Visa Application for Japanese Third Generation (Nikkei Sansei)

2023,06,19

Update:　May 20, 2025

Japanese Third Generation (Nikkei Sansei) refers to immigrants from Japan and their descendants. As of 2017, it was estimated that there were approximately 4 million Nikkei Sansei worldwide, with two-thirds of them residing in Central and South America, playing a significant role in preserving and promoting Japanese culture.

We often receive inquiries from Nikkei Sansei individuals who express a desire to live in Japan, reconnecting with their grandparents’ roots. We understand that this is a deeply personal and important journey, and while the prospect of navigating visa applications can seem complex, we are here to make it as smooth as possible for you. In this article, we aim to provide a clear explanation of the visa application process, focusing on the required documents for Nikkei Sansei individuals.

Japanese version of this article:
日系三世のビザ「定住者」の必要書類

Overcoming Nikkei Sansei Visa Process Challenges

Nikkei Sansei: Job Options in Japan

Expert Tips: Sansei Long-Term Resident Visa for Japan

1 Visa Types
2 Required Documents for COE Application (for those coming to Japan from overseas)
3 Summary

Visa Types

As the third generation of overseas immigrants, Nikkei Sansei individuals are eligible for a “Long-term Resident” visa. This visa does not impose any work restrictions, allowing them to work in various fields, including positions classified as simple labor, such as convenience stores or factories.

Required Documents for COE Application (for those coming to Japan from overseas)

Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the first main step when you’re planning to come to Japan from overseas. We know that gathering documents can feel overwhelming, so we’ve broken down what you’ll need. These documents help the Japanese authorities understand your background and your connection to Japan.

Application form
Photograph (4×3 cm) taken within 6 months

Documents from Japanese municipal offices

To establish your lineage and connection to your Japanese grandparents, the following documents from Japanese municipal offices are essential. Please note that items 2-4 are only needed if they were officially submitted in Japan.

Certified copy of grandparents’ (Japanese) family register (koseki-tohon) or record of removal from family register (Joseki-tohon)
Certificate of acceptance of marriage notification (for grandparents and parents)
Certificate of acceptance of birth notification (for the applicant)
Certificate of acceptance of notification of death (for grandparents and parents)
(Note: The above documents 2-4 are required only if they have been submitted to a Japanese municipal office)
Residence certificate (Jyumin-hyou) of housemate in Japan (including all members of the household) if the applicant will be residing with them

Documents for proving occupation and income

Next, you’ll need to show that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Japan. Here’s how you can do that:

If the applicant can provide the expenses themselves:

Bank statement as proof of savings balance (under the applicant’s name)
Certificate of employment or notice of employment acceptance (issued by a Japanese company)

If someone other than the applicant will cover the expenses:

Certificate of residence tax payment (taxable or non-taxable) for the last year of the person supporting the stay expenses, along with a tax payment certificate

Additional Documents:

To further support your application and verify your identity and background, some additional documents will be required. These help paint a complete picture for the immigration authorities:

Letter of guarantee (from a Japanese citizen or Long-term resident residing in Japan)
Certificate of criminal record (issued by the relevant authority in the applicant’s home country)
Marriage certificate issued by the home country’s authority for grandparents and parents
Birth certificate(s) issued by the home country’s authority for parents and the applicant
Certificate(s) related to acknowledgment of paternity issued by the home country’s authority (if applicable)
Note: The acknowledgment of paternity certificate is required only if applicable
Official documents proving the existence of grandparents and parents (e.g., passports, death certificates, driver’s licenses)
Official documents proving the applicant’s identity (e.g., identification card, driver’s license, military service certificate, voter registration card)

Required Documents for Applying for “5 Years”

If you are hoping to obtain a longer period of stay, specifically for “5 years,” demonstrating a certain level of Japanese language ability is necessary (this does not apply to minors). Here are the accepted ways to prove your proficiency:

Document certifying that the applicant has received at least 6 months of Japanese language education at a Japanese language education institution designated by the Minister of Justice
Document certifying that the applicant has passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 level
Document certifying that the applicant has achieved a score of 400 or higher on the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) administered by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation
Document certifying that the applicant has received education for at least 1 year at a school defined by Article 1 of the School Education Law (excluding kindergartens)

Note

All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within three months from the date of issuance.

Summary

Reconnecting with your Japanese heritage as a Nikkei Sansei is a profound aspiration, and the “Long-term Resident” visa offers a significant pathway to realize this dream in Japan. This visa status is unique in that it allows for a wide range of activities and a deeper integration into Japanese society.

At Amie Immigration Law Office, we provide support for visa applications for Nikkei Sansei individuals. Our office is known for its careful and considerate approach, and we pride ourselves on the supportive stance that our clients often tell us they value. Having successfully guided many Nikkei Sansei through this specific visa process, we bring a wealth of experience and expertise to your application. We are committed to easing your concerns and providing the dedicated assistance you need on your journey to reconnect with your roots in Japan. If you are considering applying, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Profile: Ami Ito　Immigration lawyer in Tokyo, Japan

・Background: Born in Tokyo. Spent her high school years in the UK, graduating from a local school.

・Education: Graduated from Sophia University (Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of English Studies) with a focus on Intercultural Communication.

・Professional Experience:

-Worked for 11 years in the overseas division of a manufacturing company.

-Serves as an Officer of the Chiba Branch of the Chiba Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association (Since May 2025).

-Previously served as a Director of the International Affairs Department at the Chiba Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association (June 2023 – May 2025).

・Certifications & Skills:

-TOEIC score: 970; United Nations Associations Test of English (UNATE): Grade A.

-Over 10 years of experience teaching English to high school students.

-Officially registered on the Financial Services Agency’s “List of Professionals (Gyoseishoshi Lawyers) in Chiba Prefecture Capable of Handling Foreign Languages.”

・Philosophy: Having lived abroad, I understand the challenges of living and working in a different culture. This experience inspired me to become a Gyoseishoshi (Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist) to assist foreigners who wish to live and work in Japan, and to support companies looking to hire foreign talent.

I enjoy connecting with people and listening to their stories. I am dedicated to carefully understanding each client’s unique situation and proposing the best possible solutions based on my legal expertise. Through clear and attentive communication, I strive to ensure my clients feel secure and well-supported throughout the process.