Visas for Japan

If you are a temporary visitor to Japan, you may need a visitor visa for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens from countries such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as EU nationals, are exempt from this requirement.

If you plan to stay in Japan for longer than three months or engage in paid work, you must apply for a long-term visa. Sightseeing and tourist activities are allowed on tourist visas in Japan, but engaging in employment is illegal.

Temporary visas for Japan

If you are not from a visa-exempt country and would like to visit Japan for tourism purposes, attend a conference, or conduct research, you will need to apply for a temporary visa for Japan. The validity of a Japanese temporary visa (usually 14, 15, 30, 60, or 90 days) depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and reciprocal arrangements between Japan and your country. You can apply for a temporary visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate before arriving in the country.

You will need to complete an application form and submit proof of return flights. If you are travelling to Japan on business, additional documents, such as a letter from your company stating the nature of your visit, may be required. 

eVISAs

Japan has introduced an electronic visa (eVISA) system to make the application process more convenient. As of November 2024, residents of countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK, and the USA can apply online. 

The eVISA system allows you to complete the process electronically without visiting a Japanese embassy or consulate in person. Designed for short-term tourism, eVISAs typically allow a stay of up to 90 days.

Useful links

• Visa-Exempt Countries – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Japan eVISA website

Long-term visas for Japan

If you are planning to live and work in Japan for an extended period, you must apply for a long-term visa. There are different requirements depending on your purpose in the country. Long-term visas should be applied for before entry into Japan. Work permits for Japan fall under this category.

Certificate of Eligibility

If you wish to study, live, or work in Japan, you are usually required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before applying for a long-term visa at a Japanese embassy. Your sponsor in Japan, such as your employer or school, will apply for the certificate on your behalf, verifying that you meet the requirements for a visa. This certificate is typically valid for three months, so you need to obtain your visa and arrive in Japan before it expires.

Read more in Work Permits for Japan

Useful links

• Long-Term Visas – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Getting a residence card for Japan

If you arrive in Japan on a long-term visa or intend to work there, you must get a residence card (known as a Zairyu Card). You can do this on arrival at any of Japan’s main airports. If you arrive at a non-designated port of entry, you will need to register your address with the local municipal office within 14 days of moving in, and your residence card will be delivered by mail to your registered address. The exact delivery time can vary but generally takes around 10 days.

The residence card is valid for one to five years, depending on the type of visa you hold. It may or may not automatically allow multiple re-entries into the country, depending on the specific conditions of your visa. 

Having a residence card in Japan allows you to register for essential services, such as opening a bank account, getting a mobile phone contract, obtaining a driver's licence, or registering for the National Health Insurance benefits. Services like bank accounts or mobile phone contracts may require additional proof, such as employment details or a guarantor, especially for international residents.

Useful links

• Residence Cards (Zairyu Cards) – Immigration Services Agency

Permanent residency in Japan

If you are applying for permanent residency in Japan, you can do so through a points-based system, which is usually utilised by Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals, or you can apply based on your length of residency and other factors. Points are awarded based on factors such as your profession, work experience, academic qualifications, age, achievements, salary, and knowledge of the Japanese language.

Japan’s points-based system evaluates applicants in categories like academic background, professional experience, income, age, and achievements. If you've lived in Japan for three years, a minimum of 70 points is required to qualify, while those in Japan for one year need at least 90 points. Higher degrees and specialised skills contribute significantly to the score.

Another option is to apply for permanent residency based on your length of stay and integration into Japanese society. Typically, applicants who have lived in Japan for 10 years or more are eligible, although shorter periods may apply for highly skilled professionals.

Useful links

• Requirements for Permanent Residency – Immigration Services Agency

Visa and work permit requirements are subject to change at short notice, so you are advised to contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for the latest information.