Japan Visa Policy

Any alien entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the requirements of their visas.

There are the following types of short-term Japan visa:

• Tourist
• Business
• Family/Friend Visit

There are the following types of long-term Japan visa:

• Highly skilled professional visa
• Work visa
• General visa
• Start-up visa

Japan Visa Cost

Fees must be paid for the issuance of visas. The costs are about 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa, 6,000 yen for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, and 700 yen for a transit visa. Fees are collected in the currency of the country (region) in which the Embassy / Consulate General is located.

Depending on the purpose of your visit and your nationality, fees may not be required or maybe a different amount.

If the visa is not issued, no fees are required. The processing fees are needed in addition to the visa issuance fees in case the visa application is made through an approved agency by the Embassy / Consulate General of Japan.

Japan Short-term Visa

You can apply for short-term visas for realizing your temporary travel to Japan. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, exchange programs, short-term work, and many other non-permanent nuances. You can check all the required documents for each type of visa application, visa fees, processing time, and where to apply for a visa below.

Japan Tourist Visa

If you are coming to Japan for tourism purposes solely and you are required to hold a visa while entering, you should apply for a Japan Tourist visa.

Required Documents for Japan Tourist Visa

1. One Visa Application Form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)

• The application form must be clear and fully filled in English.

2. Two Photographs

• The photos should be in the size of 4,5 x4,5, with white background
• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 27mm
• Distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair: 7.5mm

3. Documents to Prove Payment Ability of Travel Expense

• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay, such as bank statements.

4. Itinerary Japan

• You should present to the Japan Embassy/Consulate your day-to-day plan in Japan.

5. Confirmation Slip for Airline Reservations

• Flight ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry and the date of departure from Japan exactly.

6. Hotel Reservation

• Document from the establishment providing accommodation or any other appropriate document indicating the accommodation.

7. ID Card Issued by your Government

8. Passport

• All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Japan. However, we strongly recommend traveling with six months validity on your passport at all times

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy

Processing Time for Japan Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Japan Tourist visa is 2-15 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Japan Tourist Visa Fee

Japan Tourist Visa fee is 0-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa?

You will apply for the Japan Tourist visa in Japan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Japan Business Visa

If you are coming to Japan for business purposes solely such as attending business meetings or consultations, attending a business convention or conference, negotiating contracts and you are required to hold a visa while entering, you should apply for a Japan business visa.

Required Documents for Japan Business Visa

1. One Visa Application Form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)

• The application form must be clear and fully filled in English.

2. Two Photographs

• The photos should be in the size of 4,5 x4,5, with white background
• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 27mm
• Distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair: 7.5mm

3. Documents to Prove Payment Ability of Travel Expense

• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay, such as bank statements.

4. Confirmation Slip for Airline Reservations

• Flight ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry and the date of departure from Japan exactly.

5. Hotel Reservation

• Document from the establishment providing accommodation or any other appropriate document indicating the accommodation.

6. ID Card Issued by your Government

7. Passport

• All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Japan. However, we strongly recommend traveling with six months validity on your passport at all times.

8. Itinerary Japan

• You should present to the Japan Embassy/Consulate your day-to-day plan in Japan. In the case of a business visa, your itinerary should be provided from Japan.

9. Invitation Letter

10. Letter of Guarantee

11. Information about the company/organization

Processing Time for Japan Business Visa

The average processing time for a Japan Business visa is 2-15 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Japan Business Visa Fee

Japan Business Visa fee is 0-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Japan Business Visa?

You will apply for the Japan Business visa in Japan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Japan Family/Friend Visit Visa

If you are coming to Japan for the purpose of visiting your family member, relative, or friend and you are required to hold a visa while entering, you should apply for a Japan Family/Friend Visit visa.

Required Documents for Japan Family/Friend Visit Visa

1. One Visa Application Form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)

• The application form must be clear and fully filled in English.

