Overstay Japan: What to Do If You Realize You’ve Overstayed Your Visa
Important: If you realize you are overstaying in Japan (illegal overstay / unlawful stay), the priority is not to delay. Doing nothing can increase risks such as detention, deportation procedures, and future re-entry restrictions. The right approach depends on your facts, so early preparation matters.
(1) First steps: what to do immediately (in order)
(1) Confirm your exact status and dates (residence card expiration date / period of stay granted).
(2) Stop “waiting it out.” The longer you remain overstayed, the harder the situation usually becomes.
(3) Prepare minimum documents before you visit Immigration (see checklist below).
(4) Decide your general direction: Departure Order System (if eligible) or deportation procedures (and whether there may be exceptional circumstances).
(5) Consider professional support to avoid inconsistent explanations and missing evidence.
(2) What you should NOT do
(1) Do not assume “it won’t be discovered” and continue daily life as usual.
(2) Do not submit false statements or fake documents (this can severely worsen the outcome).
(3) Do not post details on social media—your statements can remain searchable and create inconsistencies later.
(4) Do not continue unauthorized work or side jobs if your status does not permit it.
(5) Do not simply go to the airport without a plan—procedure type can affect future consequences.
(3) Key options in Japan: overview
Option A: Departure Order System (if you qualify)
Japan has a system designed for certain overstayers who meet specific conditions (commonly discussed factors include voluntary surrender and no other serious grounds). If available, this route can be more straightforward than full deportation procedures.
Option B: Deportation Procedures
If the Departure Order System does not apply, the case may proceed under deportation procedures. Depending on circumstances, detention may become an issue. Preparation and consistency in your explanation are critical.
Option C: Special Permission for Residence (exceptional cases)
In limited situations, “Special Permission for Residence” may be considered. This is discretionary and highly fact-specific. Typical areas of focus include strong humanitarian factors and family circumstances in Japan. Results cannot be guaranteed; evidence quality and consistency are essential.
(4) Checklist: what to bring before going to Immigration
(1) Passport (original)
(2) Residence Card (original)
(3) Documents explaining why you overstayed
• Proof related to illness, accident, hospitalization, family emergency, etc. (if applicable)
• Any objective documents supporting your explanation
(4) Proof of current residence in Japan
• Juminhyo (resident record) if obtainable
• Lease agreement, utility bills, official mail, etc.
(5) Family relationship documents (if applicable)
• Marriage/birth certificates, recognition, custody/guardian documents, proof of cohabitation and caregiving, etc.
(6) Income/livelihood documents (if applicable)
• Tax certificates, proof of tax payment, pay slips, employment-related documents, etc.
(7) A timeline memo (very important)
• Date of entry, expiration date, when you noticed, what actions you took, who you consulted
Note: Immigration decisions often depend on consistent, credible explanations supported by documents.
(5) FAQ
Q1. Is it an overstay even if it’s only one day?
Generally, staying beyond the authorized period is treated as unlawful stay. Do not delay once you notice it.
Q2. If I leave Japan quickly, can I return soon?
Future entry depends on procedure type and the specifics of your case. Planning the approach matters.
Q3. If I’m married to a Japanese national, will I automatically be allowed to stay?
No. Outcomes are case-by-case. Immigration typically reviews the stability and reality of the relationship, cohabitation, caregiving (if children are involved), and the overall circumstances.
Q4. I’m scared to go to Immigration. What should I do?
Fear is understandable, but doing nothing usually increases risk. Proper preparation—documents, timeline, and a consistent explanation—can reduce avoidable problems.
(6) How our office can help
Tommy’s Legal Service (Gyoseishoshi office in Yokohama) supports overstay-related matters by:
(1) Fact-finding interview and risk assessment
(2) Strategy planning (Departure Order System eligibility / deportation procedure 대응 / exceptional factors analysis)
(3) Preparing explanation documents and evidence packages (consistency-focused)
(4) Document collection plan (family/livelihood/humanitarian evidence)
(5) Coordination with other professionals if needed
Disclaimer: Special Permission for Residence is discretionary; outcomes cannot be guaranteed. However, cases often worsen due to missing documents and inconsistent explanations—early structure and preparation are crucial.
Contact
Tommy’s Legal Service (Gyoseishoshi Office)
102, THE HUB Yokohama Motomachi, 1-13-2 Ishikawa, Naka-ward, Yokohama-city, 231-0868 Japan
Phone: 045-550-5135
Website: gyosei-tominaga.com
Recommended Images (for this article)
(1) Featured image: Airport / passport / Japan cityscape (non-alarmist tone)
Alt text: Overstay Japan what to do guide
(2) Diagram image: “Departure Order System vs Deportation Procedures vs Special Permission for Residence” (flowchart)
Alt text: Overstay Japan options flowchart
(3) Checklist image: “Documents to bring before going to Immigration”
Alt text: Overstay Japan document checklist
投稿者プロフィール
- 行政書士
-
日系理化学機器輸入商社、日系センサーメーカー、外資系真空機器メーカー、外資系化学装置メーカーでの国内外業務を経て、令和2年度行政書士試験に合格。令和3年4月、トミーズリーガルサービス行政書士事務所を開業。
現在は入管業務（VISA・在留資格）を中心とした専門事務所として、外国人の雇用・受け入れ、企業の国際人材戦略、在留手続のオンライン申請支援を行う。
企業・個人いずれのクライアントにも寄り添い、迅速・丁寧で負担の少ない手続きをモットーとする。
また、国際業務の経験を生かし、英語での各種案内・申請支援にも対応。
趣味： バイク（GB350C）、ツーリング、Uber Eats 配達、テニス、ゴルフ
English:
After working in Japanese and foreign-affiliated companies in the fields of scientific instruments, sensors, vacuum equipment, and chemical processing machinery, I passed the national Administrative Scrivener examination in 2020 and founded Tommy’s Legal Service Administrative Scrivener Office in April 2021.
My practice is specialized in immigration procedures—visa applications, extensions, changes of status, and online filings for both companies and individuals. I support employers and foreign nationals with fast, accurate, and stress-free application processes.
English guidance and bilingual documentation are also available.
Hobbies: Motorcycles (Honda GB350C), touring, Uber Eats delivery, tennis, golf
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