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Supervised by Administrative Scrivener
This article is supervised by an administrative scrivener affiliated with VisaSHOGUN. It is based on official information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and practical experience. Last updated: March 2026
If your period of stay is approaching its expiration and you haven't yet applied for renewal, immediate action is required. As of 2026, the processing time at the Tokyo Immigration Bureau has lengthened to 2-6 months, meaning that believing "I still have a month, so I'll be fine" may not be true.
This page organizes "what to do now" based on the remaining days until your period of stay expires.
First, check your current situation
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1-3 months until expiry
Start preparing your application immediately. Those residing in Tokyo should particularly hurry.
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Less than 1 month until expiry
Gather documents today and apply this week. Consult an administrative scrivener concurrently.
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Already expired
Contact immigration or an administrative scrivener today. Immediate action is needed.
⚠️ As of 2026: Processing takes 2-6 months in reality
The official standard processing time from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan is "2 weeks to 1 month," but in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, it is common for it to actually take 2-6 months. Even 3 months before your period of stay expires is already a "last-minute" situation. If you submit your application, you can continue your stay under the special grace period, but it is crucial to avoid having your application returned due to incomplete documents.
1. Reverse Timeline from Period of Stay Expiration
Ideal Timing
Apply 4-6 months before expiry
Recommended timing aligned with the reality of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau in 2026. This avoids entering the special grace period even if processing takes longer.
Official Application Availability
Applications accepted from 3 months before expiry
Official rule of the Immigration Services Agency. However, at the Tokyo Immigration Bureau, applications submitted 3 months in advance often still reach their expiry date during processing.
Warning Zone
1 month before expiry ~ day of expiry
Application is possible, but there's a high risk of not having enough time to prepare documents. Start gathering documents today and prioritize submitting a complete application.
Danger Zone
On or after the day of expiry
Overstay (illegal stay). Even one day past expiry carries the risk of visa revocation and forced deportation. Contact immigration or an administrative scrivener today.
⚠️ Online applications are not possible on the day your period of stay expires
Applications through the online residency application system cannot be used on the day your period of stay expires. If you need to apply on the day, you must bring it to the counter in person.
2. 1-3 Months Until Expiry: What to Do Now
1
Immediately check the expiration date on your Residence Card
Check the "Period of Stay (Expiration Date)" field on the front of your Residence Card. Be sure to know the exact year, month, and day.
2
Confirm the list of required documents
The required documents vary depending on your status of residence. Check the "List of Submitted Documents" on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and sort out which documents you have and which you don't.
3
Request necessary documents from your company or school
Documents issued by your company or school, such as employment contracts, certificates of employment, or certificates of enrollment, may take 1-2 weeks to be issued. Request them immediately.
4
Obtain tax certificates
You can obtain your municipal tax certificate and tax payment certificate from your local municipal office. It may take several days for them to be issued, so go early.
5
Fill out the application form and prepare a photo
The application form can be downloaded from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website. You will need a photo measuring 4cm (height) x 3cm (width) (taken within the last 6 months).
6
Apply as soon as documents are ready
Submit your application in person at the regional immigration services bureau with jurisdiction or apply online. Prioritize submitting "complete documents quickly" rather than waiting for "perfect documents."
📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan | Application for Extension of Period of Stay
3. Less Than 1 Month Until Expiry: Emergency Response
If you have less than a month remaining, prioritize "getting the application accepted" over document perfection. If your application is accepted, the special grace period begins, allowing you to continue your stay and work during processing.
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Consult an administrative scrivener today
If you have limited days remaining, incorrectly prioritizing documents can prevent your application from being submitted in time. Professional judgment can help you sort out "the minimum documents you can submit immediately" and "documents that can be supplemented later," enabling the fastest possible application acceptance.
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Aim for acceptance with just the application form and basic documents first
Even if incomplete, if your application is accepted, the special grace period will begin. Additional documents can sometimes be supplemented later. However, absolutely do not provide false information.
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Always carry proof of application acceptance after submission
For counter applications, "Application in progress" will be noted on the back of your Residence Card. For online applications, save/print the email with the reception number and carry it with you at all times.
4. Correctly Understanding the Special Grace Period
If you submit an application for renewal or change of status of residence within your period of stay, you can legally remain and work during the "special grace period" until the examination results are issued (or for two months from the expiry of your period of stay), whichever comes first.
| Item |
Content |
| Start of Special Grace Period |
From the day following the expiration date of your period of stay |
| End of Special Grace Period |
Whichever comes first: when the examination results are issued, or two months after the expiration of your period of stay |
| Eligibility for Employment |
If your status of residence permits employment, you can continue working. |
| Proof Method |
"Application in progress" notation on the back of your Residence Card, or the reception email/reception number for online applications |
| Caution when departing Japan |
Departure during the special grace period is possible, but departing after the expiration of your period of stay may lead to restrictions on re-entry. Prior confirmation is necessary. |
🚨 The special grace period ends after a maximum of 2 months
The special grace period is not indefinite. If examination results are not issued even after 2 months from the expiration of your period of stay, your stay may no longer be considered legal thereafter. Given the prolonged examination times as of 2026, applying early is the best way to avoid entering the special grace period altogether.
📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan | What is the Special Grace Period?
5. Impact on Daily Life During the Special Grace Period
While the special grace period allows you to legally continue your stay, it may affect certain aspects of your daily life. It is recommended to take countermeasures before applying.
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Bank Account Transaction Restrictions
If your Residence Card information with an expired period of stay remains registered, transactions on your account may be restricted. Inform your bank that your application is in progress and present your reception number/proof of reception to notify them of the renewal.
