Legal Services Visa

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.