Japan•Asia

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Legal/Accounting Services Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

3,000 JPY

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For foreign-qualified professionals (attorneys, CPAs, etc.) to practice their profession in Japan.

The Legal/Accounting Services visa is Japan's status of residence for licensed legal and accounting professionals — attorneys, CPAs, tax accountants, patent attorneys, and administrative scriveners. Holders must obtain the relevant Japanese professional license and register with the appropriate regulatory body.

The period of stay is up to 5 years (also granted as 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months at the Immigration Office's discretion) and is renewable. Dependents qualify for the Dependent status, though spouses have restricted work rights. Holders can convert to permanent residence after 10 years of continuous stay.

This visa is ideal for foreign-qualified professionals who have passed or been recognized under Japanese licensing requirements and have secured a professional role in Japan.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Japan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing4-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Valid Japanese professional license (e.g., Bengoshi, Zeirishi)

Registration with relevant Japanese professional organization

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Professional license

Registration proof

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal practice in Japan
Renewable

Worth Knowing

Requires passing Japanese professional exams
Strict regulatory oversight
Lack of Japanese professional license
Not registered with professional body

Application Process

Obtain professional license

Obtain COE

Apply for visa

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Obtain professional license; Obtain COE; Apply for visa	moj.go.jp
Dependent Visa	Allowed	rsm.global
Fee Breakdown	Visa Issuance Fee: 3000 JPY	moj.go.jp
Fee Breakdown · 0 · amount	15000	detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Fee Breakdown · 0 · label	Visa Issuance Fee (single-entry)	detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Fees	JPY 15,000 (single-entry); JPY 30,000 (multiple-entry)	detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Forms	—	moj.go.jp
Job Offer Required	true	moj.go.jp

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Overview

For foreign-qualified professionals (attorneys, CPAs, etc.) to practice their profession in Japan.

This visa is ideal for foreign-qualified professionals who have passed or been recognized under Japanese licensing requirements and have secured a professional role in Japan.