最近の電子渡航認証制度について

 日本人の皆さんは、海外旅行をするときに、訪問国のビザ(査証)を事前取得することはそれほど多くないと思います。それは、日本の旅券保持者に対して短期滞在ビザを免除してくれている国が多いためです。

 ところが、短期ビザ免除国でも「電子渡航認証制度」を設ける国が増えてきています。アメリカ合衆国は、2009年からESTAという名前の「電子渡航認証制度」を導入しましたが他国は最近まで設けていませんでした。カナダ、オーストラリア、ニュージーランドい加えて英国が最近導入し、EUも2026年後半からの導入を進めています。日本も導入を検討中です。

 海外旅行者が世界的に増加しているため、従来の入管検査での旅券確認だけでは旅行者の動向を個別に把握することが困難になってきているためではないかと思います。

「電子渡航認証制度」の最新の情報をまとめました。

電子渡航認証(ETA/ESTA/ETIAS等)2026年1月時点)

国・地域制度名対象日本人申請方法/有効期間導入状況備考
 アメリカ合衆国ESTA(Electronic System for Travel Authorization)航空機で入国・経由(90日以内)オンライン申請($21/有効2年)導入済陸路・海路入国は不要
 カナダeTA(Electronic Travel Authorization)航空機で入国・経由(90日以内)オンライン申請(CA$ 7/有効5年)導入済陸路・海路入国は不要
 イギリスETA(Electronic Travel Authorisation)観光・商用・短期留学・乗継(180日以内)オンラインまたはアプリ申請(£10/有効2年)導入済(2025年1月から) 
 オーストラリアETA(Subclass 601)観光・商用(90日以内)アプリ申請(AUD $20前後/有効1年)導入済 
 ニュージーランドNZeTA(New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)観光・商用(90日以内)オンラインまたはアプリ申請(NZ $17〜23/有効2年)導入済環境税(IVL:NZ$ 35)同時支払要。
 韓国K-ETA(Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)観光・商用等(90日以内)オンライン申請(10,000ウォン/有効2年)現在免除中2026年以降再開の可能性あり。
 シェンゲン域(EU加盟のビザ免除国)ETIAS(European Travel Information and Authorisation System)観光・商用等(90日以内)オンライン申請(€7予定/有効3年)2026年後半に導入予定加盟30カ国で有効予定。
ケニアeTA(Electronic Travel Authorization)すべての外国人旅行者オンライン申請(USD 30/1回限り)導入済)旧eVisa廃止、全入国者に義務化。
 (参考)日本JESTA(Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization)ビザ免除国の旅行者(90日以内)検討中導入予定(2028年頃目標) 

お困りの際は何なりとサポートしますので、下記までお問合せください。

<コンタクト>

横浜トリニティ行政書士事務所 行政書士 小谷孝博

(住所)〒227-0062 神奈川県横浜市青葉区青葉台1-5-4青葉台サンクスビル3F51号

(電話)045-507-5689  090-6707-8203

(EMAIL)yokohamatrnity-tk@outlook.jp terrykotani@hotmail.com

My Number Card has many advantages for Foreign Nationals living in JAPAN!!

The My Number Card (Individual Number Card) is an official ID card issued in Japan that contains your own 12‑digit Individual Number, Photo, and IC chip. It can be used as a form of identification and for online administrative procedures. It is not mandatory to get it.

Holding a My Number Card provides several benefits, including easier access to government services, the ability to use online application systems, and convenience at identity verification for various procedures. You can easily to apply and get it at Municipal Office if you applied JUMINHYO..

<Advantage>

  1. Use it as an identity verification document
  2.  Use it for filing an income tax online
  3.  Use it to apply online for childcare allowances and Visa (COE, Extension, Change)
  4.  Use it to get a copy of various certificates including a certificate of residence (JUMINHYO) at convenience stores (you can also get it on public holidays. In some municipalities, you may not be able to get a copy of certificates.)
  5.  Use it as a health insurance card (Using your Individual Number Card at medical facilities and pharmacies will let you share your health and medical information with healthcare providers for better medical care.)

In 2026, Government will add new advantage for Foreign Nationals about My Number Card. Residence Card will be combined with My Number Card to one.

