Japan has a well-structured immigration system that allows for a variety of visa options for both short-term and long-term stays. These visas include work visas, student visas, and tourist visas, among others. The immigration process for each type of visa can vary, but the general process involves obtaining a certificate of eligibility, submitting a visa application to a Japanese embassy or consulate, and completing an interview, if necessary. This article will outline the requirements, eligibility criteria, and process for each visa type, helping readers to determine which type of visa is best suited to their individual needs and circumstances.
Overview, Eligibility and Requirements
A. Temporary Visitor Visa
The Temporary Visitor visa is for those who wish to travel to Japan for short-term stays such as tourism, visiting family and friends, or for business purposes. This type of visa is typically valid for 90 days or less and does not permit the holder to engage in any kind of employment in Japan. To be eligible for this visa, individuals must have a valid passport and be able to prove their purpose of visit, such as tourism or business.
To apply, submit a visa application form, a copy of your passport, and photos, at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. The visa is usually processed within a just few days.
Passport holders from the following countries can enter Japan without applying for the ‘Temporary Visitor’ visa.
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.
Restrictions apply depending on the passport you hold. Click this link for further details.
B. Working Visa
There are several types of working visas available in Japan. These can be broken into two categories: the highly-skilled professional visa, and the regular working visa.
Each type of working visa has specific requirements, including the type of job being offered and the applicant’s qualifications. To be eligible for a work visa, individuals must normally have a job offer from a Japanese company, and the company must sponsor the visa application. Additionally, the individual must have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job they are applying for.
To apply, submit a Certificate of Eligibility (obtained from the Japanese immigration authorities), a visa application form, a copy of your passport, and photos. The length of the application process varies, but it typically takes several months. The length of stay for a working visa is usually between one and five years, depending on the nature of the job.
Highly skilled professional visa (高度専門職・高度人材):
Ideal for: Scientists, engineers, lawyers, and business executives, etc
Duration: 5 years
Required paperwork: Click this link for the requirements in English, and click this link for the requirements in Japanese.
Note: The highly skilled professional visa is the gold standard of visas. If you are an expat being sent to Japan, this is the visa you want. Please see our article on the Highly -skilled Professional Visa.
Regular Working Visa (就業ビザ):
Ideal for: Professors, Artists, Religious activities, Journalists, Business managers, Legal/Accounting services, Medical services, Researchers, Instructors, Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services, Intra-company transferees, Nursing care, Entertainers, Skilled laborers, Specified skilled workers
Duration: Ranges from 3 months to 5 years depending on the circumstances.
Required paperwork: Click this link for the requirements in English and click this link for the requirements in Japanese.
Note: This is the most common type of work visa issued. Most people will likely be issued the “Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services” type of working visa. The duration of stay for this visa type depends on the length of the job contract.
C. Student Visa
This type of visa is only available to those who are enrolled in a Japanese educational institution, such as a language school, college, or university. To be eligible for this visa, individuals must have been accepted into a Japanese educational institution and must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies. The duration of stay for this visa type is typically the length of the study program, plus a few months for preparation and leaving.
To apply, submit a Certificate of Eligibility (obtained from the Japanese immigration authorities), a visa application form, a copy of your passport, and photos. The length of the application process varies, but typically takes several months. The length of stay for a student visa is usually the duration of the student’s enrollment in a Japanese educational institution.
General visa (一般ビザ) for Students (留学生):
Ideal for: College students, pre-college students, etc.
Duration: Ranges from 3 months to 51 months, depending on the length of the study program.
Required paperwork: Click this link for the requirements in English and click this link for the requirements in Japanese.
Note:
D. Family Visa
This type of visa allows the holder to live in Japan with other family members. To be eligible for this visa, individuals must be related to the primary visa holder and be able to prove their relationship. The duration of stay for this visa type is typically the same as the primary visa holder’s visa. The exact type of visa varies depending on your circumstances.
To apply, submit a Certificate of Eligibility (obtained from the Japanese immigration authorities), a visa application form, a copy of your passport, and photos. The length of the application process varies, but typically takes several months. The length of stay for a family visa is usually the same as that of the sponsor.
General visa (一般ビザ) for Dependent (家族滞在):
Ideal for: The spouse and children of a foreign national with working visa, etc.
Duration: Ranges from 3 months to 5 years
Required paperwork: Click this link for the requirements in English and click this link for the requirements in Japanese.
Note: If your spouse was sent to Japan for work and obtained a work visa, this is the visa you would normally be issued.
Specified visa (特定ビザ) for Spouse or child of Japanese national (日本人の配偶者等):
Ideal for: Spouse of a Japanese national, biological child of a Japanese national
Duration: Ranges from 6 months to 5 years
Required paperwork: Click this link for the requirements in English and click this link for the requirements in Japanese.
Note: This is the visa that would be issued to a foreign spouse or foreign child of a Japanese citizen.
Specified visa (特定ビザ) for Spouse of permanent resident (永住者の配偶者):
Ideal for: Spouse of a permanent resident
Duration: Ranges from 6 months to 5 years
Required paperwork: Click this link for the requirements in English and click this link for the requirements in Japanese.
Note: This is the visa that would be issued to a foreign spouse or foreign child of a permanent resident of Japan.
Specified visa (特定ビザ) for Long-term resident (定住者):
Ideal for: Persons with Japanese ancestry, Indochinese refugee settlers, the spouse or children of Japanese nationals left behind in China, etc.
Duration: Ranges from 6 months to 5 years
Required paperwork: Click this link for the requirements in English and click this link for the requirements in Japanese.
Note: Besides what is listed above, we have seen this visa also be issued in some cases to foreign spouses after divorcing a Japanese citizen.
E. Permanent Residency Visa
The Permanent Residency Visa is for individuals who plan to live in Japan permanently. To be eligible for this visa, individuals must have lived in Japan for a certain number of years, typically at least five, and must meet certain income and language requirements. The duration of stay for this visa type is indefinite, but individuals must renew their residency status every few years.
To apply, submit a visa application form, a copy of your passport, and photos. The length of the application process varies, but it typically takes several months. The length of stay for a permanent resident visa is indefinite, provided the individual remains in compliance with Japanese immigration laws and regulations.
Permanent Residence (永住):
ideal for: People who plan to live in Japan permanently
Duration: Indefinite
Required paperwork: Click this link for the requirements in English and click this link for the requirements in Japanese.
Note: For a typical expat from the west, the Highly-skilled professional visa is usually more suitable and provides more benefits. Permanent residence also triggers tax consequences for those with income and assets outside of Japan.
