Getting Alien Registration card without visa?

[nsxsupra]

Does anyone ever had problem getting Alien Registration Card without a visa?

I need to re-apply for Alien Registration Card soon, , I do not have a visa.

This is the #1 priority for me as I am buying a small mansion soon, the Alien Registration Card is the key to the entire process.

I have US passport which is allowed to stay in Japan for 90days without visa, I did successfully obtained Alien Registration Card during 2002, it has been long expired. I remember the city office gave me a hard time, and refused to issue Alien Registration Card for me without a visa bacl then. I had to try really hard and explain to them that I need to the card to open a bank account and getting Keitai. I am not sure if I will get lucky again.

 

[Davey]

uuuh, how can you apply for an Alien Registration card without having a Visa? I never heard about this......

 

[thepainneverends...]

Don't you need a visa that entitles you to an Alien Registration Card?

 

[epigene]

An alien registration card is a document to certify that you are a legal alien (with valid visa & passport).

I'm sorry to tell you, but you'll never get an alien registration card if you don't have a visa for this very simple reason.

 

[Maciamo]

It shouldn't be a problem to get an Alien Registration Card without a visa. Some Europeans are allowed to stay 6 months in Japan without visa (British, Germans, Swiss, Austrians...), but if they do they MUST get an Alien Registration Card after 3 months (they can of course apply from the first day).

Just go to the kuyakusho or shiyakusho (town hall) of the district where you live, and apply for the card at the right counter (it was even indicated in English at my kuyakusho).

 

[nsxsupra]

An alien registration card is a document to certify that you are a legal alien (with valid visa & passport).
I'm sorry to tell you, but you'll never get an alien registration card if you don't have a visa for this very simple reason.

Well, I did it in the past, and received Alien Registration card without visa in the in 2002, wasn't easy. Just wanted to see if anyone else have similar experience as I do. I am not plan to bet on my luck again.

I do have American passport, which allows 3 month stay without visa, I think I should apply for a visa at Japanese Consulateust just in case, but what kind of visa should I ask for. All I need is 1~30 additional days to make it past 3 month. I travel all the time, so it is a no concern for me.

 

[yukio_michael]

Well, I did it in the past, and received Alien Registration card without visa in the in 2002, wasn't easy. Just wanted to see if anyone else have similar experience as I do. I am not plan to bet on my luck again.
I do have American passport, which allows 3 month stay without visa, I think I should apply for a visa at Japanese Consulateust just in case, but what kind of visa should I ask for. All I need is 1~30 additional days to make it past 3 month. I travel all the time, so it is a no concern for me.

I've gotten two Alien Registration cards on two seperate tourist visas from the United States in the past six months--- Neither of which was a problem, I don't think you'll have one but you should call the city hall none the less.

If you're needing additional time in Japan past 3 months, I suggest going to Seoul Korea for a few days and then renewing your visa for another 3 months when you return.

Good luck.

 

[Ewok85]

What sort of visa do you have now? If you dont know - have a look, its probably a tourist visa. If its still good then just go and apply, if not you will have to leave the country and come back again - but immigration will give you hell when you leave if you overstayed.

 

[nsxsupra]

What sort of visa do you have now? If you dont know - have a look, its probably a tourist visa. If its still good then just go and apply, if not you will have to leave the country and come back again - but immigration will give you hell when you leave if you overstayed.

Hi
I do not have any visa, just American passport. I am allowed to stay in Japan 3 months without the need of visa. I have been in Japan countless trips using just the passport during the past 5 years.

Once I move to Japan, I do plan on do some traveling once every 2 month to either back home in USA or Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc, so the chances of me over staying is virtually zero.

 

[Hachiro]

I have US passport which is allowed to stay in Japan for 90days without visa,

Actually without a visa you would not be allowed into the country, I am assuming, correct me if I am wrong here please, that you had your passport stamped upon entry at the airport immigration counter. Check your passport and I would be willing to bet that it says "Tourist" on the stamp and the date of entry as well. THAT is your visa.

It wasn't until about 1987 or so if memory serves me right that this became possible. Before that time everyone traveling from the US to Japan and vice versa first had to apply at an Embassy or consulate for a separate visa.

but immigration will give you hell when you leave if you overstayed

It is very possible to be deported at your expense as well, immigration has been cracking down on "illegals" here and if deported you will not be allowed to return for a minimum of I think 5 years.

 

[mauron]

So, if I understand correctly, you are planning to move to Japan, but have no visa whatsoever? Now, I'm no expert, but wouldn't you need some type of permanent resident visa or so? I mean, you can't move to a country with a tourist visa! For one, you're not allowed to work with a tourist visa, so what'll you do to make money?

I really suggest you visit your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate and get some advice on moving to Japan. I'm quite sure it's not half as easy as you think it is...

 

[Ewok85]

Everytime you enter Japan you need a visa. If you have not organized a visa before hand you will either receive a 90day tourist visa or be deported back to where you came from.

 

[Mike Cash]

Eventually, some tight-assed immigration officer is going to clue in to the fact that he is "living" in Japan without going through the normal procedures....and he'll find himself being denied entry to Japan.

 

[ArmandV]

Eventually, some tight-assed immigration officer is going to clue in to the fact that he is "living" in Japan without going through the normal procedures....and he'll find himself being denied entry to Japan.

Yup. It's best to do things the right way from the start, if only just to spare yourself some grief later.

 

[Ewok85]

Eventually, some tight-assed immigration officer is going to clue in to the fact that he is "living" in Japan without going through the normal procedures....and he'll find himself being denied entry to Japan.

And it wouldnt take that long either, quick flick through his passport will show multiple 90day tourist stamps all approx 3 months apart....

 

[Mike Cash]

Hi

Once I move to Japan, I do plan on do some traveling once every 2 month to either back home in USA or Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc, so the chances of me over staying is virtually zero.

I don't think you're going to enjoy your Japanese mansion very much when Immigration figures out what you're up to and denies you re-entry to Japan for at least 5 years or so.....