2. Two Photographs

• The photos should be in the size of 4,5 x4,5, with white background.
• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 27mm
• Distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair: 7.5mm

3. In case You will Cover your Expenses, Documents to Prove Payment Ability of Travel Expense

• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay, such as bank statements.

4. In case Inviting Person/Guarantor will Cover your Expenses

• Letter of guarantee
• Certificate of residence
• Certificate of employment, etc.
• Certificate of Income/Taxation, or a copy of the counterfoil of final tax return with seal
• Copy of both sides of the Residence card (or special permanent residence certificate) 

5. Confirmation Slip for Airline Reservations

• Flight ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry and the date of departure from Japan exactly.

6. ID Card Issued by your Government

7. Passport

• All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Japan. However, we strongly recommend traveling with six months validity on your passport at all times.

8. Documents that Indicate a Kinship or Acquaintance Relationship Between Inviting Person and Visa Applicant (for visiting relatives, documents to prove kinship such as Birth certificate, Marriage certificate)

9. Itinerary Japan

• You should present to the Japan Embassy/Consulate your day-to-day plan in Japan. In the case of a Japan family/friend visit visa, your itinerary should be provided from Japan.

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy

Processing Time for Japan Family/Friend Visit Visa

The average processing time for a Japan Family/Friend Visit visa is 2-15 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Japan Family/Friend Visit Visa Fee

Japan Family/Friend Visit Visa fee is 0-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Japan Family/Friend Visit Visa?

You will apply for the Japan Family/Friend Visit visa in Japan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Japan Long-term Visa

Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements, if you intend to stay longer in Japan, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country before coming to Japan.

The long-term visa grants entry to Japan on the basis that you will be applying for a residence permit. It enables you to enter Japan as a potential resident and stay while you apply for residency.

Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa

The Highly Skilled Foreign Professional visa is designed for highly skilled professionals (scientists, engineers, lawyers, and business executives, among others) who intend to come work in Japan. This visa type gives them preferential visa processing and residency benefits. The period of stay granted for this visa is as follows:

• Highly skilled professional: 5 years
• Dependent Spouse and children of highly skilled foreign professional (Note): 5 years, 3 years, or 1 year
• Highly skilled foreign professional’s spouse who intend to work in Japan: 5 years, 3 years, or 1 year
• Parents of highly skilled foreign professional or his/her spouse who intend to take care of a grandchild/grandchildren (a child/children of a highly skilled foreign professional) under the age of seven or take care of a pregnant highly skilled foreign professional or their spouse: 1 year or 6 months
• House servants of highly skilled foreign professional: 1 year

Required Documents for Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa

1. One Visa Application Form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)

• The application form must be completed fully and clearly in English.

2. Two Photographs

• The photos should be in the size of 4,5 x4,5, with white background 
• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 27mm
• Distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair: 7.5mm

3. ID Card Issued by your Government

4. Passport

• All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Japan. However, we strongly recommend traveling with six months validity on your passport at all times.

5. Certificate of Eligibility - original and a copy

• A Certificate of Eligibility is issued by a regional immigration bureau under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice as evidence that the foreign national meets the conditions for landing in Japan.

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy

Processing Time for Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa

The average processing time for a Japan Highly Skilled Professional visa is 2-25 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa Fee

Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa fee is 0-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa?

You will apply for a Japan Highly Skilled Professional visa in Japan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Japan Work Visa

There are the following subcategories of Japan Work visa:

