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Visa Types

An overview of the various visa categories available in Japan, including tourist, work, student, and family visas.

Sections

1. Short-Term Stay Visa (Tourist Visa)

Purpose:

For tourism, visiting friends or relatives, attending conferences, or short-term business activities (up to 90 days).

Key Features:

  • Duration: 15, 30, or 90 days (depending on nationality and purpose).
  • Single-entry or multiple-entry options.
  • Some nationalities are exempt from obtaining a visa for short-term stays (visa waiver program).

Application Process:

  1. Check Visa Exemption: Confirm if your nationality is eligible for visa-free entry.
  2. Prepare Documents:
    • Valid passport.
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Recent passport-sized photo.
    • Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements).
    • Travel itinerary (flight and accommodation details).
    • Invitation letter (if applicable).
  3. Submit Application: Apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
  4. Processing Time: Typically 5–7 business days.

Costs:

  • Single-entry: ¥3,000.
  • Double-entry or multiple-entry: ¥6,000.
  • Fees may vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

Unique Considerations:

  • Japan has a robust visa waiver program for citizens of 68 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and most EU nations.
  • Overstaying a short-term visa can result in fines, deportation, or bans on re-entry.

2. Work Visa

Purpose:

For individuals employed in Japan in specific professional fields.

Types of Work Visas:

  • Specialist in Humanities/International Services: For roles like translation, teaching, or marketing.
  • Engineer/IT Specialist: For engineers, programmers, and IT professionals.
  • Instructor: For teaching at schools (e.g., English teachers).
  • Skilled Labor: For specialized trades like chefs, carpenters, or artisans.
  • Business Manager: For entrepreneurs or company executives.

Application Process:

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
    • Your employer in Japan must sponsor you and apply for a COE on your behalf.
    • The COE is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and confirms your eligibility for the visa.
  2. Visa Application:
    • Submit the COE, passport, visa application form, and other required documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
  3. Processing Time: COE takes 1–3 months; visa issuance takes 5–7 business days.

Costs:

  • Single-entry: ¥3,000.
  • Multiple-entry: ¥6,000.

Unique Considerations:

  • Work visas are tied to specific job categories, and you cannot work outside the scope of your visa.
  • Changing jobs may require a new visa or notification to immigration authorities.

3. Student Visa

Purpose:

For individuals enrolled in Japanese educational institutions (e.g., universities, language schools, vocational schools).

Application Process:

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
    • The school in Japan applies for a COE on your behalf.
  2. Visa Application:
    • Submit the COE, passport, visa application form, and proof of financial support to the Japanese embassy or consulate.
  3. Processing Time: COE takes 1–3 months; visa issuance takes 5–7 business days.

Costs:

  • Single-entry: ¥3,000.
  • Multiple-entry: ¥6,000.

Unique Considerations:

  • Students can work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) with a special work permit.
  • Proof of financial stability is crucial (e.g., bank statements showing at least ¥1,000,000 for one year of living expenses).

4. Spouse or Dependent Visa

Purpose:

For spouses, children, or dependents of Japanese citizens or foreign residents.

Application Process:

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
    • The sponsor (spouse or family member in Japan) applies for a COE.
  2. Visa Application:
    • Submit the COE, passport, visa application form, and proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate) to the Japanese embassy or consulate.
  3. Processing Time: COE takes 1–3 months; visa issuance takes 5–7 business days.

Costs:

  • Single-entry: ¥3,000.
  • Multiple-entry: ¥6,000.

Unique Considerations:

  • Spouse visa holders can work in Japan without restrictions.
  • Dependent visa holders can work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) with a special work permit.

5. Permanent Resident Visa

Purpose:

For individuals who wish to reside in Japan indefinitely.

Eligibility:

  • Must have lived in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years (exceptions for spouses of Japanese citizens or highly skilled professionals).
  • Must demonstrate good conduct, financial stability, and tax compliance.

Application Process:

  1. Submit an application to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
  2. Provide documents such as proof of residence, tax records, and a letter of recommendation (if applicable).
  3. Processing Time: 6–12 months.

Costs:

  • ¥8,000 for the residence card issuance.

Unique Considerations:

  • Permanent residents are not tied to specific jobs or sponsors.
  • You must renew your residence card every 7 years.

6. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Purpose:

For individuals with advanced skills in fields like academia, technology, or business management.

Key Features:

  • Points-based system evaluates qualifications, work experience, and salary.
  • Offers benefits like a 5-year visa, fast-track permanent residency (after 1–3 years), and permission for dependents to work.

Application Process:

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your employer.
  2. Submit the COE, passport, and visa application form to the Japanese embassy or consulate.

Costs:

  • Single-entry: ¥3,000.
  • Multiple-entry: ¥6,000.

Unique Considerations:

  • Points are awarded for factors like academic degrees, annual income, and Japanese language proficiency.
  • This visa is ideal for professionals seeking long-term opportunities in Japan.

7. Temporary Visitor Visa for Business

Purpose:

For short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or signing contracts.

Application Process:

  1. Prepare documents:
    • Passport.
    • Visa application form.
    • Invitation letter from the Japanese company.
    • Business itinerary.
  2. Submit the application to the Japanese embassy or consulate.

Costs:

  • Single-entry: ¥3,000.
  • Multiple-entry: ¥6,000.

Unique Considerations:

  • Visa waiver program applies to some nationalities for business visits.
  • Activities must not involve paid work in Japan.

8. Cultural Activities Visa

Purpose:

For individuals engaging in unpaid cultural or artistic activities, such as studying traditional Japanese arts (e.g., tea ceremony, martial arts).

Application Process:

  1. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your sponsor in Japan.
  2. Submit the COE, passport, and visa application form to the Japanese embassy or consulate.

Costs:

  • Single-entry: ¥3,000.
  • Multiple-entry: ¥6,000.

Unique Considerations:

  • This visa does not permit paid work.
  • Proof of financial stability is required.

General Notes on Japan’s Visa System:

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
    • A COE is required for most long-term visas and is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
    • The COE is not a visa but a prerequisite for obtaining one.
  2. Residence Card:
    • Long-term visa holders receive a residence card upon arrival in Japan, which must be carried at all times.
  3. Renewals and Extensions:
    • Most long-term visas can be renewed within Japan. Applications should be submitted at least 1 month before expiration.
  4. Strict Immigration Rules:
    • Japan enforces strict rules on overstaying visas, which can result in fines, deportation, or bans on re-entry.

By understanding these visa types and their requirements, you can better navigate Japan’s immigration system and plan your stay effectively.