At present, validity of Residence Card and My Number Card are controlled separately. You have to keep 2 cards with different validity. That causes some miss-matching.

 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

<CONTACT>

YOKOHAMA TRINITY CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES SPECIALIST OFFICE

Representative TAKAHIRO KOTANI

Address: 51-3F Aobadai Sankusu Bildg., 1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-Ku, Yokohama-City, Kanagawa

TEL: 045-507-5689    Mobile: 090-6707-8203

Email: yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp         terrykotani@hotmail.com

Departure Order vs. Deportation  

When Foreign Nationals came to Japan illegally or stay in Japan without lawful valid resident status, they will be arrested by the police, when it is found.

After that, government will decide “Departure Order” or “Deportation”. Criminal case will be treated separately.

ItemDeparture OrderDeportation
Target Overstayers (no criminal record, etc.)Overstayers, illegal workers, those with criminal records,
Voluntary AppearanceMay become eligibleGenerally proceed to deportation procedure
ProcessSimple procedureHearing → Deportation order / Detention possible
Residence StatusDesignated Activities (Departure Preparation)Not granted
PeriodDeparture Preparation Within 30 daysNo fixed statutory period
Re-entryNo re-entry prohibition period1-year to 10-years entry ban
Cost of DepartureSelf-paidSelf-paid (government may cover in some cases)
CompulsionSelf-departureForced removal

When you or your friends are in those risks or situations, please feel free to contact us.

We will help you to find better solutions, if possible.

<CONTACT>

YOKOHAMA TRINITY CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES SPECIALIST OFFICE

Representative TAKAHIRO KOTANI

Address: 51-3F Aobadai Sankusu Bildg., 1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-Ku, Yokohama-City, Kanagawa

TEL: 045-507-5689    Mobile: 090-6707-8203

Email: yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp         terrykotani@hotmail.com

For those planning to change their status from “Study” to a “Work visa” starting from April 1, 2026

<Busy season>

Please apply between December 1, 2025 and the end of January 2026 and ensure all required documents are complete to avoid any delays because of annual busy season.

In Japan, most of the companies will start their fiscal year form April 1st. New employment contract with Japanese and foreign nationals will mostly start at the same timing.  Due to this, applications to the Immigration Office will be much more than other seasons. You can check the required documents in advance.

<Document Simplification from December 1, 2025>

For applications to change status from “Study” to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Researcher,”   some documents may be omitted.

Further details, please feel free to contact us or visit homepage Immigration Service Agency of Ministry of Justice (https://www.moj.go.jp/isa)

<CONTACT>

Yokohama Trinity Certified Administrative Procedures Specialist Office Representative: TAKAHIRO KOTANI Address: 51-3F Aobadai Sankusu Bild., 1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama-City TEL: 045-507-5689    Mobile:090-6707-8203 Email: yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp    terrykotani@hotmal.com  

Permission to engage in activities outside the scope of the status of residence

<Overview>

This application is made by foreign nationals residing in Japan with a status of residence such as work or study abroad who wish to engage in activities outside the scope of the status of residence, such as part-time work, that involve operating a business that generates income or activities that receive remuneration. For “Student” and “Dependent” VISA holders, permission is granted without designated work with max 28hours /week. For others, it is designated.

<Conditions>

“Specified Skilled Worker” and “Technical Intern Training” are excluded.  Other working related status are in the scope.   General conditions are as follows.

(1) The activities will not prevent from carrying out activities related to the current status of residence.
(2) The activities related to the status of residence keep going.
(3) The activities do not fall under any of the Laws and regulations (both criminal and civil) (4) The activities are not in the entertainment business, special sexual entertainment business, specific entertainment restaurant business, video transmission-based special sexual entertainment business, or telephone dating business. (5) The applicant does not receive the issuance of a detention order or the delivery or notification of a hearing notice.
(6) The applicant has no bad conduct.
(7) The institution/company must agree to the applicant engaging in activities outside the status of residence.

When you face any case, please feel free to contact us!

