Frequently Asked Questions

Be aware: there are known scams involving fake visa application websites and agencies/brokers that charge for services that should be free or much cheaper. In case of doubt about someone's legitimacy, it is worth confirming directly with the consulate or city hall before paying any amount.

Freight forwarders (gyoseishoshi) have fee schedules that vary, but charges far above the market or requests for full advance payment are suspicious. It is worth comparing with other professionals or confirming directly at Immigration what a free service is.

Agents/contractors (haken) who deduct abusive amounts from wages or impose conditions outside the contract can be reported to the Labor Standards Police Station — this is illegal even in temporary employment contracts.

We are sorry that this has happened. You're not alone — there are foreign worker support associations and trade unions that can help if the situation involves the workplace. If you want, we can indicate support channels in your region.

We know that adapting in Japan can be very difficult, especially in the beginning — the distance from family, the language, the busy routine. This is very common among the dekassegi. Seeking out the local Brazilian community (churches, associations, groups) usually helps a lot in this process.

Isolation is a very common challenge among dekassegi, especially in smaller towns. Brazilian groups, churches, and local associations are usually a good starting point to create a support network.

If you are in a situation of domestic violence, there are DV Centers in several Japanese prefectures, with confidential service — including support in Portuguese in some regions. You don't have to face it alone.

There are several Brazilian associations and churches scattered throughout the regions with the highest concentration of dekassegi — they are usually a great space for welcoming, exchanges, and practical information on daily life.

If alcohol consumption or gambling (such as pachinko) is affecting your routine or finances, seeking support early makes a difference. Mental health centers in the city usually have referrals for this type of treatment.

To open a Japanese bank account, you usually need: zairyu card, stamp (inkan) or signature (depending on the bank), proof of address and, in some banks, a minimum time of residence in Japan. Banks like Japan Post Bank are usually more accessible for those who have just arrived.

If the zairyu card has been lost or stolen, it is necessary to file a police report (todokede) at the police station and then request a duplicate at Immigration (Nyukan) as soon as possible — walking without the card, even temporarily, can cause problems.

The My Number Card is the tax and social identification document used in Japan — necessary for unemployment insurance, social security and other procedures. It is requested at the city hall of your city.

Any change of address must be notified at the city hall within 14 days — both in the city of departure and arrival. This also automatically updates the address on the zairyu card.

The renewal of the Brazilian passport is done directly at the nearest Brazilian Consulate. It is worth scheduling in advance, as there is usually a waiting list.

Brazilian documents used in Japan (certificates, diplomas) usually need a sworn translation into Japanese. The consulate can advise on translators recognized in your region.

The Brazilian criminal record certificate can be requested online by the Federal Police and then translated, if it is required in any visa or employment procedure.

Spouses and children of those who already have a work/residence visa in Japan can apply for a dependent visa. The documents and the process vary greatly depending on the type of visa of the holder — it is worth confirming at Immigration or with a trusted broker.

During an earthquake: protect your head, stay away from windows and furniture that may fall, and only leave the house calmly after the tremor passes. It is worth knowing the evacuation route of the neighborhood in advance.

Typhoon and evacuation alerts are issued by the city hall, with apps and public speakers warning the population. Keeping your phone with emergency notifications enabled helps you not miss important notices.

A basic emergency kit (bousai) includes water, non-perishable food, flashlight, radio, documents and essential medicines — many municipalities distribute free guides on what to prepare.

In case of theft, robbery or police emergency, call 110. Neighborhood police stations (koban) also attend in person to file a police report (todokede).

In case of fire, call 119 (the same number as the ambulance, but specify that it is fire/kaji). Knowing the address of the house in Japanese by heart helps a lot in this connection.

Each neighborhood has a designated emergency shelter (hinanjo), usually a local school or gymnasium—it's worth knowing which one in your neighborhood is before an emergency strikes.

Japanese summers can be extremely hot and humid, with a real risk of heat stroke (necchuushou), even indoors without air conditioning. If you feel dizzy, nausea or mental confusion, seek shade, hydrate yourself and seek medical help if you do not improve.

Foreign children can study in Japanese public school for free. Some city halls offer bilingual support in the first few months. There are also Brazilian schools in Japan, with the Brazilian curriculum, for those who prefer this option — it is worth considering the family's long-term plans when choosing.

Vacancies in daycare centers (hoikuen) are managed by the city hall and usually have a waiting list, especially in large cities — it is worth registering well in advance of returning to work.

Bullying (ijime) is taken seriously by Japanese schools, which usually have formal investigation protocols. It is worth notifying the teacher in charge (tannin) and, if necessary, asking for support from a school interpreter.

