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Legal/Accounting Services Visa
JapanJapan•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

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥15,000

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
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.

Japan

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

Registration with relevant Japanese professional organization

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of qualification (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

1

Obtain professional license

2

Obtain COE

3

Apply for visa

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