Complete Guide to Renewing Your Visa Online in Japan (Updated for 2025)

Renewing your visa in Japan is now possible entirely online. No need to visit the Immigration Bureau or wait in long lines. However, if you’re doing it for the first time, you’ll likely run into technical challenges: My Number Card setup, card reader issues, JPKI software errors, font bugs, email verification problems, and more.

This guide walks you through every step of renewing your visa online in Japan, including device setup, account registration, uploading documents, and troubleshooting — based on real user experience so you don’t repeat the same mistakes.

🧾 Overview of the Online Renewal Process

1. Create an account on the official visa renewal system
2. Submit your visa renewal application online

🧩 Step 1: Registering Your Account

1.1 Required Devices & Software

1.2 Installation & Troubleshooting

Common issue: JPKI shows question marks (?????) during installation

Solution: Install Locale Emulator, right-click the setup file → Run in Japanese (Admin)

1.3 Account Registration

1. Visit: moj.go.jp
2. Insert My Number card into the reader
3. Select 「新規登録」 (New registration)
4. Enter personal information
5. Authenticate using PIN and password from your My Number card
6. Submit registration → wait for confirmation email

1.4 What If You Don’t Receive the Confirmation Email?

• Using Yahoo Mail Japan is strongly recommended
• If email still doesn’t arrive → call the local Immigration Bureau to request email change

📄 Step 2: Submitting Your Visa Renewal Application

2.1 Who Can Apply Online?

2.2 Documents to Prepare

• 3×4cm ID photo
• Scanned passport
• Zairyu (Residence) Card
• Work contract or student certificate
• Tax certificate (課税証明書 & 納税証明書)
• Application form: 在留期間更新許可申請書

Tip: Scan everything and combine into one PDF using Google Docs. Resize ID photo with Adobe Online (keep under 50KB).

2.3 Online Submission Steps

1. Log in to the system
2. Authenticate with your My Number card
3. Select: 在留期間更新許可申請（本人）
4. Fill out the application form and choose how to receive your new card
5. Upload your PDF + photo
6. Sign digitally → submit

⏱ Processing Time & Getting Your New Card

• Processing time: approx. 2–4 weeks
• When approved: prepare a 4,000 yen revenue stamp
• Pick up your new card or receive it by mail

☎ Immigration Bureau Contact Numbers

✅ Final Thoughts

Renewing your visa online is very doable if you’re well-prepared with the right hardware, software, and step-by-step guidance. We hope this complete guide helps you succeed — good luck and enjoy your journey in Japan!