Marriage registration in Japan (konin todoke) can be done at the prefecture, but you usually need translated Brazilian documents and, in some cases, a certificate of marital capacity issued by the consulate.

The birth needs to be registered at the Japanese city hall within 14 days, and also at the Brazilian consulate, to guarantee the child's Brazilian nationality in addition to the rights in Japan.

Family laws in Japan differ greatly from those in Brazil, especially regarding shared custody. In cases like this, it is worth seeking bilingual legal guidance, as the rules can directly impact the residence visa.

Children of Brazilians born in Japan can have dual citizenship until they turn 22, when Japanese law requires the option for a nationality — it is worth planning ahead about this period.

Recognition of a Brazilian diploma in Japan varies by institution and area. Universities usually have an international admissions sector that advises on equivalence and required proficiency tests.

Getting a Japanese credit card can be more difficult at first, as many banks evaluate residency time and local credit history. Store (like) or prepaid cards are usually more accessible for those who are just starting out.

Formal loans in Japan require credit analysis and usually minimum residency time. Be wary of any informal loan offers with very high interest rates or unclear conditions.

There are exchange houses and apps specializing in Japan-Brazil remittances, usually with a better rate than a traditional bank for this purpose. It is worth comparing the quotation and the service fee before choosing.

The income tax return (kakuteishinkoku) is made annually, usually between February and March. Those who only have a formal job usually have the adjustment made automatically by the company (nenmatsu chousei), but those who had more than one source of income need to declare.

If debts are out of control, it is worth seeking free advice from the city's shouhisha center before resorting to informal loans.

In addition to the checking account, many Japanese banks offer savings accounts (teiki yokin) with simple interest. For those thinking of investing, it is worth first understanding the tax differences between Japan and Brazil before choosing where to invest.

Many prefectures offer free or low-cost basic Japanese courses for foreigners, usually through international exchange centers (kokusai kouryuu kyoukai).

The Japanese work environment values punctuality, indirect communication, and respect for hierarchy — understanding these cultural differences goes a long way in avoiding misunderstandings in everyday life.

Japan has national holidays spread throughout the year, especially Golden Week (late April/early May) and Obon (mid-August) — dates when many businesses close or reduce working hours.

It is common for dekassegi children to grow up more comfortable in Japanese than in Portuguese, especially if they were born or raised in Japan. Keeping in touch with the Brazilian language and culture at home helps to preserve this bond.

Juuminzei is the Japanese residential tax (similar to IPTU/ISS), charged based on the previous year's income. Keeping this tax up to date is important not only legally, but also because visa renewal requires proof of payment on time.

To rent a property in Japan, you usually need a guarantor (or paid guarantor company) and documents such as the zairyu card. Real estate agencies that specialize in serving foreigners usually make this process a lot easier — it is worth researching those that serve the Brazilian community in your region.

Garbage separation in Japan is strict and varies by city — it usually includes burnable, non-burnable, recyclables, and large items (which need paid scheduling). The city hall provides a calendar and guide in Portuguese in several regions.

When moving to another city, it is necessary to notify the departure at the old city hall, register with the new one, and transfer/close services such as electricity, water, gas, and internet — each with its own notice period.

Conflicts over noise and rules of coexistence are common at the beginning of the adaptation. The real estate agency or building manager is usually the first channel to mediate this type of situation.

Electricity, water and gas bills usually arrive by mail or automatic debit, with payment possible at conveniences (konbini) using the boleto (furikomi youshi).

Residential and mobile internet contracts in Japan often require a Japanese bank account and sometimes a guarantor. Operators with service in Portuguese make this process much easier for those who have just arrived.

Guarantor companies (hoshou gaisha) charge a fee to replace the personal guarantor when renting — it is a common and legitimate practice, but it is worth comparing values between real estate agencies, as the fee can vary greatly.

Enrollment in the National Pension System (Kokumin Nenkin) is mandatory for residents, including foreigners. Brazil and Japan have a social security agreement — the time of contribution in one country can count in the other. It is worth keeping all payment receipts.

Brazil and Japan have a social security agreement — the time contributed in one country can be added to that of the other for retirement purposes, avoiding losing the years worked when moving to another country.

Those who leave Japan permanently without enough time to retire there can request a partial refund of contributions (dattai ichijikin) — the request must be made within 2 years of leaving the country.

Planning to return in advance helps a lot — it includes arranging dattai ichijikin (welfare reimbursement), school documentation for children, and international relocation. It's worth starting to organize this about 6 months before the scheduled date.

