What is a Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist?

A Certified Administrative Procedures Specialist is a person with national qualification who can assist foreign nationals in all aspects of their lives in Japan, including residence, naturalization, study abroad, employment, marriage, and setting up a business.

What kinds of matters can I seek their assistance with?

A Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist can assist with the following matters.

  • I want to obtain status of residence/visa.
  • I want to renew my period of stay.
  • I want to change my status of residence.
  • I want to bring my family/friends to Japan.
  • I want to live permanently in Japan.
  • I want to naturalize and become a Japanese citizen.
  • I want to seek advice about international marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance.
  • I want to study abroad in Japan.
  • I want to work in Japan.
  • I want to set up a business in Japan. (I want to undertake the procedures to start a company. I want to open a food and drink establishment.)
  • I want to undertake the procedures for a foreign company to invest in Japan.     Etc.

How can I consult with a Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist?

The Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialists Association in each prefecture holds regular free consultation fairs and introduces Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialists in the vicinity. Feel free to ask the association in your prefecture.