Deep coverage17 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Japan.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Japan Visa Exemption (Temporary Visitor)
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Nationals of 74 countries/regions (as of September 2025) can enter Japan as Temporary Visitors without a visa for tourism, business meetings, family visits or transit. Most get 90 days; Indonesia and Thailand get 15 days, Brunei and Qatar 30 days, and nationals of some countries (e.g. Brazil, UAE, Serbia, Peru, Paraguay, Panama, Montenegro) must hold an ICAO-compliant ePassport. Nationals of countries with 6-month bilateral arrangements (e.g. UK, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland) may apply in-country to extend beyond 90 days; work is prohibited.
Government fee
¥0
Max stay
90 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportPassport valid for the entire stay; ICAO-compliant ePassport required for certain nationalities (e.g. Brazil, UAE, Thailand, Serbia).
Onward or return ticketEvidence of departure from Japan within the permitted period; may be checked at boarding or landing.
Arrival procedures (Visit Japan Web or ED card)Immigration and customs declarations, completable online via Visit Japan Web or on paper cards.
Proof of fundsOptionalEvidence of sufficient funds for the stay; may be requested by immigration officers.
Accommodation detailsOptionalAddress of hotel or host in Japan for the landing card.
Tourist Visa
Japan Short-Term Stay Visa (Tourism/Visit)
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Consular short-term stay visa for nationals not covered by visa exemption (e.g. China, Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, India, most of Africa and South/Central Asia), covering tourism, visiting friends/relatives and business meetings for 15, 30 or 90 days. Single-entry fee is JPY 3,000 and multiple-entry JPY 6,000 (transit JPY 700); fees are waived for some nationalities under reciprocity, and India pays reduced rates. Standard processing is about 5 working days from a complete application; documentation requirements differ by nationality.
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥25,000
Processing time
5 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (7)
Valid passportWith at least two blank pages.
Visa application formSigned form with one recent photo (45x45mm).
Travel itinerarySchedule of stay listing dates, activities and accommodation.
Flight reservationRound-trip booking showing entry and departure dates.
Proof of fundsApplicant's bank certificate/statements or sponsor's income documents.
Certificate of employment or enrollmentOptionalDocument showing applicant's occupation in country of residence.
Invitation/guarantee documentsOptionalInvitation letter, letter of guarantee and inviter's documents when visiting friends, relatives or a Japanese host.
Tourist Visa
JAPAN eVISA (Tourist)
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Online single-entry short-term tourism visa issued via the official JAPAN eVISA portal, available to nationals/residents of designated countries including China, Vietnam, Mongolia and several others, and to visa-required cases in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK and the USA. Stay is up to 90 days for most eligible applicants, but Chinese nationals receive 15 or 30 days and Vietnamese nationals 15 days. Fee is equivalent to JPY 3,000, paid online; the visa is for tourism only.
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥8,100
Processing time
7 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (6)
Valid passportBio-data page uploaded to the eVisa portal; passport valid for the stay.
Digital photographRecent face photo meeting portal specifications.
Travel itineraryIntended schedule of stay in Japan (tourism).
Proof of financial meansOptionalBank statement or similar showing ability to fund the trip (required for some nationalities).
Return/onward flight bookingOptionalEvidence of departure within the permitted stay.
Credit card for online paymentFee equivalent to JPY 3,000 paid electronically before issuance.
Transit Visa
Japan Transit Visa
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Short transit visa for visa-required nationals passing through Japan en route to another country, typically allowing a brief stopover (sightseeing in the transit area/rest) of up to about 15 days depending on the case. Fee is JPY 700; travelers who remain airside in international transit at the same airport generally do not need it. Visa-exempt nationals transit under the visa exemption instead.
Government fee
¥700
Service fee
¥25,000
Processing time
5 days
Max stay
15 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportValid for the transit period.
Visa application form with photoSigned application form and one recent photo.
Onward ticketConfirmed booking to the third-country destination.
Visa for destination countryOptionalIf required by the onward destination.
Proof of funds for the stopoverOptionalEvidence of means to cover the transit stay.