Companies specializing in Japan-Brazil international moving take care of the transportation of furniture and belongings — it is worth researching prices in advance, as the cost varies greatly according to volume and time of year.

Children who grew up in the Japanese school system may face difficulties adapting when returning to Brazil, both in language and in school content — some Brazilian schools already have experience in receiving children of returning dekassegi.

The National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) is mandatory for those who live in Japan and are not insured by the company. Registration is made at your city's city hall, and the amount is calculated based on income. Without insurance, consultations and treatments are much more expensive.

In a medical emergency, call 119 (ambulance/fire) — attendants usually have support in English, but having someone who speaks Japanese around helps a lot. Save your Japanese home address saved on your phone.

When confirming the pregnancy, look for the city hall to issue the Boshi Techo (maternal-child booklet), which gives access to subsidies for prenatal consultations and monitoring of the baby.

The childhood vaccination schedule in Japan is free for residents and organized by the prefecture, which usually sends reminders by mail. It is worth keeping the vaccination booklet always up to date.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health — adaptation in Japan takes a real emotional toll. Many city halls offer free or low-cost psychological care, sometimes with an interpreter.

Prescription medicines (shohousen) are picked up at pharmacies linked to the hospital. Common medicines (painkiller, cold) can be bought freely in drugstores (doraggu sutoa).

Dental treatment is covered by national health insurance, with much of the cost reimbursed. It is worth looking for a clinic (shika) close to home.

Unemployment insurance (Koyou Hoken) is applied for at Hello Work in your region, with the certificate of dismissal (rishokuhyou) that the company is required to provide. You must have contributed for a minimum time — usually 6 to 12 months.

Accidents during work or on the way from home to the company are covered by Rousai Hoken, regardless of nationality. It covers medical treatment and compensation for leave — notify the company and contact the Labor Standards Police Station (Roudou Kijun Kantokusho) if you have difficulty.

Unpaid wages are a serious labor violation in Japan. The Labor Standards Police Station (Roudou Kijun Kantokusho) can intervene even without a lawyer — it is worth keeping payslips and time slips as evidence.

When fired, the company must provide the rishokuhyou (certificate of dismissal), an essential document to apply for unemployment insurance. If the company refuses to provide it, it is possible to complain to Hello Work.

Overtime has an additional amount required by Japanese law (usually 25% more, and can reach 50% in night/holiday hours). If the company is not paying correctly, it is worth documenting the hours worked and seeking guidance from the union or the Labor Standards Department.

Moral (pawahara) and sexual (sekuhara) harassment are taken seriously by Japanese labor law. Foreign workers' unions and the Labor Standards Office can provide guidance on how to formally report.

In Japan there are different types of contract: seishain (effective), keiyakushain (determined contract) and haken (temporary via contractor). Each one has different rights and stability — it is worth understanding what yours is before signing.

Paid vacation (yukyu kyuka) is guaranteed by law from 6 months of continuous work, even for those who work part-time — the number of days increases with the length of time in the company.

Maternity leave (sanzensango kyugyou) and leave to care for a young child (ikuji kyugyou) are guaranteed by Japanese law, with part of the salary covered by social insurance during the leave.

Changing jobs is allowed, but some types of work visas require that the new role is compatible with the current visa — it is worth confirming this before closing with the new company, so as not to have a problem renewing.

There are unions that accept foreign workers even without a formal link with a specific category — the so-called 'general union' can intervene in labor conflicts on behalf of the worker, including negotiating with the company.

IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo make it very easy to use train and bus, rechargeable at any station. They also serve to pay in conveniences and some vending machines.

The Brazilian CNH can be converted to the Japanese license (gaimen kirikae) in some cases, with a practical test at the transit center — the specific rules vary a lot and it is worth confirming directly at the exam center in your province.

Every car in Japan needs shaken (inspection + mandatory insurance), renewed periodically and at a considerable cost — it is important to calculate this in the budget before buying a vehicle.

Bicycles in Japan need mandatory registration (bfull de furegisutoreshon) against theft, made in the store at the time of purchase. Without registration, he may even be approached by the police riding his own bicycle.

Traffic fines in Japan are usually strict and payment is short-term—if in doubt about a notification received, it is worth translating calmly before ignoring any deadline.

We recommend starting the visa renewal at least 2 months before the expiration date. Generally required documents: proof of income, proof of residence, taxes (juuminzei) and up-to-date health insurance. If you have specific questions, contact a gyoseishoshi (dispatcher) or your local city hall.