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 a tourist visa 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 conferences, 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. Citizens of countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, the UAE, and Qatar may have different visa validity periods, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your nationality.

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.

The eVISA system is designed for short-term tourism and typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, although the specific duration may depend on your nationality. For instance, Chinese nationals residing in China may receive an eVISA with a stay of 15 or 30 days.

Useful links

• See the complete list of visa-exempt countries for short stays
• Learn more about Japan’s visa system

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.

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.

Due to complex documentation requirements, securing a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) can be challenging. You will need to provide proof of financial stability, detailed personal information, and documents relating to your purpose of stay. The process can take one to three months, and any delays might affect your travel plans. Having a reliable sponsor in Japan, such as an employer or educational institution, is essential since they submit the application on your behalf. Even minor discrepancies in the paperwork can lead to rejection, so it’s important to be thorough.

You don’t need to change your visa status if you change employers while in Japan as long as you still work in the same visa category. For example, English teachers, copywriters, and translators all fall under the Specialist in Humanities category. You can renew your visa from within Japan on an annual basis at the local Immigration Office. The renewal process has recently been streamlined, with some visa categories now eligible for online renewal, and extended validity periods introduced to ease the burden of frequent renewals.

Useful links

• Learn about the requirements for long-term visas

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.

If you lose your residence card, report it to the nearest police station immediately to obtain a Lost Property Report Certificate. Then, within 14 days, apply for a new card at your local Regional Immigration Services Bureau. If your card is lost while abroad, report it to the local authorities and apply for a replacement once back in Japan.

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 driving 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

• More information on residence cards (Zairyu Cards)
• Find your local Immigration Information Centre

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 on categories like academic background, professional experience, income, age, and achievements. A minimum of 70 points is required to qualify, with higher degrees and specialised skills contributing significantly to the score.

In addition to the points-based system, you can also apply for permanent residency based on your length of stay and integration into Japanese society. Typically, applicants who have lived in Japan for ten years or more may be eligible, although shorter periods may apply for highly skilled professionals.

Useful links

• Understand the requirements for permanent residency

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.