Best Work Permit Lawyers in Shizuoka

About Work Permit Law in Shizuoka, Japan

In Japan a work permit is not a separate single document but is governed by a person’s status of residence. Foreign nationals who want to work in Japan must hold an appropriate status of residence that permits paid activities. The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act sets the national rules for entry, residence and work. In Shizuoka prefecture the same national rules apply, and administrative procedures are handled by the regional immigration office and local municipal offices for residence registration. Employers also have responsibilities under national labor laws and prefectural regulations.

Common work-related statuses include Business Manager, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, Care Worker, Specified Skilled Worker, Highly Skilled Professional and Technical Intern Training. Short-term visitors and tourist-status holders generally are not allowed to engage in paid work. Foreign residents must carry a valid residence card and follow reporting requirements at their city or ward office after moving into Shizuoka.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration and labor matters can quickly become complex and have serious consequences for your right to remain and work in Japan. You may need a lawyer when you face any of the following situations:

Visa refusal or denial of an extension of status - to appeal, prepare a re-application or provide legal arguments and documentation.

Detention, deportation or removal procedures - to protect your rights, seek release, negotiate alternatives and act quickly on urgent deadlines.

Criminal charges or suspected violations of immigration laws - to coordinate defense and immigration strategy, and to liaise with consular officials.

Employer disputes such as wrongful termination, unpaid wages, hazardous working conditions or discrimination - to assert employment rights and pursue claims under the Labor Standards Act and related laws.

Change of status or complex sponsorship arrangements - to ensure proper paperwork, compliance and long-term planning for business managers and highly skilled professionals.

Applications involving children, family dependents, or combining multiple immigration grounds - to organize evidence and explain discretionary considerations to immigration authorities.

When you need representation in administrative appeals or litigation - only a licensed lawyer can represent you in courts; administrative scriveners can help with paperwork but cannot litigate.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks that affect work permits and employment in Shizuoka include national immigration law and national labor laws enforced locally:

Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act - defines statuses of residence, entry and deportation procedures, document requirements and grounds for refusal or revocation of status.

Residence Card and Municipal Registration - foreign residents must register their address at the city or ward office in Shizuoka and carry a residence card. Changes in address, employer or status often must be reported within specific timeframes.

Labor Standards Act and related labor laws - these set rules for wages, working hours, overtime, safety and compensation. Labor Standards Inspection Offices, including the Shizuoka offices, enforce these laws.

Minimum Wage and Employment Security - Shizuoka has its regional minimum wage which employers must follow. Hello Work offices administer unemployment and job-placement services and provide employer-employee mediation.

Technical Intern Training Act and Specified Skilled Worker framework - these laws cover protections, supervision and permitted activities for technical interns and specified skilled workers. The Technical Intern Training Program has special oversight to prevent exploitation.

Personal Information Protection and Other Compliance Rules - employers handling foreign staff must manage personal data securely and comply with workplace safety and anti-discrimination obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get permission to work in Shizuoka?

You must obtain a status of residence that permits the kind of work you will do. Typically your employer sponsors a Certificate of Eligibility issued by immigration and then you apply for the appropriate visa at a Japanese consulate abroad or change your status inside Japan if eligible. For people already in Japan with a valid status, you generally apply to the regional immigration office for an extension or change of status.

Can I work while on a student visa in Shizuoka?

Students may work part-time only if they obtain permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under their status. The permission is recorded on your residence card. Even with permission you must not work in jobs prohibited to students, and total hours should not interfere with studies.

What happens if my extension or change of status is refused?

If an application is refused you usually receive a written notice explaining the reason. You may reapply with additional evidence, file an administrative appeal in some cases, or seek legal help to explore other options such as temporary stay permits or humanitarian relief. Time limits for appeals and practical deadlines for departure make prompt action important.

Can my employer sponsor my family to join me in Shizuoka?

Dependent family members can apply for a dependent status based on your permitted status of residence. Whether this is granted depends on factors such as your income and ability to support dependents, and the nature of your status. Some work statuses have clearer pathways for dependents than others.

What are the risks if I work without the correct permit?

Working without authorization can lead to arrest, administrative fines, detention and deportation. It can also create difficulties for future visa applications and may expose both you and your employer to penalties under immigration and labor laws.

How long does it take to process a work-related visa or extension in Shizuoka?

Processing times vary by case and workload at the immigration office. Typical applications for extension or change of status can take several weeks to a few months. Applications from overseas at a consulate depend on the consulate’s procedures and can also vary. It is important to apply well before your current status expires.

What documents are commonly required for a work permit application?

Common documents include passport; residence card; Certificate of Eligibility if applicable; employment contract or letter of employment; proof of qualifications or degrees; employer documents such as company registration and financial statements for business manager applications; and proof of residence. Immigration may request additional evidence depending on the category.

Who can legally assist with visa applications in Shizuoka?

Certified administrative procedures specialists - gyoseishoshi - can prepare and submit many immigration applications. Only a licensed lawyer - bengoshi - can represent you in courts and handle litigation or criminal matters. For complex cases, detention or deportation matters, you should consult a lawyer with immigration experience.

What should I do if I am detained by immigration authorities in Shizuoka?

If detained contact a lawyer immediately and notify your consulate or embassy. Do not sign documents without understanding them. Lawyers can visit detainees, request disclosure of evidence, and challenge detention or deportation through legal channels. Time is critical so act quickly.

How do I choose a good immigration lawyer or specialist in Shizuoka?

Look for experience in immigration and labor law, clear fee agreements, and good communication in a language you understand. Verify professional credentials with the local bar association for lawyers and the administrative scrivener association for gyoseishoshi. Ask for references and for examples of similar cases they have handled.

Additional Resources

Immigration Services Agency of Japan - national body overseeing immigration policy and procedures.

Shizuoka Regional Immigration Services Bureau - handles local immigration procedures and inquiries within the prefecture.

Ministry of Justice - oversees Japan’s immigration law and regulations.

Shizuoka Prefectural Government - departments for labor and welfare that administer regional labor regulations and support.

Hello Work - Public Employment Security Offices in Shizuoka provide employment services, wage and job counseling.

Labor Standards Inspection Offices - enforce the Labor Standards Act and handle complaints about wages and working conditions.

Japan Legal Support Center - Houterasu - provides information about legal consultation and court procedures for residents.

Shizuoka Bar Association and local administrative scrivener associations - for lists of qualified lawyers and administrative specialists who practice immigration and labor law.

Local international exchange or support centers in Shizuoka municipalities - these centers often provide language support, referral to lawyers and social services for foreign residents.

Next Steps

1. Check your current status of residence and expiration date on your residence card. Start any extension or change applications well before the expiry date.

2. Gather basic documents - passport, residence card, employment contract, proof of qualifications and any employer documents that show the nature of your job and company.

3. Contact the Shizuoka regional immigration office or your city hall for procedural guidance and required forms. Use Hello Work for employment-related questions and wage concerns.

4. If your case involves refusal, detention, deportation risk, criminal charges or employer disputes, seek legal counsel immediately. Ask potential lawyers about their immigration experience, fees and expected timelines.

5. Keep careful records and copies of all applications, communications and employment documents. Do not sign anything you do not fully understand without legal advice.

6. If you cannot afford private legal fees ask about public legal assistance programs, free consultation days at the local bar association or subsidized advice through Houterasu or municipal foreign support services.

Taking informed and timely steps increases your chances of a successful outcome. When in doubt, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or certified administrative procedures specialist in Shizuoka for case-specific advice.