Not yet researched
Business Visitor Visa
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Japan Student Visa
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Single 'Student' status covers universities, graduate schools, vocational colleges and Japanese language schools; the institution applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (1-3 months), then the visa is issued abroad. Applicants must show funds of roughly JPY 1.5-2.5 million per year (bank certificates or sponsor income) and, for language schools from the October 2026 intake, A1-level Japanese (e.g. JLPT N5) or 150+ hours of prior study. Periods of stay range from 3 months to 4 years 3 months, renewable; students may work up to 28 hours/week with a separate permission.
Work: up to 28 h/week
Study: Primary purpose; full-time study
Family: Dependent visa possible
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥33,000
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Certificate of EligibilityApplied for by the admitting school at the regional immigration bureau.
Admission letterFrom the university, college or registered Japanese language school.
Valid passport and application form with photoSubmitted at the embassy/consulate.
Financial proofBank balance certificate (~JPY 2M+ for a year), sponsor's income certificate and source-of-funds documents.
Academic recordsTranscripts and graduation certificates from prior education.
Japanese language proof (language schools)OptionalJLPT N5/A1-equivalent certificate or evidence of 150+ hours of study (from Oct 2026 intake).
Sponsor's letter of supportOptionalIf expenses are paid by a parent or other supporter.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
5 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Japan Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities)
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Launched March 2024 for remote workers employed by, or doing business with, entities outside Japan. Requires annual income of at least JPY 10 million, nationality of one of ~50 designated visa-exempt/tax-treaty countries or regions (US, UK, EU states, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc.), and private medical insurance covering at least JPY 10 million for injury/illness. Maximum stay is 6 months with no extension; holders must wait 6 months after departure before reapplying, and accompanying spouses/children get a parallel Designated Activities status (No. 54). No path to renewal or permanent residence.
Family: Family allowed but 6 mo non-renewable
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥33,000
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Min. income / month
¥833,333.33
Document checklist (7)
Visa application form and photoStandard application submitted at a Japanese embassy/consulate (COE optional).
Valid passportOf a designated country/region covered by visa exemption and a Japanese tax convention.
Proof of annual income of JPY 10 million or moreTax certificates, income certificates, payslips or contracts at the time of application.
Documents describing planned activities and scheduleExplanation of the remote work to be performed in Japan and stay plan.
Employment or business documentationContract with foreign employer or evidence of own foreign business/clients.
Private medical insurance certificatePolicy covering death, injury and illness in Japan with at least JPY 10 million medical coverage for the whole stay.
Relationship documents for spouse/childOptionalMarriage/birth certificates if family members apply for the accompanying status.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Japan Startup Visa
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Designated Activities status letting prospective founders prepare a business in Japan before meeting full Business Manager requirements. Since January 2025 the METI-run scheme is nationwide and allows up to 2 years (formerly 6-14 months under municipality programs); applicants submit a business plan to an approved municipality or support organization (e.g. Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka, Aichi, Hyogo, Okinawa) which endorses and monitors progress. Holders must transition to Business Manager status (JPY 30M capital and related criteria since October 2025) by the end of the period.
Work: Business-tied startup prep activity
Study: Study allowed alongside startup activity
Residency after 10 years
Family: Spouse/child may apply
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥41,000
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
Business planSubmitted to and screened by an approved municipality or promotion organization.
Confirmation/endorsement certificate from the municipalityIssued after plan approval; basis for the Designated Activities status.
Valid passport and application form with photoFor the COE/visa application.
Proof of funds to live in JapanBank statements showing means of support during the preparation period.
CV and evidence of backgroundEducation and business experience relevant to the venture.
Progress reports to the municipalityPeriodic reporting obligations during the stay.
Skilled Work Visa
Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa
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Japan's main white-collar work visa for engineers, IT professionals, designers, marketers, translators and similar roles, requiring a relevant university degree (or 10 years' practical experience; 3 years for international-services roles) and a job offer with pay equal to or above Japanese nationals in the same role. The employer obtains a Certificate of Eligibility (typically 1-3 months), then the visa is issued; periods of stay are 3 months, 1, 3 or 5 years, renewable indefinitely, counting toward permanent residence (10 years, or faster with HSP points). Visa stamp fee JPY 3,000 single-entry; in-country extension/change costs JPY 6,000.
