Introduction

In September 2025, a Vietnamese caregiver was arrested in Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture, for violating the Medical Practitioners Act. The caregiver had conducted blood draws on a pregnant woman and performed prenatal testing without possessing a medical license.

The background to this case reveals a significant misunderstanding: the belief that “if you have experience performing medical procedures in your home country, you can do the same in Japan.” The arrested individual stated, “I used to perform blood draws and administer IV drips in Vietnam. I thought it was okay to do the same in Japan.”

However, in order to perform medical procedures in Japan, obtaining the “Medical” status of residence and holding a Japanese national qualification are essential. This article provides a detailed explanation of the requirements for the “Medical” status of residence, the differences from home country qualifications, and important considerations for foreign residents in Japan and companies employing foreign workers.

What Is the “Medical” Status of Residence?

The “Medical” status of residence is granted to foreign nationals who engage in medical activities in Japan. Without this status, even individuals who have worked as doctors or nurses in their home countries cannot legally perform medical procedures in Japan.

Professions Covered by the “Medical” Status of Residence

The main professions covered by the “Medical” status of residence include:

  • Physicians
  • Dentists
  • Pharmacists
  • Public health nurses
  • Midwives
  • Registered nurses
  • Licensed practical nurses
  • Dental hygienists
  • Radiological technologists
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Orthoptists
  • Clinical engineers
  • Prosthetists and orthotists

All of these professions share a common requirement: possession of a Japanese national qualification.

Requirements for Obtaining the “Medical” Status of Residence

To obtain the “Medical” status of residence, the following requirements must be met:

1. Possession of a Japanese National Qualification

The most critical requirement is holding a Japanese national medical qualification. Even if you hold a medical license or nursing license in your home country, you cannot obtain the “Medical” status of residence without a Japanese national qualification.

2. Employment Contract with a Medical Institution

You must have an employment contract with a medical institution in Japan, such as a hospital, clinic, or care facility.

3. Remuneration Equal to or Greater Than That of Japanese Workers

The remuneration must be equal to or greater than that of Japanese medical professionals. This provision protects the rights of foreign workers.

Why Are Home Country Medical Qualifications Alone Insufficient?

The individual arrested in this case had experience “performing blood draws and administering IV drips in Vietnam.” However, performing medical procedures in Japan without the proper qualifications is illegal. Let’s examine the reasons in detail.

1. Differences in Medical Systems

Medical systems, standards, and technical criteria differ from country to country. Japan’s medical system is highly stringent, and a nationally recognized qualification is mandatory for performing medical procedures.

2. Legal Provisions

Japanese laws, including the Medical Practitioners Act and the Act on Public Health Nurses, Midwives, and Nurses, strictly prohibit unqualified individuals from performing medical procedures. This is a crucial provision to ensure patient safety.

3. Language and Cultural Differences

Communication with patients is critically important in medical settings. If accurate communication in Japanese is not possible, serious accidents that threaten patient lives may occur.

4. Risk of Medical Malpractice

When medical standards in the home country differ from those in Japan, medical procedures performed by unqualified individuals carry a heightened risk of malpractice.

How Foreign Residents Can Work as Medical Professionals in Japan

For foreign nationals who have worked as doctors or nurses in their home countries and wish to pursue the same profession in Japan, the following steps are necessary:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility for Japanese National Examinations

First, confirm whether you are eligible to take Japanese national medical examinations. Eligibility may require specific educational background or practical experience.

Step 2: Receive Necessary Education and Training

To gain eligibility, you may need to complete education or training at Japanese medical educational institutions.

Step 3: Pass the National Examination

You must pass a national examination conducted in Japanese. Medical national examinations contain extensive specialized terminology and require advanced Japanese proficiency.

Step 4: Apply for the “Medical” Status of Residence

Once you have obtained the national qualification and secured an employment contract with a medical institution, you can apply for the “Medical” status of residence.

Distinguishing Between Caregiving and Medical Practice

The individual arrested in this case was working as a caregiver, but the scope of caregiving duties and medical procedures are clearly distinguished.

What Caregivers Can Do:

  • Assistance with daily living activities (eating, bathing, toileting)
  • Maintaining the living environment
  • Supporting recreational activities

What Caregivers Cannot Do (Medical Procedures):

  • Blood draws
  • Injections
  • IV administration
  • Wound treatment
  • Diagnosis
  • Prescription

In caregiving settings, even individuals who were medical professionals in their home countries cannot perform medical procedures in Japan without Japanese medical qualifications.

Key Considerations for Companies Employing Foreign Workers

Companies employing foreign staff, particularly in the medical and caregiving sectors, should pay attention to the following:

1. Verify Status of Residence

At the time of hiring, always confirm whether the foreign national’s status of residence permits the intended work duties. If the status of residence does not match the actual work content, it constitutes illegal employment.

2. Verify Qualifications

If the work involves medical procedures, confirm that the individual holds a Japanese national qualification. Home country qualifications alone are insufficient.

3. Clarify Scope of Duties

Clearly communicate to foreign staff the scope of duties permitted and ensure they do not perform medical procedures.

4. Conduct Regular Training

Conduct regular training on Japanese laws and regulations to deepen foreign staff’s understanding.

5. Manage Status of Residence Renewals

Statuses of residence have expiration dates. Failure to renew results in illegal stay, so thorough deadline management is essential.

“I Didn’t Know” Is Not an Excuse for Legal Violations

The individual arrested in this case stated, “I thought it was okay to do in Japan,” but legal violations are not excused by ignorance.

Penalties for Violating the Medical Practitioners Act

Violations of the Medical Practitioners Act may result in:

  • Imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 1 million yen
  • Revocation of status of residence
  • Deportation
  • Refusal of re-entry

Corporate Liability

If a foreign employee engages in illegal activities, the employing company may also be held liable. This is especially true if the company acquiesced to the illegal activity or failed to exercise proper management.

The Importance of Having Appropriate Consultation Resources

Status of residence and visa applications are complex and require specialized knowledge. Relying solely on vague information such as “I looked it up online” or “I asked a friend” can lead to legal violations like this case.

Benefits of Consulting with a Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener)

Consulting with a gyoseishoshi, a specialist in visa applications and status of residence, offers the following benefits:

  • Accurate advice tailored to individual circumstances
  • Support in preparing necessary documents
  • Representation in application procedures
  • Provision of legal updates and latest information
  • Swift response in case of trouble

Early Consultation Is Critical

Issues related to status of residence are not something that can be “dealt with later.” Once a problem is discovered, it may be too late. If you have any concerns or questions, we strongly recommend consulting a specialist as soon as possible.

Summary

The key lessons from this news story are:

  1. To perform medical procedures in Japan, the “Medical” status of residence and a Japanese national qualification are essential
  2. Home country experience and qualifications alone do not permit medical practice in Japan
  3. The scope of duties for caregivers and medical professionals is clearly distinguished
  4. “I didn’t know” does not excuse legal violations
  5. Companies have a strict obligation to verify the status of residence and qualifications of foreign staff
  6. Consult specialists when in doubt

For foreign residents to work safely in Japan and for companies to appropriately utilize foreign talent, a correct understanding of Japanese laws and systems is indispensable.

If you have concerns about visa applications or status of residence, please consult a specialized gyoseishoshi. We provide appropriate advice and support to assist with your career and business in Japan.

📰 Reference Article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/a1a1e3bbb9b03064e9e280def9881d977d7eb24e