Japan•Asia

Open

Legal Services Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

3,000 JPY

Stay Duration

Up to 5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

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

Work visa for foreign lawyers and legal professionals. For attorneys and legal specialists providing legal services in Japan.

The Legal Services Visa is a Japanese residence status (法律・会計業務) for foreign lawyers and legal professionals with Japanese-recognized qualifications. It covers Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi (registered foreign lawyers), judicial scriveners, certified public accountants, and tax accountants.

The stay period is up to 5 years per grant (options: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months), renewable as long as practice continues. Dependents may join on family stay status. The visa does not offer a direct PR pathway, though long-term holders can pursue permanent residency through standard channels.

This visa is ideal for foreign attorneys and licensed legal professionals who have received Japanese Ministry of Justice approval to practice foreign law in Japan.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Japan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing4-6 months

View Visa Details

Japan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years

Processing14-28 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a qualified foreign lawyer (Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi) registered with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Must have at least 3 years of experience in the practice of law in the home country.

Must be approved by the Minister of Justice to practice foreign law in Japan.

Must maintain a professional office in Japan and have a stable financial basis for operations.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

3+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Certificate of Eligibility

Law degree

Professional license

Employment contract

Law firm/organization registration (sponsor)

Employment contract (sponsor)

Position description (sponsor)

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

Go to application portal

Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Legal Services

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Verified Claims (17)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Verify legal qualification: Confirm law license/qualification recognized; Arrange employment: Secure…	travel.state.gov
Dependent Visa	Dependents allowed	jac-skill.or.jp
Fee Breakdown	Application fee: 3000 JPY	mofa.go.jp
Fees	JPY 3000	mofa.go.jp
Forms	Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Legal Services	travel.state.gov
Included Nationalities	—	travel.state.gov
Job Offer Required	false	moj.go.jp
Application Portal	https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html	moj.go.jp

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