How to Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Japan | Tommy’s Legal Service
For Applicants Living Overseas: How to Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Entry to Japan
If you plan to come to Japan from overseas for work, to live with your spouse, to bring your family, or to start a business, you will usually need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before entering Japan for a mid- to long-term stay.
At Tommy’s Legal Service, we support applicants living outside Japan and provide full online assistance from the initial consultation to document preparation, online filing, COE issuance, and guidance for the visa application and entry to Japan.
What Is a COE?
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document issued by Japanese immigration authorities to confirm, in advance, that the planned activities of a foreign national in Japan are consistent with the requirements for landing permission.
Once the COE is issued, the visa application process at the Japanese embassy or consulate is generally smoother, and entry procedures at the airport are easier to complete.
Please note that a COE is generally valid for three months from the date of issuance, so it is important to proceed with the visa application and travel arrangements without delay.
How the Process Works with Tommy’s Legal Service
Step 1 | Initial Consultation and Hearing
- Consultations are available via Zoom, LINE, WhatsApp, and email
- We confirm your purpose of entry, background, family situation, and, where applicable, the status of the sponsoring company or family member in Japan
- We explain the most suitable status of residence, required documents, and the overall application strategy
The required documents and review points differ depending on the visa category, such as work-related status, spouse-related status, dependent status, or Business Manager. Clarifying the overall strategy at the beginning helps reduce delays and avoid unnecessary corrections later.
Step 2 | Document Checklist and Preparation Support
- We provide a clear checklist of the documents required from both the applicant overseas and the person or company in Japan
- We explain how to obtain each document and provide examples where necessary
- We also support the preparation and organization of Japanese translations for documents issued in foreign languages
Depending on the case, the required documents may include employment contracts, company registration certificates, financial statements, questionnaires, guarantor documents, family registry-related documents, marriage certificates, birth certificates, or business plans.
Step 3 | Online COE Application
- As a certified Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener / Immigration Lawyer), we file the application through Japan’s Immigration Services online system or other applicable channels
- We prepare and organize explanatory letters and supporting materials when necessary
- If immigration requests additional documents or corrections, we continue to assist until the case is completed
The standard processing time for a COE application is generally about one to three months, although the actual timeline may vary depending on the visa category, case complexity, seasonal workload, and whether additional documents are requested.
Step 4 | COE Issuance and Delivery
- After the COE is issued, we review the result and explain the next steps
- We promptly share the COE information received by email with the applicant
- We also guide you on the format to use for the visa application, depending on the practice of the relevant Japanese embassy or consulate
Under the current system, the COE may be received electronically by email, and for visa or landing procedures, a printed email or copy may be accepted depending on the situation.
Step 5 | Visa Application at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate → Entry to Japan
- The applicant applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy, consulate, or designated visa application center in their country or region
- After the visa is issued, the applicant travels to Japan
- After entry, the applicant completes any necessary post-arrival procedures, such as address registration and daily life setup in Japan
At major airports in Japan, a residence card is usually issued at the time of landing permission. At some other ports of entry, however, the card may be issued later after the required local procedures are completed.
This Service Is Suitable For
- People living overseas who plan to work in Japan
- Spouses and family members who plan to join their family in Japan
- Foreign nationals planning to establish a company or start a business in Japan
- People who want to bring their family members to Japan
- Applicants who prefer to communicate in English while handling Japanese immigration procedures
What We Offer
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Support | Consultations are available from anywhere in the world via Zoom, LINE, WhatsApp, and email |
| Bilingual Communication | We provide support in both Japanese and English |
| Application Assistance | We assist with document guidance, explanatory letters, online filing, and responses to additional document requests |
| Case Types | Work visas, spouse-related visas, dependent visas, Business Manager cases, and other COE applications |
Contact Us
COE applications require different documents and different explanations depending on the status of residence involved. If the initial strategy is unclear, the review may take longer due to missing documents or insufficient explanations.
If you would like to prepare your entry to Japan carefully and efficiently, please feel free to contact Tommy’s Legal Service.
Tommy’s Legal Service
102, THE HUB Yokohama Motomachi,
1-13-2 Ishikawa, Naka-ward, Yokohama-city, Kanagawa 231-0868, Japan
TEL: 045-550-5135
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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