Contact Information

Name: Yokohama Trinity Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Office
Address: 51 Bizcomfort Aobadai, 3F Aobadai Sankusu Bildg.
1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama -city, Kanagawa Pref. Phone: 045-507-5689 Mobile:090-6707-8203
Email: mail@office-yokohamatrinity.com  yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp
Representative:  Takahiro Kotani

What is Skilled Labor VISA?

The following table summarizes the ‘’Skilled Labor’’ VISA No.1 to No.9 with examples of professions.

No.CategoryExamples of Professions
1Chef/Cook for Foreign Cuisine with min 10years careerChefs/cooks of Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Mid-Eastern etc.
2Engineer/Craftsman for Foreign Special Architecture/ Public Works with min 10years careerTraditional foreign-specific construction technicians
3Engineer/Craftsman for producing /repairing Foreign Special products with min 10years careerTechnicians of foreign-specific machines
4Jewelry / Fur Processing Craftsman with min 10years careerJewelers, precious metal workers, fur processing craftsmen
5Animal trainer with min 10years careerAnimal trainers in Circus/Zoo
6Engineer/Technician for Developing/Exploring Subsea Resource or Geothermal EnergyOil/gas drilling engineers
7Aircraft Pilot with min 250hours flying CareerAirline pilots
8Coach for sports with min3years Career or  with participating in Famous International Competition gameProfessional athletes, coaches, managers
9Wine Sommelier with public certification or excellent result at international competitionWine Sommelier, Wine appraiser

If you interested in these, please feel free to contact us!

Contact Information

Name: Yokohama Trinity Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Office
Address: 51 Bizcomfort Aobadai, 3F Aobadai Sankusu Bildg.

1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama -city, Kanagawa Pref.

Phone: 045-507-5689   Mobile:090-6707-8203
Email: mail@office-yokohamatrinity.com    yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp
Representative: Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Takahiro Kotani

New Stricter Requirement of Business Manager Visa

New stricter requirement of Business Manager Visa is effective from October 16, 2025.

Please see following comparison.

CategoryRequirements before October15,2025 Stricter Requirements from October16,2025
Capital RequirementAt least 5 million yenAt least 30 million yen
Employment RequirementCapital of 5 million yen OR at least 2 full-time employeesCapital of 30 million yen AND at least 1 full-time employee  (  Japanese, Permanent Resident, Spouse/Child of Japanese, Spouse/Child of Permanent Resident, Longterm Resident only)
Management Experience / EducationNo specific requirementAt least 3 years of management/administrative experience OR a master’s degree (or higher) in management/administration related with the business of the company
Screening ProcessFormal review of business plan Verification of funding sources Actual office setupStricter review including business plan checked by certified professionals Verification of funding sources Actual office setup
Japanese capabilityNo specific requirementApplicant OR full- time employee have to have Japanese capability equal to N2/B2 level and more
NOTE If Applicant and 1full-time employee do not have B2/N2 level Japanese capability, it is acceptable that another full-time employee has B2/N2 capability. Visa extension application till October16,2028 are in transition period.

If you have any question or need for help, please feel free to contact us!!

Contact Information

Name: Yokohama Trinity Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Office
Address: 51 Bizcomfort Aobadai, 3F Aobadai Sankusu Bildg. 1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama -city, Kanagawa Pref.

Phone: 045-507-5689 Mobile: 090-6707-8203
Email: mail@office-yokohamatrinity.com   yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp
Representative: Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Takahiro Kotani

VISA category in Japan

There are 28 categories of VISA in Japan.

24 are related with work, 4 are not related with work.

Please see followings.

Eligibility related with work in Japan
1.Official/Diplomat2.Professor3.Artist4.Religious Activities5.Journalist
6.Highly Skilled Professional7.Business Manager8.Legal/Accounting Services9.Medical Services10.Researcher
11.Instructor12.Engineer/ Specialist in Humanities/International Services13.Inter-company Transferee14.Nursing Care15.Entertainer
16.Skilled Labor17.Special Skilled Worker18.Technical Intern Training19.Cultural Activities20.Temporary Visitor
21.Student22.Trainee23.Dependent24.Designated Activities 
Eligibility not related with work in Japan
1.Permanent Resident2.Spouse or Child of Japanese National3.Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident4.Long Term Resident

When you face any case, please feel free to contact us!

