Sendai

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Residency and Documentation

Overview of procedures for registering your address, obtaining residency documentation, and other essential legal tasks.

Sections

1. Types of Residency Permits in Japan

Residency permits in Japan are categorized based on the purpose of your stay. The most common types include:

a. Temporary Visitor Visa

  • For short-term stays (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or visiting family.
  • Not applicable for work or long-term residency.

b. Work Visa

  • For individuals employed in Japan. Categories include:
    • Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
    • Skilled Labor
    • Instructor (e.g., teaching English)
    • Researcher
    • Intra-company Transferee
  • Validity: 1, 3, or 5 years (renewable).

c. Student Visa

  • For those enrolled in Japanese universities, language schools, or vocational schools.
  • Validity: 6 months to 4 years (renewable).

d. Dependent Visa

  • For family members of foreign residents in Japan.
  • Validity: Same as the sponsorโ€™s visa.

e. Permanent Residency

  • For long-term residents who meet specific criteria (e.g., 10 years of continuous residence, or less for highly skilled professionals).
  • No restrictions on employment or activities.

f. Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa

  • For spouses or children of Japanese citizens or permanent residents.
  • Validity: 1, 3, or 5 years (renewable).

g. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

  • For individuals with advanced skills in specific fields (e.g., academia, business management, technology).
  • Offers fast-track to permanent residency (as short as 1 year).

h. Long-Term Resident Visa

  • For individuals with special circumstances (e.g., descendants of Japanese nationals, refugees).

2. Application Procedures

The process for obtaining a residency permit involves several steps. Below is a general outline:

Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

  • The COE is a prerequisite for most long-term visas. It is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and confirms that you meet the requirements for your visa type.
  • Who applies? Your sponsor in Japan (e.g., employer, school, or family member) typically applies on your behalf.
  • Processing time: 1โ€“3 months.

Step 2: Apply for a Visa at a Japanese Embassy/Consulate

  • Once you receive the COE, submit it along with your visa application to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Processing time: 5โ€“10 business days.

Step 3: Enter Japan and Obtain a Residence Card

  • Upon arrival at a major airport (e.g., Narita, Haneda, Kansai), you will receive a Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Kฤdo) if your stay exceeds 90 days.
  • The card serves as your primary identification in Japan.

Step 4: Register Your Address in Sendai

  • Within 14 days of moving to Sendai, visit the Sendai City Hall or your local ward office to register your address.
  • You will also need to enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) system.

Step 5: Apply for Additional Permits (if needed)

  • For example, a Re-entry Permit if you plan to leave and return to Japan during your stay.

3. Required Documents

The documents required vary depending on the type of visa or residency permit. Below is a general list:

For Certificate of Eligibility (COE):

  • Completed application form (provided by your sponsor).
  • Passport copy.
  • Recent passport-sized photo (4cm x 3cm).
  • Proof of relationship to sponsor (e.g., employment contract, school admission letter, marriage certificate).
  • Financial documents (e.g., bank statements, proof of income).
  • Additional documents specific to your visa type (e.g., academic transcripts for student visas).

For Address Registration in Sendai:

  • Residence Card.
  • Passport.
  • Completed Notification of Moving-In form (available at the ward office).
  • Proof of residence (e.g., lease agreement).

For National Health Insurance Enrollment:

  • Residence Card.
  • Address registration certificate (issued after registering your address).

4. Fees Involved

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE): No fee.
  • Visa Application Fee: Varies by nationality, typically ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000.
  • Residence Card: Free (issued upon arrival).
  • Address Registration: Free.
  • National Health Insurance Premiums: Vary based on income, typically ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ20,000/month.

5. Local Government Offices in Sendai

In Sendai, residency-related procedures can be completed at the following locations:

a. Sendai Immigration Bureau

  • Address: 1-3-20 Gorin, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 983-0842
  • Services: COE applications, visa renewals, re-entry permits, permanent residency applications.
  • Hours: Mondayโ€“Friday, 9:00 AMโ€“4:00 PM (closed on national holidays).
  • Website: Immigration Services Agency of Japan

b. Sendai City Hall

  • Address: 3-7-1 Kokubuncho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8671
  • Services: Address registration, National Health Insurance enrollment, tax-related matters.
  • Hours: Mondayโ€“Friday, 8:30 AMโ€“5:00 PM (closed on national holidays).
  • Website: Sendai City Official Website

c. Ward Offices in Sendai

  • Sendai is divided into five wards: Aoba, Miyagino, Wakabayashi, Taihaku, and Izumi. Each ward office handles local administrative tasks.
  • Example: Aoba Ward Office, 1-8-1 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai.

6. Cultural Considerations and Tips

Navigating residency procedures in Japan can be challenging due to language barriers and cultural norms. Here are some tips:

a. Language

  • Most forms and documents are in Japanese. Consider hiring a translator or asking a Japanese-speaking friend for help.
  • Some offices may have English-speaking staff, but this is not guaranteed.

b. Punctuality

  • Arrive on time for appointments and expect to wait in line during busy hours.

c. Politeness

  • Japanese culture values politeness and patience. Be respectful when interacting with officials.

d. Documentation

  • Always carry your Residence Card with you. It is required by law and may be requested by police or other authorities.

e. Assistance for Foreign Residents

  • The Sendai International Relations Association (SIRA) offers support for foreign residents, including multilingual consultation services.
    • Website: SIRA
    • Phone: 022-265-2471

f. Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 110
  • Fire/Ambulance: 119
  • Multilingual Emergency Assistance: 03-5774-0992

By following these steps and tips, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to handle residency and documentation in Sendai. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!