Our Process
Six steps from inquiry to completion
Get in touch
Reach out via LINE, email, or our contact form with your name, contact details, and what's going on. It's fine even if you're not sure what to ask.
About 5 minutesWe review & reply
We review what you've sent and get back to you within 1-2 business days, letting you know whether we can help and what additional information might be needed.
Reply within 1-2 business daysConsultation (in-person or online)
We discuss your situation in detail, either at our office or online via video call. English-language consultations are available for foreign clients.
About 30-60 minutesFormal quote
Based on the consultation, we outline our approach and provide a formal price. We only proceed once you're comfortable with the cost.
You'll always know the cost before committingEngagement & work begins
After confirming the scope in writing, we begin preparing documents and filing. We'll let you know what documents you need at this stage.
Timeline varies by caseCompletion & report
Once the procedure is complete, we report the results and hand over any necessary documents. If ongoing support is needed, we'll discuss the options with you.
We stay with you until it's doneHow long each procedure typically takes
| Service | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Naturalization application (from first consultation to approval) | About 10 months to 1 year |
| Permanent residence application (from first consultation to approval) | About 10 months on average (can exceed a year, depending on region and timing) |
| Visa & residence status document preparation | Varies by case (please ask) |
| Real estate & condominium management consultation | Varies by consultation content |
These are estimates only and may vary depending on the review status at government offices.
Why it takes as long as it does
The Legal Affairs Bureau process involves several rounds
A naturalization application starts with a preliminary consultation at the Legal Affairs Bureau, followed by guidance on required documents, a document review, formal filing, an interview, and a screening period. Because it isn't a one-time procedure, the whole process adds up to several months at minimum.
Gathering documents is usually the slowest part
The documents required range from family register records to certificates obtained from your home country. Documents from abroad in particular can take time to issue and translate, and this step tends to set the pace for the whole schedule.
A few time-limited tasks remain even after approval
Once you're notified of approval, there are still procedures to complete within set deadlines — such as filing with your municipal office and returning your residence card. Approval isn't quite the finish line, so it's worth staying on top of these final steps.
That's why we recommend starting early
Given the overall timeline of roughly 10 months to a year, starting sooner keeps more options open. Tell us where things stand, and we'll help you work backward from your goal to build a realistic schedule.
The published estimate and the real-world experience differ
The official estimate is 4-6 months — reality tends to run longer
The Immigration Services Agency publishes a standard processing time of 4 to 6 months, but that's only a formal benchmark. In practice, the nationwide average runs closer to 10 months, and offices handling high application volumes in major cities often take even longer.
Once it's filed, there's little anyone can do but wait
Permanent residence screening is an internal immigration process, so once your application is filed, there's no way to check on progress or speed things along — not even for a professional. It helps to go in with that expectation.
Which is exactly why upfront preparation matters so much
The screening covers many factors — length of residence, conduct, and a consistent record of paying taxes and pension contributions — and scrutiny has been tightening in recent years. Since there's no do-over once it's submitted, how well the initial application is prepared makes a real difference.
Timing your application can matter too
The government fee for permanent residence applications is due to change, and which fee applies depends on your filing date. If you're considering applying, it's worth reaching out sooner rather than later so we can talk through the timing.
Helpful things to have ready for your consultation
Naturalization / PR applications
Residence card, passport, documents about your current residence status, and proof of income
Visa & residence status support
Residence card, passport, and documents about your current residence status
Room hunting / real estate consultation
Notes on what you're looking for, and your current lease (for reviews)
Don't worry if you don't have everything on hand — we'll work through it together during the consultation.
Take the first step — get in touch
Reach out via LINE, email, or our contact form.