Work: Full-time; tied to role/contract
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Residency after 10 years
Family: Dependent visa for spouse + children
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥33,000
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Certificate of EligibilityApplied for in Japan by the employer at the regional immigration bureau.
Valid passport and visa application formWith photo, submitted at the embassy/consulate after COE issuance.
Degree certificate or proof of experienceBachelor's degree (or Japanese vocational diploma) in a field related to the duties, or 10 years' (3 years' for international services) work experience.
Employment contractStating duties, period and remuneration at or above Japanese-national level.
Company registration and financial documentsCorporate registry extract, financial statements, withholding tax reports of the employer.
CV / career historyShowing relevance of education and experience to the job duties.
Language ability proofOptionalFrom April 2026, CEFR B2-equivalent evidence for language-related roles at smaller employers.
Skilled Work Visa
Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW i / ii)
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Sector-based work status for mid-skilled workers in designated industry fields (nursing care, construction, agriculture, food service, manufacturing, shipbuilding, accommodation, fisheries, aviation, automobile maintenance/transport, railways, forestry, timber and others). SSW(i) requires passing an industry skills exam plus Japanese test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic), allows up to 5 years total with no family accompaniment; SSW(ii) (proficient level, most fields except nursing care) has unlimited renewals, allows family, and can lead to permanent residence. Pay must equal or exceed that of Japanese workers in the same job.
Work: Sector-tied skilled work
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Residency after 10 years
Family: SSW-ii allows family + PR; SSW-i does not
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥33,000
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Skills evaluation test certificatePass certificate for the relevant Specified Industry Field exam (or completion of Technical Intern Training (ii) in the same field).
Japanese language test certificateJLPT N4 or higher, or JFT-Basic (exempt for TITP completers).
Employment contract with accepting organizationFull-time contract with salary equal to or above Japanese workers.
Certificate of EligibilityApplied for by the accepting organization in Japan.
Valid passport and visa application formSubmitted at the Japanese embassy/consulate.
Support plan documents (SSW(i))1-on-1 support plan prepared by the employer or registered support organization.
Health certificateMedical examination confirming fitness to work.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Japan Intra-Company Transferee Visa
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For employees transferred to a Japanese head office, branch or affiliate from a related entity abroad, for duties of the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services type. Requires at least 1 continuous year of employment at the sending entity immediately before transfer, a fixed-term assignment, and remuneration equal to or above Japanese nationals; no degree requirement. Periods of stay are 3 months, 1, 3 or 5 years, renewable while the assignment continues; immigration scrutinizes the capital/control relationship between the entities.
Work: Full-time; tied to transfer assignment
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Residency after 10 years
Family: Dependent visa for spouse + children
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥41,000
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Certificate of EligibilityApplied for by the Japanese receiving entity.
Proof of 1+ year employment at the sending entityEmployment certificate covering the year immediately before transfer.
Transfer/assignment letterDocumenting the fixed-term posting, duties and salary in Japan.
Documents proving the corporate relationshipShareholder registries, capital ties, corporate registration of both entities.
Company financial documentsFinancial statements and withholding records of the Japanese entity.
Valid passport and application form with photoSubmitted at the embassy/consulate after COE issuance.
Not yet researched
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
1 route
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
Japan Business Manager Visa
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Residence status for foreign nationals founding or managing a business in Japan. Since October 16, 2025 it requires capital/investment of at least JPY 30 million (raised from JPY 5 million), plus either 3+ years' management experience or a master's/doctoral/professional degree in business-related fields, at least one full-time employee in Japan, Japanese-language ability (of the applicant or a full-time employee), a physical office, and a viable business plan. Periods of stay are 3 months to 5 years (initial grants typically 1 year or less), renewable; existing holders have a 3-year grace period to meet the new criteria.
