Japan•AsiaLegal Services Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
30-90 days
Application Fee
3,000 JPY
Stay Duration
Up to 5 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Work visa for foreign lawyers and legal professionals. For attorneys and legal specialists providing legal services in Japan.
The Legal Services Visa is for foreign lawyers and legal professionals providing legal services in Japan. Foreign lawyers must register with Japanese bar associations and follow Foreign Lawyers Act requirements. Can practice foreign law and limited advisory work but cannot practice Japanese law without Japanese qualification.
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Requirements
Personal
Education
Bachelor or higher
Professional
Experience
3+ years
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
With at least 6 months validity
Passport photos
Recent photos
Certificate of Eligibility
Issued by Immigration Services Agency
Law degree
Law school diploma or equivalent
Professional license
License to practice law in home country
Employment contract
Job offer from legal organization in Japan
Sponsor Documents
Law firm/organization registration
Business registration documents
Employment contract
Signed job offer
Position description
Role and responsibilities
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Advantages
- International legal career in Japan
- Law firm partnership opportunities
- Family dependents allowed
- Can lead to permanent residency
- Legal expertise valued
Considerations
- Requires legal qualification/license
- Registration requirements
- Cannot practice Japanese law
- Limited to legal services
- Requires sponsoring legal organization
Application Process
Verify legal qualification
Confirm law license/qualification recognized
Arrange employment
Secure job with law firm or organization
Employer applies for COE
Legal organization submits Certificate of Eligibility
Receive COE
Immigration Services Agency approves COE
Apply for visa
Submit visa application at embassy with COE
Pay visa fee
Pay 3,000 JPY
Receive visa
Visa stamped in passport
Application Forms
Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Legal Services
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa