Traveling to Japan, whether for tourism, study, or work, often requires an appropriate visa. Understanding the different categories, conditions, and procedures is essential to prepare for your stay with peace of mind.

🌸 Types of Japanese Visas and How to Obtain Them

1. Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa)

Target audience: Visitors for tourism, family visits, or short stays.
Duration: Generally 15, 30, or 90 days (depending on nationality).
How to obtain:

• For many countries (including France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland), no visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days (visa waiver program).

• For others, an application must be submitted to the Japanese embassy/consulate with: passport, visa application form, photos, proof of financial means, travel itinerary or invitation letter.

2. Student Visa

Target audience: Individuals enrolled in a Japanese university, language school, or specialized institution.
Duration: 6 months to 2 years (renewable).
How to obtain:

• Requires a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issued by the school in Japan.

• After receiving the CoE, the visa application is submitted to the Japanese embassy/consulate with passport, form, and photo.
  Note: Allows part-time work up to 28 hours/week with special authorization.

3. Work Visa

Several subcategories exist depending on the profession:

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

• Teacher

• Researcher

• Artist

• Journalist

• Nurse (special agreements with certain countries)
  Duration: 1 to 5 years depending on contract and profession.
  How to obtain:

• The Japanese company or institution must provide a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).

• Application is then filed at the Japanese embassy/consulate abroad.

4. Dependent Visa (Spouse or Family)

Target audience: Spouses or children of foreign residents holding a long-term visa (work, student, etc.).
Duration: Generally the same as the main holder’s visa.
How to obtain:

• Requires a CoE provided by the resident in Japan through the Immigration Bureau.

• Application at the embassy with passport, photos, and family documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
  Note: Sometimes allows part-time work with special authorization.

5. Spouse or Child of a Japanese National Visa

Target audience: Spouses or children of Japanese citizens.
Duration: 1 to 5 years, renewable.
How to obtain:

• Requires official documents (marriage certificate registered in Japan, Japanese family registry koseki, or child’s birth certificate).
  Advantage: Grants free access to employment in Japan without restrictions.

6. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Target audience: Qualified foreigners in research, business, or technology.
Duration: 5 years, with eligibility for early permanent residency (after 1–3 years).
How to obtain:

• Based on a points system (education, work experience, income, research, or career).

• Requires a CoE obtained in Japan through an employer or host institution.

7. Working Holiday Visa

Target audience: Young people aged 18–30 (up to 35 for some countries, such as France).
Duration: Up to 1 year.
How to obtain:

• Limited quota each year (per country).

• Application includes passport, CV, travel plan, motivation letter, and proof of financial resources.
  Advantage: Allows travel while working full-time to fund the stay.

8. Business / Short-Term Mission Visa

Target audience: Individuals on short-term business trips, attending conferences, negotiations, etc.
Duration: Up to 90 days.
How to obtain: Often exempted for citizens of countries like France, Belgium, Canada, depending on bilateral agreements.

9. Permanent Residency Visa

Target audience: Foreigners wishing to settle permanently in Japan and meeting residency and integration requirements.
How to obtain:

• Application possible after 10 years of residence (shorter for spouses of Japanese citizens or Highly Skilled Professionals).

• Requires proof of stable income, tax records, and good conduct.

🛂 Where and how to apply for a visa?

🔗 Before departure: visa application with Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

Most visas require a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) obtained by the sponsor (school, employer, spouse) from the Japanese Immigration authorities.

Once you receive this document, you apply for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.

Official procedures and definition of CoE (Ministry of Justice):
Application with Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

Online application system for CoE (university example):
CoE Application at Kyoto University

Document list for CoE file according to profile:
Complete list at Science Tokyo (in English)

🛂 Once in Japan: extensions or change of status
List of regional Immigration offices in Japan:

Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau
Complete list of offices and contacts throughout Japan (PDF)

✅ Summary: The type of visa depends entirely on your plans (tourism, studies, work, marriage). The key step most of the time is obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), without which getting a long-term visa is almost impossible.

🕒 Visa extensions in Japan

Principles:
Certain visas (student, work, spouse, etc.) can be extended directly in Japan at the Regional Immigration Office before the current permit expires.

When to apply:
For a student or spouse visa, you can apply for renewal starting 3 months before your visa expires.

Procedure:

• Fill out the official form available on the Immigration Bureau’s website.

• Prepare ID photo, passport, residence card, and documents depending on your visa type.

• Visit the regional immigration office (or sometimes apply online for certain categories) to submit your documents.

• If you apply before your visa expires, your stay is automatically extended during the processing period.

Official resources and guides:
Official procedure for visa extension (association site with practical explanations in English)

Complete guide to extending a student visa (Gogonihon) (with official form links)

Spouse visa renewal: advice and choices

List and contacts of Immigration Offices (PDF)

Contacts and addresses by region (including Tokyo)

🛂 Where to apply for your initial visa

Before departure:
The initial visa application is always made at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence after you have obtained the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from Japan.

Japanese Embassy in the United States (for visa submission in the US):
Official website of the Embassy of Japan in the US

Japanese Embassy in the United Kingdom (for visa submission in the UK):
Official website of the Embassy of Japan in the UK

Japanese Embassy in Australia (for visa submission in Australia):
Official website of the Embassy of Japan in Australia

Official guide – Study in Japan

📌 Summary

Extensions and renewals are done inside Japan at the Regional Immigration office (check your prefecture or department office [complete PDF]).
Initial visa: always through the embassy or consulate of your country after receiving the CoE.

Mandatory documents in 2025

• Valid passport: At least 6 months beyond return date, with at least 1 blank page.

• Visa: Not required for tourist stays under 90 days if you are from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, etc.

• Proof of outbound ticket: Authorities may request proof of a return or onward flight.

• Visit Japan Web QR Code: Since 2022, strongly recommended (or mandatory at some airports) to create an account on Visit Japan Web for QR codes used at customs and immigration, speeding up entry procedures.

• Insurance and proof documents:
  Travel insurance is strongly recommended (minimum health/repatriation coverage advised: €300,000).
  It is advised (but not mandatory) to have printed hotel bookings and proof of sufficient funds (bank card, statements).

Is an electronic authorization like ESTA required?

No ESTA or e-visa required in 2025: There is currently no electronic travel authorization platform like ESTA for Japan for short visits.
JESTA from 2028: Japan plans to introduce a mandatory electronic travel authorization called JESTA ("Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization") for visa-exempt nationals starting 2028, similar to the US ESTA, to be requested and paid online before traveling to Japan.

Official links and guides:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Japan travel advice
Visit Japan Web – Online Registration
Travel document checklist 2025 (Golf St Roman)
Article on mandatory JESTA from 2028

Currently, the Visit Japan Web QR code acts as a pre-registration but no paid authorization like ESTA is required. From 2028, the procedure will be similar to the US system with JESTA.

If needed, further detailed explanations or summarization can be provided. All replaced links are from official Japanese government or trusted English-language sources for visa procedures and related travel info. Let me know if any part requires more focus or adjustment.

FAQ – Visas and Stay in Japan

Do I need a visa to stay in Japan?

For a short tourist or business stay of less than 90 days, most nationals of Schengen countries and others benefit from a visa exemption. For longer stays or other purposes (work, studies), a visa application is required.

What is the validity period of a short-term visa in Japan?

The short-term visa is generally valid for 90 days, which corresponds to the maximum stay allowed without paid activity. Some nationalities may benefit from shorter exemption periods.

Where can I apply for a visa to Japan?

Visa applications must be submitted to Japanese embassies or consulates in your home country. The visa application form must be completed and accompanied by copies of the required supporting documents.

How do I obtain a residence card in Japan?

Once in Japan with a long-term visa, you must apply for a residence card (Zairyū Card) from the regional immigration authorities. This residence card is mandatory and must be carried at all times.

What is required to apply for a visa?

You need to provide a completed visa application form, a valid passport, identity photos, and copies of supporting documents depending on the type of visa (financial proof, flight tickets, consular forms).

Can I stay multiple times in Japan with a multiple-entry visa?

Some visas, including multiple-entry work or tourist visas, allow you to enter Japan several times during their validity period, making round trips easier.

What documents are required when applying for a visa?

Generally, you need a valid passport, a duly completed application form, copies of the requested supporting documents (employment certificate, financial proof), a return flight ticket, and sometimes an invitation letter.

What is a transit visa and how can I get one?

A transit visa allows you to stay in Japan for a short period (usually a few days) during a stopover before continuing to another destination. The application follows the same consular procedures as other visas.

What is the link between a Schengen visa and Japan?

A Schengen visa does not allow you to stay in Japan. To stay in Japan, you must apply for a Japanese visa, unless exempted for short stays in certain countries.

How do Russian citizens obtain a visa for Japan?

For Russian nationals, a visa application must be submitted to Japanese embassies or consulates. The rules are specific and sometimes include particular procedures depending on the purpose of the stay.

What are the conditions related to the flight ticket and travel authorization?

A return or onward flight ticket is often required for a short-term visa as proof of departure from Japan. Since 2022, an electronic authorization (Visit Japan Web) is also required to facilitate entry formalities.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Most travellers from the Schengen area and other selected countries can enter Japan for a short-stay of up to 90 days without a travel visa. For longer stays, different visa requirements apply depending on your citizenship and purpose of visit.

What visa information should I know before my trip?

Japan offers several visa types: tourist, business visa, student, nonimmigrant visa, immigrant visa, and working holiday. Each category has specific conditions, processing times, and required travel documents.

How do I apply for a Japanese visa?

To get a visa, foreign nationals must submit application forms, a valid passport, photos, proof of financial means, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Applications are processed at the Japanese consulate-general or embassy in your country.

What is the typical processing time for a Japanese visa?

Processing times usually range from 5 to 10 working days. For special cases (diplomatic, business visa, or immigrant visa), issuance may take longer. Applicants should plan ahead to avoid delays.

How much are the visa fees for Japan?

Visa fees depend on the visa category. A short-stay single-entry travel visa has a standard fee, while multiple-entry visas or nonimmigrant visas cost more. Some diplomatic and official visas may be refundable or exempt from fees.

Can I apply for a Japan visa online?

Japan is progressively introducing online visa services for certain nationalities. Travellers can submit visa online applications through official platforms, but most still need to apply via consulates. Always check current visa information.

What documents do foreigners need for a Japanese visa?

Required travel documents generally include: passport, application forms, photos, stamped financial proof, return tickets, hotel bookings, and sometimes a biometric check. A letter of invitation may be necessary for business visa issuance.

Can I get a visa-on-arrival in Japan?

No, Japan does not provide visa-on-arrival services. Foreign nationals must obtain their visa in advance unless they are from countries exempted from visa requirements for short-stays.

What is the difference between nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for Japan?

A nonimmigrant visa is for temporary stays (tourism, study, work, business), while an immigrant visa or permanent residence is for those settling long-term. Issuing rules vary by category and traveller’s citizenship.

How do I obtain a residence permit in Japan?

Once in Japan with a long-term visa, foreigners must apply for a residence permit (Residence Card) at the port of entry or through the Immigration Bureau. This card must always be carried by foreign nationals.

Can Russian citizens apply for a Japanese visa?

Yes. A Russian visa application must be submitted at the Japanese consulate-general. Processing times and issuing conditions are specific, and travellers should confirm updated requirements before applying.

What are the conditions at the port of entry in Japan?

At the port of entry, travellers must present stamped travel documents, biometric data, and valid visas. Immigration officers verify that all visa requirements are met before allowing entry.