Changing Jobs in Japan: What Happens to Your Work Visa?

Introduction

When considering a job change in Japan, one of the biggest concerns is: “Will my visa be okay?”
Since a work visa is tied to a specific employer and job category, switching jobs requires a visa change (status of residence change or renewal). In this article, we explain the application process, required documents, common reasons for denial, and even practical tendencies observed at the Osaka Immigration Bureau.

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1. Basic Process When Changing Jobs

Immigration authorities place strong emphasis on whether your employment activities continue without interruption. Long periods of unemployment can make the examination stricter.

General flow:

• Resignation → Submit a Notification of Contract Termination to Immigration
• Secure a new job offer → Prepare an offer letter or employment contract
• Apply at Immigration for a Change of Status of Residence or Extension of Period of Stay
• Screening → Issuance of a new Residence Card

👉 It is best to have a new job lined up before resigning.

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2. Required Documents & Key Preparation Points

The following documents are generally required for visa procedures when changing jobs:

Document	Key Point
Residence Card & Passport	Originals must be presented + copies submitted
Employment Contract / Certificate of Employment	Must match the scope of your visa status
Company Registration Certificate / Company Brochure	Shows the actual business entity
Tax Certificates / Proof of Social Insurance	Payment and enrollment are closely examined
Payslips / Withholding Tax Certificates	Income comparison between past and new job

💡 In practice, Immigration may also request a Resignation Certificate or Company Financial Statements.

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3. Timing: Before or After Resignation?

• Before resignation: Advantageous, as there will be no unemployment gap.
• After resignation: If unemployment lasts 1–2 months, the review becomes strict. Over 3 months almost always leads to denial.

👉 Ideally, apply before resigning once your new job is secured.

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4. Common Reasons for Visa Denial

• Unemployment period of six months or longer
• Significant drop in income after job change
• Employer is too small or its business is unclear
• Unpaid taxes or social insurance

💡 If income decreases, submit Bank Balance Certificates or other supporting documents.

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5. Trends at the Osaka Immigration Bureau

Compared to Tokyo, Osaka Immigration tends to focus more on post-transfer stability. Key tendencies include:

• Stricter checks on unemployment periods
• Frequent requests for financial statements or business plans from small companies
• Higher likelihood of being asked for additional documents

👉 Overall, Osaka Immigration places more emphasis on “stability after the job change.”

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6. Notifications Required After Changing Jobs

Even after switching your visa, remember to complete the following:

• Submit Notification of Affiliated Organization to Immigration within 14 days
• File a Resident Registration Change at city hall (if moving)
• Complete social insurance and pension enrollment at the new employer

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7. When to Consult a Specialist

It is strongly recommended to seek professional advice if:

• Your job category changes
• You expect a long unemployment period
• Your new employer is small or recently established
• You have unpaid taxes or pension contributions
• You are considering permanent residency or naturalization in the future

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Conclusion

Changing jobs can be an exciting career move, but when it comes to your work visa, continuity and stability are key. Preparing early—ideally before resigning—and collecting the required documents will greatly increase your chances of success. Especially in Osaka, where examinations are known to be stricter, advance consultation with an expert can provide peace of mind.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

If you would like to renew or change your work visa quickly and reliably, or if you feel uncertain about the application process, please feel free to consult with our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka. We provide support for clients from all over Japan, making use of our extensive experience in dealing with the Immigration Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your work visa renewal or change of status smoothly and with confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

▶ Click here to see our fee schedule

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