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My Number Card Function Restrictions
If your period of stay expires, your My Number Card's functions (MyNa Insurance Card, MyNa Portal, etc.) will become unusable. Please complete the validity period change procedure at your municipal office before your period of stay expires.
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Overseas Travel and Re-entry
Departure during the special grace period is possible, but departing after your period of stay has expired may make re-entry difficult. Always check with the relevant immigration office or an administrative scrivener before departing.
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Various Contracts and Procedures
You may be asked to present your Residence Card when renewing mobile phone, credit card, or rental contracts. In many cases, you can handle this by also presenting proof of acceptance that your application is in progress.
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📋 LINE Free Gift
Receive an Emergency Response Flowchart by Remaining Days until Period of Stay Expiration on LINE
We are giving away a free emergency response checklist via LINE, categorized by remaining days (3 months, 1 month, 2 weeks, 1 week) on "what to do today and this week."
- To-do lists for today and this week, based on remaining days
- Priority map of documents that can be prepared fastest
- Bank and My Number Card countermeasures during the special grace period
- Checklist of documents to carry after application acceptance
6. If Your Period of Stay Has Already Expired (Overstay)
Even one day past your period of stay is considered overstay (illegal stay), which is a very serious situation. However, if you voluntarily report to immigration before being discovered, the penalty may be lighter.
🚨 Main Risks of Overstay
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Deportation: You will be forcibly removed from Japan
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Re-entry ban for 5+ years: All visa applications to Japan will be restricted for a long period
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Criminal penalties: Imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen
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Permanent record in immigration history: Affects all future immigration screenings
What to do if you have overstayed
1
Consult an administrative scrivener or lawyer today
Before going directly to immigration by yourself, it is important to consult a specialist on how to respond. The best course of action varies depending on the situation.
2
Consider voluntary reporting (surrender)
If you voluntarily report to the Immigration Bureau and explain your situation, the "Departure Order System" may be applied, resulting in a lighter penalty (departure order) than deportation. However, as there are conditions for its application, please consult with a professional before taking action.
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Things you must never do
Continuing to work while overstaying will further increase the severity of the offense. Also, running away will not improve the situation. The sooner you act, the more options you will have.
7. List of documents to prepare as quickly as possible (example for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa renewal)
Even if you are short on time, you can aim to have your application accepted by preparing the following documents as quickly as possible.
| Document |
How to obtain |
Time required |
| Application for Extension of Period of Stay |
Download and print from the Immigration Services Agency website |
Same day |
| ID photo (4cm high x 3cm wide) |
Nearby photo booth or photo studio |
Same day to next day |
| Passport・Residence Card |
Keep on hand |
Same day |
| Certificate of Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment for Resident Tax |
Municipal office counter or convenience store service |
Same day to 3 days |
| Employment contract or Notice of employment conditions |
Request from company (copy acceptable) |
Same day to 3 days |
| Certificate of employment or Withholding tax slip |
Request from company |
1 to 5 days |
| Company registration certificate |
Legal Affairs Bureau or online (Tohki.net) |
Same day to 3 days |
💡 Resident tax certificates can be obtained quickly at convenience stores (My Number card required). If you cannot go to the municipal office, please use the convenience store service.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
I have 2 weeks left until my period of stay expires. Is it still possible to apply?
You can apply up until the very day your period of stay expires. Prioritize gathering your documents starting today and getting your application accepted before the deadline. If your application is accepted, a special grace period will begin, allowing you to continue your stay and work during the review process. We recommend urgently consulting with an administrative scrivener.
Can I change jobs during the special grace period?
You can change jobs while your renewal application is pending, but you must report the change of affiliated institution. However, a discrepancy between your application details and the actual situation may affect the review, so it is advisable to consult with an administrative scrivener before deciding on the timing of your job change.
My period of stay expired yesterday. What should I do?
Contact an administrative scrivener or lawyer immediately. Even one day of overstaying is serious, but by consulting with a professional early, your options will expand. Never ignore it.
The bank told me my period of stay had expired while my application was pending.
Inform the bank that your application is pending and present your application acceptance number and the "Application Pending" notation on the back of your residence card. Many financial institutions relax transaction restrictions when an application is pending. If they do not accommodate you, consult with an administrative scrivener.
My My Number card also expires on the same day as my period of stay.
Please complete the validity period change procedure for your My Number card at your municipal office before your period of stay expires. If your period of stay expires, My Number card functions such as MyNa Hoken (My Number Insurance Card) will become unusable. From June 2026, the "Specified Residence Card" (integrating the residence card and My Number card) is also scheduled to be implemented.
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📋 LINE Free Gift
For those who just want to know what to do first
For those who want to check what they can on their own before consulting, we are giving away a free checklist on LINE. You can receive it immediately after adding us as a friend.
- Emergency Response Checklist by Remaining Days until Period of Stay Expiration
- Minimum Required Document List for Application (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and Spouse Visa editions)
- Summary of Precautions for Banking, My Number Card, and Departure during the Special Grace Period
If your period of stay is approaching, contact us immediately
We will propose the fastest application plan according to the remaining days. Same-day consultations and urgent responses are also possible.
Consult for free now →
Lite Plan ¥3,980~ Document creation + Administrative Scrivener check
Pro Plan ¥29,800~ Administrative Scrivener handles all aspects of the application
Official Reference Links
📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan｜Application for Extension of Period of Stay
📌 Immigration Services Agency of Japan｜What is the Special Grace Period?
📊 Immigration Services Agency of Japan｜Residence Permit Processing Time (Updated Monthly)
