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Legal Services Visa
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Legal Services Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥15,000

Stay Duration

Up to 5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
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

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.

Japan

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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
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Japan flagJapan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED 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 qualification

Law degree

Professional license

Employment contract

Law firm/organization registration (sponsor)

Employment contract (sponsor)

Position description (sponsor)

Application Process

1

Verify legal qualification

Confirm law license/qualification recognized

2

Arrange employment

Secure job with law firm or organization

3

Employer applies for COE

Legal organization submits Certificate of qualification

4

Receive COE

Immigration Services Agency approves COE

5

Apply for visa

Submit visa application at embassy with COE

6

Pay visa fee

Pay 3,000 JPY

7

Receive visa

Visa stamped in passport

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Legal Services—

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