We Handle Residence Status and Visa Applications on Your Behalf in Japan!
At Immigration Lawyer’s Firm SGX, we specialize in residence status and visa applications for foreign nationals in Japan.We welcome consultations and requests from clients across the country.
If you are a foreign national who wishes to live in Japan, it is essential to obtain a proper residence status or visa.Our firm supports applications submitted to all regional immigration offices in Japan, including:Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Takamatsu, and Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureaus.
【Nationwide Support Available!】
We assist clients residing throughout Japan, including in Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, Ibaraki,Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi,Nagano,Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama,Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi,Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa—and even clients residing overseas.
No matter where you are, we are here to support your application.
Considering a Residence Status or Visa Application?Feel free to contcat us!
- I married a Japanese national and want to apply for a spouse visa.
- I want to hire a foreign national to work at my company or shop.
- I divorced a Japanese spouse but want to continue living in Japan.
- I’m working in Japan and want to bring my family from my home country.
- I want to invite friends or relatives from abroad to Japan.
- I’ve lived in Japan for over 10 years and want to apply for permanent residency.
- I want to acquire Japanese nationality through naturalization.
- I run a business and want to establish a subsidiary in Japan.
- I’m planning to open a shop or start a business in Japan.
- My spouse has overstayed their visa (became undocumented)…
- I want to renew my period of stay.
- My previous application was denied, but I want to try again.
Client Feedback





Characteristics of Residence Status and Visa Applications in Japan
At Immigration Lawyer’s Firm SGX, we provide full support for residence status and foreign visa applications in Japan.Although it is possible to apply on your own without the help of a specialist, immigration procedures differ significantly from typical licensing applications.Without professional support, even minor mistakes can lead to unexpected complications. Please take extra care.
Feature 1: Immigration offices have broad discretionary power and vague screening criteria
In general licensing procedures, the requirements and supporting documents are clearly outlined.As long as you submit the necessary documentation, approval is almost guaranteed.However, with immigration applications, the internal screening standards are not disclosed to the public.The required documents vary greatly depending on each applicant’s situation, making it difficult to determine what is truly necessary.This often leads to confusion due to widespread misinformation and rumors.
Feature 2: Submitted documents cannot be replaced
In ordinary licensing cases, if there are mistakes, documents can be corrected or resubmitted.In immigration procedures, however, once documents are submitted, they generally cannot be replaced.In certain cases, replacements may be accepted if a valid explanation is provided,but if the reasoning seems inconsistent or suspicious, it may negatively affect the examiner’s impression.
Feature 3: All results—whether approved or denied—remain on official immigration records
Outcomes and reasons for past applications are permanently recorded in immigration records.If you submit negative information—even unintentionally—it may become a serious obstacle when reapplying.Likewise, if you present different or conflicting information during renewals, approval can be difficult to obtain.
That is why it’s important to consult an immigration expert.
Our firm provides visa and residence application services throughout Japan.With a deep understanding of immigration procedures and the features mentioned above,we support our clients in acquiring the appropriate visa smoothly and efficiently.
We assess your eligibility based on immigration screening criteria and advise you on which documents or evidence to submit—or avoid submitting.We provide accurate guidance and full support to help you obtain your desired status in Japan.Before you worry or give up, please feel free to consult with us.
9 Key Advantages of Immigration Lawyer’s Firm SGX
Advantage 1: Free, Worry-Free Consultation!
Feel free to contact us first.If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements to obtain a visa or residency status in Japan,we offer a free assessment and propose the most suitable plan for your situation.At our firm, we conduct preliminaryion requirenterviews based on immigratiments, so we can clearly identify the right course of action.Our consultations are completely free, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Advantage 2: Nationwide Supportwith Online Consultations!
Even if you’re located far away, you can consult us with confidence thanks to our online consultation system using Zoom.Whether you don’t have access to an immigration specialist nearby or prefer to work with a firm that has a strong track record, we’re here to help.We have extensive experience in assisting with residency status and visa applications for foreign nationals in Japan.Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Immigration Lawyer’s Firm SGX for support with your visa or residency application.
Advantage 3: Extensive Experience with Asia, Europe, the U.S. and Africa!
