kitsunaguEnglish-speaking immigration and visa lawyers in Japan
This page lists law firms in Japan that handle immigration and visa matters and show signs of working in English. Use the map and the list to find a firm near you, narrow the search by area, and open a firm's page to see its languages, contact details and website. It is a starting point for foreign residents, their families and employers who want advice on residence status in English.
What an immigration lawyer can help with
- Work, spouse and family visa applications
- Renewing or changing your status of residence
- Permanent residency and naturalisation
- Applications that have been refused
- Overstays, deportation procedures and detention
- Visas for employees, for companies hiring from abroad
Before you contact a firm
- Ask whether you can work with them fully in English, including calls, emails and documents
- Ask how they charge for a first consultation, and how fees are worked out after that
- Ask whether they offer consultations online or by phone if you cannot visit the office
- Ask whether they have handled applications like yours, for your type of visa
- Have your residence card, passport and any letters from immigration to hand
How our listings work
Every firm in this directory is registered with a Japanese bar association, and our list is built from the bar association's registry. We include the firms that show signs of offering their services in English. kitsunagu is a directory, not a referral service: we do not recommend one firm over another, so check the details directly with the firm before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I look under immigration or under another practice area?
If your question is about getting, keeping or changing a visa, start here. If your visa depends on a marriage or a job that is ending, you may also want a divorce or employment lawyer, and some firms handle both.
Do all these lawyers speak English?
Every firm listed here shows signs of working in English, but how much varies from firm to firm. Before you book, ask who will handle your case and how they will communicate with you.
Is it free to use kitsunagu?
Yes. Searching the directory is free. You contact firms directly, and any fees are agreed between you and the firm.