What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

To work, study, or reside in Japan with family, foreign nationals must first obtain this essential document—
the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

This certificate is issued by the Immigration Bureau of Japan as prior confirmation that the individual has a legitimate reason to stay in the country.
With a COE, the visa issuance process at a Japanese embassy or consulate becomes smoother and more reliable.

List of status of residence | Immigration Services Agency

💼 When You Need a COE

🔽 When hiring a foreign national from overseas as a full-time employee (for residence statuses such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”)
🔽 When you want to bring your foreign spouse or child to Japan (Family Stay)
🔽 When accepting international students into a language school or university (Student Visa)
🔽 When employing foreign workers under the “Specified Skilled Worker” status in industries such as nursing care, construction, or hospitality

🌍 It applies to all foreign nationals planning to live in Japan mid- to long-term.

📊 Application Process

1️⃣ The receiving organization in Japan (such as a company, school, or spouse) submits the application
2️⃣ Screening is conducted by the Immigration Bureau (usually takes 3–6 months)
3️⃣ The Certificate of Eligibility is sent to the applicant overseas
4️⃣ The applicant applies for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate
5️⃣ Entry into Japan and start of residence

✅ Benefits of the COE

📌 Smooth Procedures After Entry
Since the residence status is already approved, the individual can start working, studying, or living immediately upon arrival in Japan.

📌 Essential for Bringing Family Members
When inviting a spouse or children to Japan, having this certificate ensures a smoother and more reliable preparation process.

📌 Even Smoother and More Convenient When You Work with a Specialist

“I’m overwhelmed by all the paperwork.”
“I’m worried about being denied due to mistakes.”
“I’m anxious about when the documents will arrive…”

In such cases, we recommend using an application support service provided by a certified administrative scrivener.

💼 At Taro Fujita Administrative Scrivener Office, we utilize the online residence application system,
📧 allowing you to receive the Certificate of Eligibility by email in principle.

✅ Available nationwide, no matter where you are in Japan.
✅ One-stop support from document preparation to application submission and progress tracking!