With a strong focus on international services, we have successfully handled numerous visa and residency applications involving clients from Asia, Europe, North and Central America, South America, Africa, and Oceania.Due to our extensive track record, we possess top-level expertise recognized nationwide.
Advantage 4: Multilingual Support in Chinese, English, Vietnamese!
When applying for residency status or a visa, there are often situations that require translation into Japanese.Additionally, some foreign embassies and consulates in Japan may not accommodate Japanese communication.At our firm, we offer multilingual support in Chinese, English, Vietnamese,and more, so we can assist you effectively in a variety of situations.
Advantage 5: Higher Approval Rates for Residency Status!
At our firm, we stay up to date with the latest information on immigration trends and the screening criteria for each residency status.Because we have a solid understanding of the standards used by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan,we can significantly improve your chances of approval for visa and residency applications.
Advantage 6: Fast and Responsive Handling of Urgent Applications!
Our firm provides full support for residency status and visa applications for foreign nationals in Japan.To ensure prompt service, we limit the number of cases we handle each month, allowing us to respond swiftly and efficiently.Even in urgent situations, we respond quickly and with meticulous attention to detail.
Advantage 7: Flexible Support — Consultations Available on Weekdays and Saturdays!
We understand that many of you considering visa applications in Japan may have limited time.That’s why our office is available for consultations not only on weekdays but also on Saturdays!
Advantage 8: Flexible Service Plans and Transparent Pricing to Match Your Needs
We offer a range of service options to suit your needs and situation.Whether you’re looking to keep costs to a minimum with limited support, or prefer full assistance from our professionals,we provide clear pricing and flexible service packages to meet your expectations.
Some people may worry that hiring a specialist could be expensive.While professional services naturally come at a cost, we always explain fees clearly in advance,so you can make a confident decision without surprises.Feel free to make use of our ongoing support.
Advantage 9: Free consultation is available even after obtaining status of residence and visa!
Once a client has been retained by our firm, we will continue to consult with them even after they have obtained their status of residence.During your stay in Japan, you will experience various changes in your life, and we hope that you will take advantage of these changes by consulting with a specialist in international affairs such as our firm at such times, as there are many things that can be resolved.After you have obtained your status of residence, we can also help you renew your period of stay in Japan, change your status of residence, and so on!How to Request Our Services&Service Fees
How to Request Our Services
Step 1: Contact Us
Feel free to get in touch with us by phone(047-710-6885) or through our inquiry form.You can also contact us by email at info@sgx-office.com — just briefly let us know your situation.After that, we’ll schedule either an in-person consultation or an online meeting via Zoom, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Consultation
We will listen carefully to your situation regarding visa or residency matters.If you choose to proceed with our support, we will send you the service outline,quotation, and invoice via email.Once you review the documents and complete the application procedure,
Step 3: Document Guidance & Signing
We will provide you with a list of required documents for your visa or residency application,along with forms and questionnaires that need to be signed and returned.Please prepare the necessary documents within approximately 1–2 weeks.
Step 4: Document Preparation
Once we have received your completed questionnaire and all necessary documents,our office will begin preparing the full set of application documents for your visa or residency status.You don’t need to do anything during this process,but if we need to confirm any details, we may contact you for assistance.
