JapanI've overstayed my visa. What happens?
If you overstay your visa in Japan, you may face deportation, a re-entry ban of up to 5 years, and possible detention. You must leave Japan immediately or apply for status regularization before removal proceedings begin.
What the Law Says
Japanese immigration law strictly prohibits staying beyond the period of stay granted. Overstaying triggers enforcement actions under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
Under Japanese law, anyone who remains in Japan after their permitted period of stay has expired is considered an 'illegal resident'. This violates Article 24 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
The law authorizes immigration authorities to detain, deport, and impose criminal penalties—including imprisonment and fines—on overstayers. A person may also be barred from re-entering Japan for up to 5 years after deportation.
In some cases, immigration officers may grant a 30-day grace period for voluntary departure—but this is discretionary and not guaranteed.
Statutory TextA foreign national who stays in Japan beyond the period of stay granted… shall be subject to deportation.
— Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, s. 24 — Deportation Grounds
Statutory TextA person who violates the provisions of Article 24… shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than one year or a fine of not more than 200,000 yen, or both.
— Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, s. 73(1) — Penalty for Overstay
What to Do
Contact the nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau immediately to consult on possible status regularization (e.g., application for change of status or extension).
If deportation proceedings have started, consider applying for Special Permission to Stay (if eligible due to humanitarian grounds, long-term residence, or family ties).
Do not leave Japan without official clearance—unauthorized departure may trigger a formal re-entry ban.
Seek advice from a licensed immigration lawyer or certified administrative scrivener (gyosei shoshi) familiar with Japanese immigration procedures.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Australia
Ireland
Singapore
South Korea
US FederalNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.