Work: Full-time; tied to managing the business
Study: Study allowed alongside business
Residency after 10 years
Family: Dependent visa for spouse + children
Government fee
¥3,000
Processing time
90 days
Validity
365 days
Min. investment
¥30,000,000
Document checklist (8)
Certificate of Eligibility applicationFiled at the regional immigration bureau with company documents.
Business planDetailed, viability-checked plan; expert (e.g. SME consultant) evaluation may be requested.
Proof of capital of JPY 30 million or moreCompany registration and capital documents showing the invested amount.
Proof of management experience or qualifying degree3+ years in management roles, or a master's/doctorate/professional degree in business management or a related field.
Evidence of at least one full-time employeeWage records and residence certificates of full-time staff (Japanese national or resident with unrestricted work rights).
Japanese language ability evidenceTest certificates or proof that the manager or a full-time employee has Japanese proficiency.
Office lease or ownership documentsSecuring a dedicated physical business premises in Japan.
Company financial statementsMost recent fiscal year's accounts for existing businesses, plus required business licenses.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Working Holiday Visa
Japan Working Holiday Visa
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Bilateral scheme with 30+ partner countries/regions (Australia, NZ, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and others) for ages 18-30 (18-25 base for some partners), allowing up to 1 year of holiday with incidental work to fund the stay. Generally once per lifetime; from February 2026 Taiwan participants may take part twice. Requires return funds and primarily holiday (not employment) intent; fees are waived for many partner nationalities.
Work: Incidental work to fund travel
Study: Study limited; supplementary only
Service fee
¥33,000
Processing time
7 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Valid passport of a partner country/regionApplicant must reside in the partner country when applying.
Visa application form with photoSubmitted to the Japanese embassy/consulate in the home country.
Proposed itinerary / outline of planned activitiesSchedule of intended stay in Japan.
Written reason for applyingShort essay on motivation for the working holiday.
Proof of sufficient fundsBank statement (commonly around JPY 200,000-400,000 or equivalent, plus return ticket or extra funds).
Return ticket or funds to purchase oneIf not holding a return booking, additional funds required.
CV / resumeOptionalRequired by some missions.
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
3 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Japan Dependent (Family Stay) Visa
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Allows the spouse and dependent children of foreign residents holding work, study or other mid/long-term statuses (not SSW(i)) to live in Japan, with the period of stay tied to the sponsor's (3 months to 5 years). The sponsor applies for the COE and must show income sufficient to support the family (commonly around JPY 3 million+ per year in practice). Dependents may work up to 28 hours/week only after obtaining permission to engage in activities outside the status.
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥41,000
Processing time
45 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Certificate of EligibilityApplied for in Japan by the sponsoring resident.
Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate or birth certificate with Japanese translation.
Sponsor's residence card and passport copiesShowing the sponsor's valid mid/long-term status.
Sponsor's certificate of employment or enrollmentEvidence of the sponsor's activity in Japan.
Sponsor's income and tax certificatesDemonstrating ability to support the dependents.
Valid passport and application form with photoFor the dependent's visa application.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Japan Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa
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For legally married spouses and biological or adopted children of Japanese citizens; marriage must be registered both in Japan (family register) and the foreign country, and immigration screens for genuineness (cohabitation, communication records, finances). Periods of stay are 6 months, 1, 3 or 5 years, renewable, with unrestricted work rights. Permanent residence is available after 3 years of marriage including 1 year in Japan, and naturalization rules are also relaxed for spouses.
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥41,000
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Certificate of EligibilityUsually applied for by the Japanese spouse in Japan (1-3 months).
Japanese family register (koseki tohon)Showing the registered marriage to the Japanese national.
Foreign marriage certificateIf married abroad, with Japanese translation.
Questionnaire on the relationshipImmigration form detailing how the couple met and the marriage history.
Photos and evidence of genuine marriageSnapshots together, communication records, evidence of cohabitation.
Financial documentsIncome/tax certificates of the Japanese spouse or applicant showing ability to support the household.
Letter of guaranteeSigned by the Japanese spouse as guarantor.