Step 5: Submission to the Immigration Bureau
We will submit your application to the appropriate Immigration Services Bureau, which oversees all regions across Japan.Our office handles applications to immigration bureaus in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Hokuriku, Chubu,Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa.If we receive a “Request for Additional Documents” during the screening process, we will respond promptly on your behalf.Please note that the Immigration Bureau generally provides only minimal guidance on required documents
| ■Sapporo Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Head Office) Address:Sapporo Daisan Joint Government Building,12-chome, Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays only, closed on weekends and public holidays) Phone: 011-261-9658 |
| ■ Sendai Regional Immigration Services Bureau Address:Sendai Daini Legal Affairs Joint Government Building,1-3-20 Gorin, Miyagino-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays only, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Phone: 022-256-6076 |
| ■Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Head Office) Address:5-5-30 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays only, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Phone:0570-034259(For IP phones or calls from overseas: +81-3-5796-7234) |
| ■ Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Head Office) Address:5-18 Shoho-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays only, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Phone:0570-052259(For IP phones or calls from overseas: +81-52-217-8944) |
| ■ Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Head Office) Address:1-29-53 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays only, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Phone:0570-064259(For IP phones or calls from overseas: +81-6-4703-2050) |
| ■ Hiroshima Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Head Office) Address:Inside Hiroshima Legal Affairs Complex2-31 Kamihatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays only, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Phone: 082-221-4412 |
| ■ Takamatsu Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Head Office) Address:Takamatsu Legal Affairs Joint Government Building1-1 Marunouchi, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM(Weekdays only, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Phone: 087-822-5851 |
| ■ Fukuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Head Office) Address:Fukuoka No.1 Legal Affairs Complex3-5-25 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM(Weekdays only, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Phone: 092-831-4139 |
| ■Naha Branch, Immigration Services Bureau Address:Naha No.1 District Joint Government Building1-15-15 Higawa, Naha-shi, Okinawa, Japan Office Hours:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays only, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Phone: 098-832-4186 |
Step 6: Result Notification
If your application is for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), the certificate will be issued and sent.For change or extension applications, a postcard notification of approval will be delivered instead.Once you receive the COE, please send it to your home country,where it will be submitted to a Japanese consulate or embassy for visa issuance.Upon entering Japan, you will receive a Residence Card at the airport.Please note that the processing time varies depending on the type of application:For a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application, it generally takes about 1 to 3 months.For Change of Status or Extension of Stay applications, it typically takes around 2 weeks to 1 month.
Service Fees
About Our Service Fees
At our firm, all services are offered at clearly defined fixed rates.The total fee is split into two equal payments: a starting fee at the time of engagement,and the remaining balance at the time of application submission.We also offer multiple support plans,the time of application submission.We also offer multiple support plans,each with different levels of service, so clients can choose the plan that best suits their needs.Except for actual out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., official document fees),no additional fees will be charged beyond what is stated in the fee schedule.
Visa Application Plans
We provide comprehensive support for visa applications, including collecting necessary documents from Japanese government offices (such as city halls, legal affairs bureaus, and tax offices), preparing application materials, submitting the application on your behalf, and receiving the result notification.
| Service | Fee |
| Invite foreigners from overseas (Certificate of Eligibility application) | 135,000 yen |
| Change of visa status | 135,000 yen |
| Visa extension (regular renewal) | 60,000 yen |
| Visa extension (after job change or divorce) Short-term stay (family visit or short-term business) | 135,000 yen |
| Short-term stay (family visit or short-term business) | 70,000 yen |
| Permanent residence application (company employee) | 175,000 yen |
| Permanent residence application (sole proprietor) | 185,000 yen |
| Permanent residence application (Company president/executive) | 195,000 yen |
| Business Manager Visa (status change) | 350,000 yen |
| Business Manager Visa (new application) | 380,000 yen |
| Incorporation of a joint-stock company | 120,000 yen |
| Incorporation of a limited liability company | 100,000 yen |
| Establishment of a Japanese branch office | 200,000 yen |
| Naturalization application (company employee) | 225,000 yen |
| Naturalization application (sole proprietor) | 260,000 yen |
| Naturalization application (Company president/executive) | 295,000 yen |
※Additional fees may apply depending on the complexity or optional services.
※Actual costs such as handling fees, consumption tax, postage, and transportation expenses will be charged separately.
About the Permission Guarantee System
At our office, even if an application we submit on your behalf is unfortunately not approved, we will reapply free of charge, and if necessary, we will submit a second reapplication depending on the situation.However,if the final result is a denial, we will refund the full fee under certain conditions.This guarantee system reflects our confidence in our services. We are committed to supporting you all the way through to approval.
About Our Client Engagement System
At our office, all procedures are double-checked by a team of at least two staff members.When submitting applications to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, we ensure that all documents are thoroughly reviewed by at least two people to guarantee accurate and prompt processing.
◎Certificate of Eligibility Application for Couples Living Abroad!
Thank you to everyone at Immigration Lawyer’s Firm SGX.At first, I had hired another administrative scrivener, but I began to doubt them when they asked for documents that made me think, “Is that really necessary?”Feeling uncertain, I searched for a nearby office and found SGX. When I consulted with them,they told me that those documents weren’t actually required.Thanks to their help, I received my Certificate of Eligibility in about three weeks after making the request.There are many immigration offices out there, but SGX clearly has extensive knowledge and experience in handling spouse visa applications— I truly felt that through this experience.
