{"id":1120,"date":"2026-11-08T13:22:50","date_gmt":"2026-11-08T04:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuukihoumu.jp\/?page_id=1120"},"modified":"2026-11-08T13:38:38","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T04:38:38","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/yuukihoumu.jp\/en\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Answers to the questions we are asked most often by people outside Japan who are planning to work, study, live, or start a business in Japan. Click a question to see the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About our service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Q1. I live outside Japan. Can you help me?<\/summary>\n

Yes. We are a Gyoseishoshi office registered with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan to file applications on behalf of clients. Everything is handled by email, including the contract (electronic signature) and payment. You do not need to come to Japan or to our office.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Q2. Can we talk by phone or video call?<\/summary>\n

No. We work by email only. Written communication keeps an accurate record of your facts and our answers, and lets you read our explanations at your own pace.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Q3. Is the first consultation free?<\/summary>\n

We answer general questions by email free of charge. If you need an assessment of your own situation, such as whether you qualify, which route fits you best, or what documents you need, we provide it as a paid written report.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Q4. What is the written report, and how does it work?<\/summary>\n

It is a PDF report that assesses your case on the questions we agree in the contract. The process is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. You answer our questionnaire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. We propose the scope and fee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. We sign the contract electronically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. We prepare the report within 5 business days after receiving the necessary information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. We send an invoice when the report is ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. We deliver the report within 2 business days after confirming payment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You may ask questions to clarify the report up to twice within 30 days of delivery. The fee depends on the scope and is quoted after we understand your situation.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q5. How do I pay? Is Japanese consumption tax added?<\/summary>\n

    We send an invoice through Wise, issued in Japanese yen. Japanese consumption tax is not charged for services provided to clients living outside Japan.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q6. Can you guarantee that my visa will be approved?<\/summary>\n

    No. The decision is made by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, and no professional can guarantee the result. What we do is assess your chances honestly and prepare your application so that it meets the requirements.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q7. Can you introduce me to a job or a school in Japan?<\/summary>\n

    We are not a recruitment agency or a school, and we do not introduce employers. Once you have a job offer or an admission, we can handle the visa application.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q8. We are a visa or recruitment agency outside Japan. Can we partner with you?<\/summary>\n

    We are happy to work with you on individual cases. We contract directly with each applicant, and we do not pay referral fees. Fees are quoted case by case.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    The COE application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Q9. What is a COE, and who applies for it?<\/summary>\n

    A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued by an immigration bureau in Japan before you apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. The application is filed in Japan, not abroad. A person or organization in Japan, such as your employer, your school, or a relative living in Japan, acts as your representative, and we file the application with the bureau on their behalf. Who can act as representative depends on the type of visa.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q10. Can I receive the COE by email?<\/summary>\n

    Yes. We file online, and the electronic COE is sent by email. You show it when you apply for your visa. A COE must be used for entry within 3 months of issuance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q11. How long does the COE take?<\/summary>\n

    The standard processing period announced by the Immigration Services Agency is 1 to 3 months. It can take longer, especially at busy bureaus such as Tokyo, or when the bureau asks for additional documents. Business Manager applications usually take much longer. For the latest actual processing times, see COE processing time in Japan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q12. My COE application is taking a long time. Can you check its status?<\/summary>\n

    In some cases, we can make an inquiry at the immigration bureau based on a power of attorney. The bureau does not always disclose the details of its review.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q13. How much does a COE application cost?<\/summary>\n

    Our standard fee is shown on our fee page. Half is paid when we start, and the rest after the COE is issued. Official fees for certificates and other actual expenses are charged separately. Clients who have purchased our written report receive a 20% discount on the second half of the fee.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Visa types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    Q14. Can I get a work visa without a university degree?<\/summary>\n

    For the work visa \"Engineer\/Specialist in Humanities\/International Services,\" you generally need a university degree (or equivalent education) or a diploma from a Japanese vocational school. Without these, you need 10 years of relevant work experience, or 3 years for international services such as translation, language teaching, or marketing. Another option is \"Specified Skilled Worker,\" which is based on skills and Japanese language tests in designated industries.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q15. Does my degree have to match the job? I want to teach English.<\/summary>\n

    For most jobs, your field of study must be related to the work. For translation, interpretation, or language teaching, a university graduate does not need the 3 years of work experience mentioned above. Teaching English at a language school is a common example.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q16. Is an online or distance-learning degree accepted?<\/summary>\n

    It can be. What matters is whether the degree is officially recognized in the country that awarded it. We do not certify the accreditation status of a school, and the assessment depends on your documents.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q17. Can I bring my spouse and children?<\/summary>\n

    If you hold a work or student visa, your legally married spouse and your children can usually come on a \"Dependent\" visa. A fianc\u00e9(e) or unmarried partner is not eligible. Dependents can work part-time up to 28 hours a week with permission. Holders of \"Specified Skilled Worker (i)\" generally cannot bring their family.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q18. I want to study at a Japanese language school. Who applies for the COE?<\/summary>\n

    Usually the school files the COE application. We can file it for you if the school agrees. You will need to show how you will pay for tuition and living costs. Students can work part-time up to 28 hours a week with permission.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q19. Does Japan have a digital nomad visa?<\/summary>\n

    Yes. It allows remote work for a foreign employer or foreign clients for up to 6 months, and it cannot be extended. The main requirements are: nationality of an eligible country, an annual income of at least 10 million yen, and private medical insurance covering at least 10 million yen for treatment. Your spouse and children can come with you.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

    Q20. I want to start a business in Japan. What are the requirements?<\/summary>\n

    The \"Business Manager\" visa became much stricter on 16 October 2025. The main requirements now include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n