“Diplomat” Status of Residence in Japan

The “Diplomat” (外交) status of residence is granted to foreign nationals who stay in Japan for the purpose of engaging in diplomatic activities as members of foreign diplomatic missions or consular posts.

Typical examples include ambassadors, ministers, consuls-general, and members of diplomatic missions. It also covers persons who are entitled to privileges and immunities equivalent to those of diplomatic agents under treaties or established international practice, as well as family members belonging to the same household.

Unlike ordinary statuses of residence, which are generally granted for fixed periods such as one or three years, the Immigration Services Agency defines the period of stay for “Diplomat” status as “the duration of diplomatic activities.”

Difference Between “Diplomat” and “Official”

Both “Diplomat” and “Official” relate to governmental or other official activities in Japan, but they apply to different categories of individuals.

• Diplomat: Ambassadors, ministers, consuls-general, members of diplomatic missions and consular posts, and certain other persons with diplomatic status.
• Official: Embassy or consular employees and persons dispatched by foreign governments or international organizations to perform official duties who do not fall within the “Diplomat” category.

Accordingly, an ambassador would generally hold “Diplomat” status, while certain other embassy employees performing official duties may hold “Official” status.

Changing from “Diplomat” Status While in Japan

“Diplomat” status differs significantly from ordinary employment-based statuses because it is a special status based on the individual’s diplomatic position and official assignment.

Therefore, where a diplomat completes their diplomatic assignment and wishes to transition to an ordinary status of residence, such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Highly Skilled Professional, in order to work for a Japanese company, they cannot simply change their status of residence in Japan in the same manner as an ordinary foreign resident.

As a general rule, the individual should complete their diplomatic assignment, leave Japan, complete the necessary visa and immigration procedures for the new status, and then re-enter Japan under the appropriate status of residence.

However, depending on the individual circumstances, Immigration may consider an application for a change of status from within Japan on an exceptional, case-by-case basis. In practice, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau treats applications to change from “Diplomat” or “Official” status separately from ordinary change-of-status applications and requires prior consultation with the relevant examination division before filing.

Accordingly, anyone considering a transition from “Diplomat” status to an ordinary employment-based status should not assume that the standard change-of-status procedure applies. The process should generally be approached on the assumption that departure from Japan will be required, while confirming with Immigration in advance whether an exceptional in-country change may be permitted in the particular case.

Under Article 20 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, foreign nationals generally have a procedure available to apply for a change of status without leaving Japan. However, it is important to understand that changes from “Diplomat” status are handled differently in immigration practice from ordinary change-of-status cases.