◎Certificate of Eligibility Application for Couples Living Abroad!
Since both my husband and I were living overseas, the procedures were a bit complicated.However, Mr. Sugimori responded quickly and gave clear, accurate, and polite explanations, so we were able to proceed smoothly and with peace of mind from start to finish.Even during the anxious wait for the application result, he communicated with us kindly and calmly, which was very reassuring.The assistants were also all kind and helpful.Thank you so much to everyone!
◎Changed Status of Residence While on a Short-Term Stay!
We are truly grateful for all the support we received during my husband’s status of residence application.Despite sudden changes and urgent matters, they responded quickly and kindly,every time,allowing us to entrust the process with complete peace of mind.Thanks to their help, we received the visa faster than expected, and we were truly relieved.When we had meetings via Zoom, we were impressed by their warm and cheerful demeanor.Their thoughtful support made a big difference, especially since visa procedures can be mentally exhausting—especially during sensitive periods like this.If we ever need help with visa matters again, we would definitely like to consult them.We highly recommend this office!
◎Working Visa Renewal After Changing Jobs!
I initially applied for a work visa by myself, but unfortunately, it was denied.So I searched online for a specialist in work visa applications.Thanks to SGX, my reapplication was approved in less than a month— I’m truly glad I found them!Everyone at Immigration Lawyer’s Firm SGX is so wonderful, and I feel incredibly lucky.Thank you so much, and I look forward to working with you again in the future.
◎Four International Students Successfully Switched to Working Visas at Once!
As this was my first time hiring foreign employees, I consulted with several administrative scrivener offices.SGX was the only one that responded kindly and sincerely,so I chose to go with them.Since I had no knowledge about work visas, they explained everything clearly and handled the entire process with great care.As a result, we were able to obtain work visas for all four individuals in nearly record time.They are truly reliable professionals.
About Consultations
Q1.Can people from any region consult with you?
We accept consultations and service requests from individuals living in any region.For those who are located far away, we offer online consultations via Zoom.
Q2.What is covered in the free consultation?
At our office, we offer free consultations and assessments of approval requirements.Fees will only be charged once you are satisfied during the consultation and we move forward to the document preparation phase.
Q3.Is there anything I need to bring for the consultation?
Please have your passport and residence card ready.Also, kindly provide the following personal identification details of the foreign national:
・Current status of residence / type and expiration of visa
・Nationality, age, and family relationships
・Any issues or concerns, and how they have been handled so far
・Name and contact information of the person making the inquiry
Q4.Can people of any nationality consult with you?
People of any nationality are welcome.Consultations are available in Chinese, English, and Vietnamese.If you are not able to speak Japanese at all, please come with a family member or interpreter.
Q5.Can I enter Japan on a short-term visa while my COE application is being processed?
Yes, entering Japan while your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application is being processed will not affect the screening.If the COE is issued during your short-term stay, you may proceed with the residence card issuance procedures while in Japan.
Q6.What should I do if my current visa expires while my Change of Status of Residence application is still being processed?
If your application is accepted before your current status expires,you will automatically be granted a two-month special extension,allowing you to remain in Japan legally during the review process.
Q7.Do I need to make an appointment for an consultation?
Yes, all consultations are by appointment only.To make a reservation, please contact us by phone or email with your preferred date and time.If you can provide three possible options, the scheduling process will go more smoothly.Appointments are usually arranged within one week from your request, depending on availability.
About Service Fees
Q8.When and how should I pay the service fee?
We ask that you pay half of the service fee as a deposit before we begin.The remaining balance should be paid within 10 days after the application is submitted.Work will begin after we confirm receipt of the deposit.
Q9.Do you offer any discounts on your service fees?
We kindly ask for your understanding that we generally do not offer discounts on our service fees.
Q10.What happens to the service fee if the application is not approved?
If, despite our best efforts, your application is unfortunately denied, we will resubmit the application free of charge conditions., and if necessary, submit it again depending on the situation under certain However, if the final result is a denial, we will refund the full amount of the service fee.





