2025-09-23

A Certificate of Eligibility is required for entry into Japan. However, its validity period is only three months, making the timing of your application surprisingly tricky. Here, we introduce the method to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility in the shortest time possible.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility?

A Certificate of Eligibility is a document certifying the activities a foreign national is permitted to engage in while in Japan. Note that “activities” do not include tourism; it is limited to cases where the foreign national intends to stay in Japan for an extended period for purposes such as employment.

The Certificate of Eligibility is required when a foreign national lands in Japan. At this time, in addition to the Certificate of Eligibility, you must also present your passport and visa.

The Certificate of Eligibility proves that the activities in Japan or the relationship status (e.g., spouse) are genuine and that the foreign national possesses the required status of residence. Therefore, without this certificate, the foreign national cannot engage in activities in Japan. Consequently, it is necessary to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility before entering Japan.

How to Obtain It?

There are two ways to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility.

One is for the foreign national to come to Japan and apply in person. The other is for the company hiring the foreign national, a relative, or another authorized party to apply on their behalf within Japan. However, the former method requires the foreign national to come to Japan and is not commonly used. In most cases, the latter method is used.

After applying for the Certificate of Eligibility, it is mailed to the applicant approximately 1 to 3 months later. If applying through a proxy, the proxy mails the certificate to the foreign national in their home country. The foreign national then takes this certificate to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country to apply for a visa.

Note that this certificate is valid for only 3 months; it becomes invalid after 3 months from the date of issuance. Therefore, you must calculate the date you plan to go to Japan and apply accordingly.

How to Obtain It Quickly?

As explained earlier, obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility typically takes about 1 to 3 months, but in some cases, it may take about 3 to 4 months. Here are three ways to obtain it as quickly as possible:

① Eliminate Application Form Errors
　・ Fill out the application form accurately, paying close attention to spelling and omissions.
　・ Ensure all required documents are attached without omission.
　・ Consider hiring an administrative scrivener to assist with document preparation.
② Consider the Application Timing
　・ Avoid applying during peak periods like the end or beginning of the fiscal year whenever possible.
　・ Apply well in advance.
③ Contact the Immigration Services Agency
　・If you wish to know the status of your review, contact the Immigration Services Agency.
　　※ However, inquiries will not expedite the review process.

Summary

The Certificate of Eligibility can typically be obtained within about 1 to 2 months from application, though in some cases it may take 3 to 4 months. To obtain it as quickly as possible, methods include ensuring your application form is free of errors and avoiding peak periods at the Immigration Services Agency whenever possible.