Visa Services &
Legal Help in Japan
Navigating Japanese bureaucracy can be complex. This guide explains when you can do it yourself, and when you should hire a professional Gyoseishoshi.
What is a Gyoseishoshi?
A Gyoseishoshi (行政書士) is a Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist. In Japan, they are the only professionals legally authorized to prepare and submit visa application documents to the Immigration Bureau on your behalf for a fee.
"Think of them as your official representative. They know the paperwork, the specific requirements for each visa type, and how to present your case to immigration officials."
Do You Need One?
✅ When to Hire a Pro
- Business Manager Visa: Setting up a company involves complex registration and tax paperwork.
- Complex Cases: If you have a criminal record or previous visa rejections.
- Time Savings: If you can't take time off work to go to the Immigration Bureau (which is always crowded).
🛠️ When to DIY
- Student Visa: Your language school or university usually handles the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for you.
- Working Holiday: You typically must apply in person at the embassy in your home country.
- Standard Work Visa: Your employer's HR department often supports the application.
The 4-Step Process
- Consultation: You meet with the lawyer to discuss your situation. They assess your eligibility and explain the requirements.
- Document Collection: You provide personal documents (passport, degree, etc.), and the lawyer prepares the legal application forms and drafting reasons for application.
- Submission: The lawyer submits the application to the Immigration Bureau. You usually do not need to be present.
- Result: The lawyer receives the result (new Residence Card or CoE) and delivers it to you.
Estimated Costs
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Consultation (1 hour) | ¥5,000 - ¥10,000 |
| Visa Renewal | ¥30,000 - ¥50,000 |
| Change of Status (e.g., Student to Work) | ¥80,000 - ¥120,000 |
| Permanent Residency (PR) | ¥100,000 - ¥150,000 |
| Business Manager Visa | ¥250,000+ |
* These are average market rates. Prices vary by firm and case complexity.
Before You Go
What to Bring
- Passport and Residence Card (if you have one).
- Resume / CV (for work visas).
- Company details (brochure, website).
- Any previous rejection letters (Critical!).
🚩 Red Flags
- Guarantees a 100% success rate (No one can guarantee this).
- Suggests hiding information from Immigration.
- Fees are suspiciously low or high without explanation.
Finding a Lawyer
You can search for registered Gyoseishoshi through their official association websites or by looking for firms that specialize in English support.