What this document is
An envelope for the Bureau to MAIL BACK the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) after review. It is only the DELIVERY channel — whoever receives the COE prepares the envelope.
What it must show
- You file in person and want it posted → NEEDED. A standard (定形) envelope, your name and Japanese address written clearly, with a registered-mail (簡易書留) stamp.
- A law / immigration office files as your 申請取次 → YOU need nothing. The Bureau returns the COE to the filer, so the office uses an envelope addressed to itself (or collects at the counter). Just confirm with them once.
- Receiving the COE by e-mail (電子交付, since 17 Mar 2023) → no envelope at all. You must register on the online system first, then hand in 「（窓口申請）在留資格認定証明書電子交付希望申出書」 at the counter. Filing online: pick 受領方法 = メール.
Where to get it
Buy the envelope + stamp at the post office (yuubinkyoku) or a convenience store.
How to get it
- First ask: are you filing yourself, or is an office filing for you? — if the office files, STOP, buy nothing
- Filing yourself: buy one ordinary-format envelope
- Write your (the sponsor's) home address in the recipient box
- At the post office, buy & affix a registered-mail stamp (say: 'kani-kakitome')
- Include it with the document set when submitting
Cost & time
A registered-mail stamp (kani-kakitome) is about 400+ yen (ask the post office for the exact amount).
Notes
Stamp rates change with postal prices and vary by local Bureau — ask a postal clerk. If you already submitted an envelope and later switch to e-mail delivery, the Bureau returns the envelope to you.