How to Renew Your Work Visa in Japan (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

Your work visa expiry date is printed on your residence card. Don’t miss it — working after your visa expires is illegal in Japan, full stop. The good news is that renewing is pretty straightforward once you know what you’re doing. Here’s exactly how it works. When Should You Apply? Apply 3 months before your visa expires. Immigration actually recommends this because processing can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Apply early and you won’t be sweating the deadline. If you wait until the last few weeks, you’re asking for stress you don’t need. ...

April 21, 2025 · 3 min · Expat Japan Team