# Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書): how to apply

URL: https://japanhow.com/visa/visas/certificate-of-eligibility-japan/
Author: japanhow editors
Updated: Oct 21, 2026

## Summary

As of October 2026, a certificate of eligibility in Japan (在留資格認定証明書) is a free pre-check by immigration for anyone moving to Japan for more than a short stay. A representative in Japan, such as your employer or school, or a 行政書士, files it at the regional immigration office or online. The standard period is 1 to 3 months, though some statuses take longer. It is valid for 3 months and, since March 2023, can be received by email and shown on a smartphone.

## Key facts

- Fee: Free
- Standard processing: 1 to 3 months
- Valid for: 3 months
- By email: Since March 17, 2023

The certificate of eligibility Japan's immigration agency issues is the **Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書, COE)**: immigration's advance check that your planned activity fits a status of residence. It is **free**, filed by **a representative in Japan** such as your employer or school (or a 行政書士), takes **1 to 3 months** as standard and is **valid for 3 months**. Since March 2023 it can arrive **by email**. This is the position as of October 2026, from the Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁, ISA).

**Informational only:** This page explains ISA's published procedure. It is not advice on your case. Confirm with your regional immigration office or the ISA information center (0570-013904). After a refusal, consider a certified administrative scrivener (行政書士).

## Who needs a certificate of eligibility?

Anyone who wants to enter Japan for anything other than a short-term stay: work, study, joining family and so on. Permanent Resident can't be applied for this way. You use the certificate when you apply for your visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate, and again when you land.

If you are **already in Japan** on another status, you don't need a COE. You apply for a [change of status](/visa/visas/change-of-status-of-residence-japan/) instead.

## Who applies for the certificate?

The application is filed **in Japan**. The people who can file are:

- the applicant themselves, if in Japan
- a **representative** set by Ministry of Justice ordinance, such as staff of your employer or school. For family statuses, check the status page for who may file
- an **agent (申請取次者)**: a registered **行政書士** or lawyer, or staff of an approved public-interest organization, filing for the applicant or representative

If the applicant applies, it goes to the regional immigration office for the planned address. If a representative or agent applies, it goes to the office for the receiving organization's location.

## What documents do you need?

The list depends on the status. Each status page on ISA's site has a **checklist**, the **application form** in PDF and Excel, and a **filled-in sample**. Common items:

- the application form and a photo
- documents proving the planned activity, which differ by status
- for family statuses, proof of the relationship (marriage or birth certificate) and the sponsor's income and tax documents
- a **return envelope** with postage for registered mail, for paper receipt

Japanese certificates must be **issued within 3 months**, and foreign documents need a Japanese translation. Originals are generally not returned. If the name on your application doesn't match your passport, the visa step can be delayed, so ISA suggests adding a passport copy.

For status-specific lists, see the [spouse visa](/visa/visas/spouse-visa-japan/), [dependent visa](/visa/visas/dependent-visa-japan/), [specified skilled worker](/visa/visas/specified-skilled-worker-japan/), [highly skilled professional](/visa/visas/highly-skilled-professional-visa-japan/) and [business manager](/visa/visas/business-manager-visa-japan/) guides.

## How do you apply, step by step?

1. **Your sponsor collects the documents** for your status from ISA's checklist.
2. **They file the application** at the regional immigration office (weekdays 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00) or through the online residence application system. ISA doesn't accept applications by post.
3. **They choose how to receive it.** Online, select email (メール) as the receipt method. At the counter, add the electronic issuance request form (電子交付希望申出書); the person filing must be a registered user of the online system. Otherwise you get paper by mail.
4. **ISA reviews the case.** It may ask for more documents.
5. **The certificate is issued.** For email, the sponsor completes receipt registration through the link and forwards the email to you.
6. **You apply for the visa** at the Japanese embassy or consulate, within the 3 months.
7. **You land in Japan** and show the certificate at the airport or seaport.

