Foreign nationals entering and residing in Japan shall, as a general rule, reside subject to the status of residence determined upon landing at a port of entry or at the permission of acquisition because of birth in Japan etc. or at the permission of change thereto (Article 202, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act). Status of residence means the status of a foreign national under which he or she is permitted to conduct certain activities provided for in Annexed Tables for each status of residence, while residing in Japan.

In this connection, it should be noted that, under the status of residence provided for in Annexed Table II, each person can engage in an activity as a person holding such a personal relationship or status, which means there is no particular limitation on activities from immigration control in respect to "Permanent Resident", "Spouse or child of Japanese National", "Spouse or child of Permanent Resident", and "Long Term Resident".

The status of residence provided for in the Immigration Control Act are as follows.