• Professor (Examples: university professor, assistant professor, assistant, etc.)
• Artist (Examples: composers, songwriters, artists, sculptors, craftspeople, photographers, etc.)
• Religious activities (Examples: religious people such as monks, bishops, missionaries, etc.)
• Journalist (Examples: newspaper journalists, magazine journalists, editors, news cameramen, announcers, etc.)
• Business manager (Examples: company presidents, directors, etc.)
• Legal/Accounting services (Examples: attorneys, judicial scriveners, public accountants, tax accountants, etc. certified in Japan)
• Medical services (Examples: physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, etc. certified in Japan)
• Researcher (Examples: researchers, investigators, etc. at research institutes, etc.)
• Instructor (Examples: teachers, etc. at elementary schools, intermediate schools, and high schools)
• Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services (Examples: scientific engineers, IT engineers, foreign language teachers, interpreters, copywriters, designers, etc.)
• Intra-company transferee (Examples: people transferred to the Japanese branch (head office of the same company, etc.)
• Nursing care (Example: certified care worker)
• Entertainer (Examples: musicians, actors, singers, dancers, sportspeople, models, etc.)
• Skilled labor (Examples: chefs specializing in the food of a foreign country, animal trainers, pilots, sports trainers, sommeliers, etc.)
• Specified skilled worker (Work-ready foreign nationals who possess certain expertise and skills in certain industrial fields.)
• Technical intern training (Examples: Technical intern)

Depending on the subcategories, there might be slight differences in the required documents.

Required Documents for Japan Work Visa

1. One Visa Application Form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)

• The application form must be completed fully and clearly in English.

2. Two Photographs

• The photos should be in the size of 4,5 x4,5, with white background
• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 27mm
• Distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair: 7.5mm

3. ID Card Issued by your Government

4. Passport

• All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Japan. However, we strongly recommend traveling with six months validity on your passport at all times.

5. Certificate of Eligibility - original and a copy

• A Certificate of Eligibility is issued by a regional immigration bureau under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice as evidence that the foreign national meets the conditions for landing in Japan.

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy

Processing Time for Japan Work Visa

The average processing time for a Japan Work visa is 2-25 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Japan Work Visa Fee

Japan Work Visa fee is 0-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Japan Work Visa?

You will apply for a Japan Work visa in Japan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Japan General Visa

There are the following subcategories of Japan General Visa:

• Cultural activities (Examples: unpaid internships, people studying the tea ceremony or Japanese flower arranging, etc.)
• Student (Examples: college students, pre-college students, etc.)
• Training (Examples: trainees in a local government, etc.)
• Dependent (Family stays) (Examples: The spouse and children of a foreign national with working visa, etc.)

Depending on the subcategories, there might be slight differences in the required documents.

Required Documents for Japan General Visa

1. One Visa Application Form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)

• The application form must be completed fully and clearly in English.

2. Two photographs

• The photos should be in the size of 4,5 x4,5, with white background
• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 27mm
• Distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair: 7.5mm

3. ID Card Issued by your Government

4. Passport

• All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Japan. However, we strongly recommend traveling with six months validity on your passport at all times.

5. Certificate of Eligibility - original and a copy

• A Certificate of Eligibility is issued by a regional immigration bureau under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice as evidence that the foreign national meets the conditions for landing in Japan.

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy

Processing Time for Japan General Visa

The average processing time for a Japan General visa is 2-25 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Japan General Fee

Japan General Visa fee is 0-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Japan General Visa?

You will apply for the Japan General visa in Japan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Japan Start-up Visa

If it is recognized that your business plan is realistic, you may apply for a start-up visa. The visa is granted with the validity of up to 6 months.

Depending on the nationality of the applicant, additional documents may be required.

Required Documents for Japan Start-up Visa

1. One Visa Application Form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)

• The application form must be completed fully and clearly in English.

2. Two photographs

• The photos should be in the size of 4,5 x4,5, with white background
• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 27mm
• Distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair: 7.5mm

3. ID Card Issued by your Government

4. Passport

• All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Japan. However, we strongly recommend traveling with six months validity on your passport at all times.

5. Certificate of Eligibility - original and a copy

A Certificate of Eligibility is issued by a regional immigration bureau under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice as evidence that the foreign national meets the conditions for landing in Japan.

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy

Processing Time for Japan Start-up Visa

The average processing time for a Japan Start-up visa is 2-25 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Japan Start-up Visa Fee

Japan Start-up Visa fee is 0-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Japan Start-up Visa?

You will apply for the Japan Start-up visa in Japan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.