## How long does a certificate of eligibility take?

ISA's **standard period is 1 to 3 months**. Its published averages, from receipt to issue, are longer for some statuses:

| Status | Average days, COEs issued August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Professional 1(a) | 24.3 |
| Intra-company Transferee | 34.8 |
| Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | 47.1 |
| Specified Skilled Worker (i) (food service excluded) | 62.7 |
| Student | 63.7 |
| Skilled Labor | 72.1 |
| Dependent | 74.1 |
| Long-term Resident | 93.9 |
| Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident | 105.8 |
| Spouse or Child of Japanese National | 120.9 |
| Business Manager | 226.7 |

Source: ISA 在留審査処理期間, August 2026. The days include time waiting for extra documents ISA asked for. ISA says work statuses tend to take longer before April hiring, and Student before the April and October school starts.

**Food service SSW on hold:** ISA has temporarily stopped issuing COEs for Specified Skilled Worker (i) food service since April 13, 2026. Applications received from that date are in principle not issued.

## How long is a certificate of eligibility valid?

ISA says a COE is **normally valid for 3 months** from the date it is made. Apply for your visa and enter Japan within that time. If you won't use it, ISA asks that the paper original go back to the office that issued it.

## How does the electronic COE work?

Since **March 17, 2023**, you can receive the certificate **by email**. It has the same information as the paper one, except the photo.

- You can **show the email on your smartphone** at the Japanese embassy or consulate and at the airport. A forwarded email is accepted.
- If an agent applies for your visa for you, they need the paper certificate or a printout of the email.
- Emails come from **@rasens-immi.moj.go.jp**. Make sure this domain isn't blocked.

Paper certificates are still available. Since March 17, 2023, a copy of both sides of a paper certificate is also accepted at the embassy and on landing. If you land with a copy, ISA asks you to return the original to the issuing office.

## What happens after you arrive?

Once you have landed, the next tasks are usually a [bank account](/money/banking/bank-account-for-foreigners-japan/), [health insurance](/money/insurance/national-health-insurance-japan-foreigners/) and an [apartment](/housing/renting/how-to-rent-apartment-japan-foreigner/).

## More guides

[Change of status](/visa/visas/change-of-status-of-residence-japan/) · [Visa renewal](/visa/visas/visa-renewal-japan/) · [Re-entry permit](/visa/visas/re-entry-permit-japan/) · [Student visa and part-time work](/visa/visas/student-visa-work-permit-japan/)

## Questions people ask

### Who applies for a certificate of eligibility in Japan?

Usually a representative in Japan defined by Ministry of Justice ordinance, such as staff of your employer or school. A registered 行政書士 or lawyer can file for them. The person filing must be in Japan.

### How long is a certificate of eligibility valid?

ISA says a certificate of eligibility is normally valid for 3 months from the date it is made. Apply for your visa and enter Japan within that time.

### Can I apply for a certificate of eligibility online?

Yes. ISA accepts certificate of eligibility applications through its online residence application system. Paper applications go to the counter; ISA doesn't accept them by post.

### How long does a certificate of eligibility take?

ISA's standard period is 1 to 3 months. Its published averages for August 2026 were, for example, 34.8 days for Intra-company Transferee, 120.9 days for spouses of Japanese nationals and 226.7 days for Business Manager.

### Can I use an electronic certificate of eligibility at the embassy?

Yes. Since March 17, 2023 the certificate can be sent by email. You can show the email on your smartphone at the Japanese embassy or consulate and at the airport, including a forwarded email.

## Sources

- [在留資格認定証明書交付申請](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html), Immigration Services Agency of Japan (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- [在留資格認定証明書の電子交付について](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/10_00136.html), Immigration Services Agency of Japan (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- [在留資格認定証明書の取扱い等について（令和4年10月7日）](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930005503.pdf), Immigration Services Agency of Japan (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- [在留審査処理期間（日数）令和8年8月許可分](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001473096.pdf), Immigration Services Agency of Japan (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- [在留資格「家族滞在」](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/dependent.html), Immigration Services Agency of Japan (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- [在留資格変更許可申請](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2.html), Immigration Services Agency of Japan (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- [特定技能１号（外食業分野）の在留諸申請の審査状況（2026年10月19日掲載）](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/10_00259.html), Immigration Services Agency of Japan (accessed Oct 21, 2026)