Contact Information

Name: Yokohama Trinity Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Office
Address: 51 Bizcomfort Aobadai, 3F Aobadai Sankusu Bildg.1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama -city, Kanagawa Pref.

Phone: 045-507-5689  Mobile:090-6707-8203
Email: mail@office-yokohamatrinity.com  yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp
Representative: Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Takahiro Kotani

Comparison of Current and Proposed Stricter Requirements for Business Manager Visa (CEO, Keieisha)   September 2025

Please watch carefully what is going on regarding to the conditions of Business Manager Visa in Japan.

Business Manager Visa in Japan is not so hard to get for Foreign Nationals. Government Officials check the actual activities of Foreign Nationals after coming to Japan. Then they recognize not so small numbers of Foreign Nationals do not work based on the registrations.

1st, Government decided to change the conditions of extension of Business Manager Visa in July 2025. When applying Visa Extension, Actula performance data of the company is mandatory.

2nd, Government is considering to make conditions stricter now.

Please see the following comparison.

CategoryCurrent Requirements Proposed Stricter Requirements by the Government
Capital RequirementAt least 5 million yenAt least 30 million yen
Employment RequirementCapital of 5 million yen OR at least 2 full-time employeesCapital of 30 million yen AND at least 1 full-time employee
Management Experience / EducationNo specific requirementAt least 3 years of management/administrative experience OR a master’s degree (or higher) in management/administration
Screening ProcessFormal review of business plan Verification of funding sources Actual office setupStricter review including business plan checked by certified professionals Verification of funding sources Actual office setup
Implementation TimelineCurrent system in effectPublic comments ongoing Expect to take effect in mid-October 2025 or later
Background Prevent shell companies, align with international standards

When you face any case, please feel free to contact us!

Contact Information

Name: Yokohama Trinity Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Office
Address: 51 Bizcomfort Aobadai, 3F Aobadai Sankusu Bildg.1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama -city, Kanagawa Pref.

Phone: 045-507-5689 Mobile:090-6707-8203
Email: mail@office-yokohamatrinity.com  yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp
Representative: Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Takahiro Kotani

How to Receive Japanese Pension Benefits after Leaving Japan?

Foreign Nationals who contributed to Japan’s National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) and/or Employees’ Pension Insurance (Kosei Nenkin) may have a chance to receive benefits after leaving Japan. The method depends on the length of contribution and the timing.

1. at least 10 years contributions (1) Receiving National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin)

– Procedure: Apply to the Japan Pension Service (JPS) at or after age 60
– Payment method: Pension can be transferred either to a Japanese bank account or to an overseas account. Taxation and transfer conditions may vary by country.

(2) Receiving Employees’ Pension (Kosei Nenkin)

– Eligibility: National Pension + Employees’ Pension combined.
– Procedure: Apply to the Japan Pension Service(JPS) at or after age 60
– Payment method: Same as the National Pension

2.  Less than 10years contributions (1) Receiving a Lumpsum Withdrawal Payment

Procedure: Apply a Lumpsum Withdrawal Payment to the Japan Pension Service(JPS) within two years after leaving Japan.
Payment method: Payment is usually transferred to an overseas bank account.
(Note) Withholding tax 20.42% is deducted at the time of payment. Tax refund may be claimed by filing a tax return with the Japanese tax office.

3. Citizens of countries with Social Security Agreements

– For citizens of countries with which Japan has social security agreements, contribution periods in both countries may be combined to meet eligibility requirements.

<Japan Pension Service   日本年金機構 >
Website: https://www.nenkin.go.jp/
Pension Call Center: +81-3-6700-1165 (from overseas)

 Please feel free to contact us.    We will introduce some specialists!

<Contact Information>

Name: Yokohama Trinity Certified Administrative Procedure Specialist Office
Address: 51 Bizcomfort Aobadai, 3F Aobadai Sankusu Bildg.1-5-4 Aobadai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama -city, Kanagawa Pref.

Phone: 045-507-5689 Mobile:090-6707-8203
Email: mail@office-yokohamatrinity.com  yokohamatrinity-tk@outlook.jp