Update: May 20, 2025

For many individuals of Japanese descent, obtaining a Nikkei third-generation visa (Sansei visa), which is a type of Long-term Resident status of residence in Japan, can be a valuable opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral homeland and build a new life in Japan. However, despite being a special visa category, the application process can be complex and sometimes challenging. At our office, we assist clients in navigating these challenges with expert guidance and tailored solutions.
We recognize that while the prospect of living in Japan is exciting, the path to getting there can seem filled with hurdles, and it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. Our aim here is to shed light on these common difficulties, helping you approach them with greater understanding and confidence.
Here are some of the most common difficulties applicants face—and how to overcome them.

Relevant blog posts:
Visa Application for Japanese Third Generation (Nikkei Sansei)

FAQ on Japanese Third Generation (Nikkei Sansei) Visa

Nikkei Sansei: Job Options in Japan

Common Concerns About Sansei (Third-Generation Japanese) Visa

Expert Tips: Sansei Long-Term Resident Visa for Japan

日系三世ビザ（在留資格）に関するよくあるお悩み

 

 

1. Proving Japanese Ancestry (Lineage Documentation Issues)

The Challenge

One of the key requirements for the Nikkei third-generation visa is proving your Japanese lineage. Applicants must demonstrate that they are third-generation descendants of a Japanese national, meaning their grandparents must have been Japanese.
Many applicants struggle with this because:

1. Family records may be incomplete or lost over time.
2. Documents from Japan or the applicant’s home country may be difficult to obtain.

We understand that piecing together family history through official documents can be a meticulous and sometimes emotional process, especially when records are scarce or spread across countries.

 

How to Overcome It

While this step requires careful attention, there are established methods to successfully demonstrate your ancestry:

1. Obtain the Japanese Family Registry (戸籍, Koseki Tohon):
   If your grandparent was born in Japan as a Japanese, their birth record should be listed in the Koseki. If you don’t have a copy, you may need assistance from relatives in Japan or legal representation to request it.
2. Gather supporting documents:
   Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other official records that trace your ancestry back to Japan are essential. If necessary, certified translations will be required.
3. Work with a professional:
   An experienced immigration lawyer can help you verify which documents are needed and how to properly present them.

 

 

2. Finding a Guarantor and Application Representative

 

The Challenge

To apply for the Nikkei third-generation visa, you are required to have a guarantor who resides in Japan. Additionally, if you are applying from abroad, you must have a representative within six degrees of kinship who can submit the application on your behalf. If you have a representative, you do not need to travel to Japan for the initial application. For those without an extensive network in Japan, identifying suitable individuals for these roles can feel like a significant roadblock, adding to the stress of the application.

 

How to Overcome It

Fortunately, there are several options to consider when fulfilling these important requirements:

1. A close relative is preferable:
   Ideally, your guarantor should be a close family member, as immigration authorities generally expect someone with a strong connection to you.
2. A friend can also act as a guarantor:
   If you do not have a relative in Japan who can take on this role, a trusted friend may also serve as your guarantor.
3. Applying without a representative:
   Legally, a relative within the sixth degree of blood relationship, or a relative by affinity (through marriage) within the third degree, can act as your application representative in Japan. However, we understand that for many Nikkei Sansei, even if such relatives exist, the connection might not be close enough to comfortably ask for this significant role, or you may simply not have such contacts. This is a situation many applicants can find themselves in. If you do not have a suitable application representative for these reasons, you can travel to Japan on a short-term visa and submit your application for the Certificate of Eligibility yourself.

 

3. Securing Employment and Housing

 

The Challenge

Once in Japan, many Nikkei visa holders face difficulties in finding stable employment and housing. Some employers are unfamiliar with this visa (Long-term Resident status), and landlords may hesitate to rent to foreign residents. Successfully obtaining your visa is a major milestone, but we know that the journey doesn’t end there. The practicalities of establishing your life in a new country, such as finding a job and a place to call home, present their own set of challenges and can be a source of anxiety.

How to Overcome It

Taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in navigating the job and housing markets in Japan:

1. Seek jobs with companies familiar with Nikkei hiring:
   Some industries, such as manufacturing and service sectors, actively recruit Nikkei workers.
2. Work with a job placement agency:
   Japan has several recruitment agencies specializing in foreign workers, including those with Nikkei backgrounds.
3. Look for real estate agents experienced with foreign clients:
   Some agencies specialize in helping non-Japanese residents find housing, even without a Japanese guarantor.

 

4. Understanding Visa Renewal and Long-Term Residency Options

The Challenge

The Nikkei third-generation visa is usually granted for one year initially and needs to be renewed. Many applicants worry about renewal requirements or securing long-term residency in Japan. Planning for your future in Japan naturally involves thinking about visa renewals and long-term stability. It’s understandable to feel concerned about what lies ahead and how to maintain your life in your ancestral homeland.

How to Overcome It

 

A clear understanding of the requirements and consistent good conduct are key to smooth renewals and future residency prospects:

1. Maintain stable employment:
   A steady job in Japan significantly increases your chances of visa renewal.
2. Follow immigration rules carefully:
   Avoid overstaying, maintain legal status, and comply with residency requirements.
3. Explore permanent residency options:
   After living in Japan for a certain period under the Long-term Resident status (such as the Sansei visa), you may become eligible for permanent residency, allowing you to stay indefinitely.

 

 

How We Can Help

At Amie Immigration Law Office, we specialize in providing comprehensive support for visa applications, including the Nikkei third-generation (Sansei) visa. We have assisted many third-generation Japanese applicants and have extensive knowledge of the process. We know that embarking on this visa application can feel like navigating a complex maze, and it’s often hard to know where to begin or how to address specific hurdles. Our approach is to first listen carefully to your unique situation. We can then help you clearly assess whether you meet the Nikkei third-generation visa requirements and guide you through the application process step by step, ensuring you feel informed and supported along the way. If you’re facing any of these challenges, or simply wish to have a conversation about your path to Japan in a supportive and understanding environment, feel free to contact us for a consultation to discuss your situation.