa to be issued promptly. Upon arriving in Japan, presenting the passport with the visa affixed enables smooth entry into the country.

Please note that even if a Certificate of Eligibility is issued, it does not guarantee that a visa will be granted or that entry into Japan will be permitted.

A Certificate of Eligibility is not issued for the Short-Term Stay status of residence. For details on the procedure, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency "Certificate of Eligibility Application" page.

Applicant or Representative

Applications for a Certificate of Eligibility are, depending on the type of status of residence, generally limited to the applicant themselves or their designated representative. An accredited application representative (administrative scrivener) may be engaged to handle the COE application procedures; however, the applicant themselves or their representative must be residing in Japan at the time of submission.

Those who can act as a representative are generally limited to the foreign national's family members residing in Japan or employees of a company that has entered into an employment contract with the foreign national. However, in the case of establishing a new company under the Business Management status of residence, a person entrusted with setting up the business office may also serve as a representative.

Quick Checklist

I married a foreign national and want to bring them to Japan as my spouse. Spouse or Child of a Japanese National (International Marriage)
I run an Indian or Thai restaurant in Japan and want to hire a chef from that country. Skilled Labor Visa (Chef)
I want to establish a company in Japan and manage business operations here. Business Manager Visa
I want to bring my family from overseas to Japan and live together. Dependent (Family Stay) Visa
I want to transfer a local employee from an overseas branch to Japan to work here. Intra-Company Transferee Visa

Pre-Visa Consultation

In addition to the Certificate of Eligibility application, there is an alternative procedure called pre-visa consultation; however, this is conducted by the foreign national through an overseas Japanese diplomatic mission and typically takes a considerable amount of time. For any status of residence other than Short-Term Stay, we recommend obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility and then proceeding with the visa application.

COE Application by an Accredited Application Representative (Administrative Scrivener)

A Certificate of Eligibility application may not always be approved even after submission. What matters most is how clearly you can demonstrate that the intended activities align with the designated status of residence and that all landing permission criteria are met. Our office handles the COE application to the Immigration Services Agency on behalf of clients who are uncertain about preparing documents or who do not have time to visit in person.

At our office, we listen carefully to your situation in advance and make thorough preparations before filing the application.

Please note that even if a Certificate of Eligibility is issued, it does not guarantee that a visa will be granted or that entry into Japan will be permitted.

Application Process for Certificate of Eligibility

Paid Consultation

We assess the likelihood of your COE application being approved, identify any potential issues, and discuss your needs and circumstances.

Engagement of Services

If you decide to entrust us with the application, we prepare a service agreement. Upon receipt of 50% of the professional fee plus any out-of-pocket expenses, we begin work on your case.

Document Preparation

Our office prepares and compiles all required documents on your behalf.

COE Application Submitted by Japan-Based Representative

In most cases, the application is submitted to the Immigration Services Agency, its branch, or local office by a Japan-based representative — such as a relative or a company that will employ the foreign national. As our administrative scriveners are accredited application representatives, we are also able to submit applications on your behalf.

Review by the Regional Immigration Bureau

The Immigration Bureau reviews the application and, upon approval, issues the Certificate of Eligibility. The review period varies depending on the type of status of residence applied for.

COE Sent to the Foreign National Abroad

Once the Certificate of Eligibility is issued, it is sent to the foreign national who is residing abroad.

Foreign National Applies for Visa at Japanese Embassy or Consulate

The foreign national brings the Certificate of Eligibility to the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate and proceeds with the visa application procedure.

Landing Application

The Certificate of Eligibility is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. The landing application must be submitted within 3 months of issuance; otherwise, the COE becomes invalid. ※ This is not the expiry date of the visa itself.

Arrival in Japan

Travel to Japan with the passport containing the affixed visa.