Translation guide
In Japan, the Immigration Office (入国管理局) handles matters related to foreign residents' status, visas, and residency procedures. This guide covers how to refer to it in Japanese, including official names, common abbreviations, and practical phrases for visiting or contacting the office.
Referring to the government agency that handles immigration and residency matters.
The current official name of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, as of 2019. This is the formal term used in official documents and news.
出入国在留管理庁に申請書を提出した。
I submitted the application to the Immigration Services Agency.
The former official name, still widely used in conversation and on older signs. Many people continue to call it this.
入国管理局でビザの更新をした。
I renewed my visa at the Immigration Bureau.
Using a shorter, everyday term for the immigration office.
The most common abbreviation for Immigration. Used in casual conversation and news headlines.
明日、入管に行かなきゃ。
I have to go to Immigration tomorrow.
Referring to a specific regional immigration office.
Pattern for naming a regional immigration bureau. Replace [Place] with the city or region name, e.g., 東京出入国在留管理局 (Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau).
東京出入国在留管理局は港区にある。
The Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau is in Minato Ward.
Older pattern still commonly used. E.g., 大阪入国管理局 (Osaka Immigration Bureau).
大阪入国管理局までどうやって行きますか？
How do I get to the Osaka Immigration Bureau?
Saying you need to go to the immigration office in everyday speech.
The most natural way to say 'go to the immigration office'. 入管 (にゅうかん) is the standard abbreviation.
来週、入管に行く予定です。
I plan to go to Immigration next week.
Slightly more formal, but still common. Use when you want to be clear or in semi-formal contexts.
入国管理局に行って在留カードを受け取った。
I went to the Immigration Bureau and received my residence card.
Reading or asking about signs pointing to the immigration office.
Most common on signs, even after the name change. You'll see this on station signs and building directories.
駅の出口に入国管理局の案内があった。
There was a sign for the Immigration Bureau at the station exit.
In most everyday situations, 入管 (にゅうかん) is perfectly fine and natural. For official forms or formal letters, use 出入国在留管理庁 (しゅつにゅうこくざいりゅうかんりちょう). If you're unsure, 入国管理局 (にゅうこくかんりきょく) is a safe middle ground that everyone understands.
Newer official signs may use this, but it's less common in public signage.
新しいビルには出入国在留管理庁の表示があった。
The new building had a sign for the Immigration Services Agency.