Valid passport and application form with photoFor the visa application after COE issuance.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Japan Long-Term Resident Visa (Nikkei Descendants)
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Second- and third-generation descendants of Japanese nationals (Nikkei, mainly from Brazil, Peru and other South American communities) and their spouses can obtain Long-Term Resident status with unrestricted work rights, granted for 6 months to 5 years and renewable, with documented Japanese ancestry (family registers, birth certificates) and stable livelihood. Fourth-generation descendants use a separate Designated Activities scheme (ages 18-30, basic Japanese ability, supporter system, up to 5 years, eased in 2023 with a path to Long-Term Resident). Long-Term Residents can later qualify for permanent residence.
Government fee
¥3,000
Processing time
90 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Documents proving Japanese ancestryJapanese family register (koseki) of the ancestor plus birth/marriage certificates linking each generation.
Certificate of Eligibility applicationFiled at the regional immigration bureau (often via relatives in Japan).
Valid passport and application form with photoFor the consular visa application.
Criminal record certificateFrom the country of residence (required for Nikkei third generation and the 4th-gen scheme).
Proof of livelihoodEmployment contract, income or support documents showing stable means of living in Japan.
Japanese language proof (4th generation)OptionalBasic Japanese (around JLPT N4/N5 level) for the 4th-generation Designated Activities scheme.
Supporter undertaking (4th generation)OptionalA designated supporter in Japan who assists and reports on the participant.
Not yet researched
Dependent Relative Visa
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa
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Points-based status for advanced academic research, specialized/technical work, or business management: 70+ points (degree, income, age, Japanese ability, etc.) qualifies for HSP(i) with a uniform 5-year period of stay, work for spouses, parents/domestic workers in some cases, and a permanent-residence fast track (3 years at 70+ points, 1 year at 80+ points). After 3 years HSP(i) holders can move to HSP(ii) with an indefinite period of stay. Since April 2023, J-Skip grants HSP status without points to those earning JPY 20 million+ (researchers/engineers with a degree or 10 years' experience) or JPY 40 million+ (managers with 5 years' experience), with HSP(ii) possible after 1 year.
Work: Highly skilled; full-time
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Residency after 1 year
Family: Spouse, children, parents + helper possible
Government fee
¥3,000
Service fee
¥41,000
Processing time
60 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (7)
Certificate of Eligibility applicationFiled with the regional immigration bureau by the Japanese host organization (free of charge).
Points calculation table with evidenceSelf-assessment with proof for each claimed item (degree certificates, salary documents, JLPT results, patents, etc.).
Valid passport and photoFor the COE and subsequent visa application.
Employment contract or appointment letterShowing duties and annual remuneration in Japan.
Proof of annual incomeRequired for income points; J-Skip requires JPY 20M/40M evidence.
Company documentsRegistration and financial documents of the host organization.
Permanent Residence
Japan Permanent Residence
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Indefinite residence with unrestricted work, applied for in Japan. Standard track requires 10 years' continuous residence including 5 years on work statuses, good conduct, independent livelihood (roughly JPY 3M+ annual income plus ~JPY 0.7-0.8M per dependent in practice) and full tax/social-insurance compliance; shortened to 3 years of marriage (1 year in Japan) for spouses of Japanese nationals/PRs, 5 years for Long-Term Residents, 3 years with 70+ HSP points or 1 year with 80+ points/J-Skip. Fee is JPY 10,000 on approval; ISA lists ~4-6 month standard processing though actual times often run longer.
Government fee
¥10,000
Processing time
150 days
Document checklist (8)
Permanent residence application form with photoSubmitted at the regional immigration bureau in Japan.
Statement of reasonsLetter explaining grounds for seeking permanent residence.
Residence card and passportShowing current status with the longest period of stay (3 or 5 years) as a rule.
Tax payment certificatesNational and municipal tax certificates, typically for the last 3-5 years.
Social insurance payment recordsPension and health insurance contribution history (nenkin records), typically 2+ years.
Income/employment certificatesCertificate of employment and income certificates showing stable livelihood.
Letter of guaranteeFrom a Japanese national or permanent resident guarantor.
HSP points calculation (fast-track applicants)OptionalEvidence of 70/80+ points now and 1/3 years ago for the points-based shortcut.
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