Complete Guide to the Japan Visa Requirements 2025
Planning a trip or a longer stay in Japan starts with understanding the visa you need and the exact paperwork to prepare.
This guide brings together the latest official requirements, fees, processing times, and step-by-step application flows for short-term visitors and long-term residents.
Where rules vary by nationality, we point you to the right official pages and note important exceptions with links.
Japan Visa Overview
“Visa” in Japan governs your permission to enter; “status of residence” governs what you can do and how long you can stay after arrival.
Many travelers from visa-exempt countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, but others must apply in advance or use Japan’s eVISA when eligible.
Long-term stays (study, work, family) generally require a Certificate of Eligibility before you apply for a visa at an embassy/consulate.
Stay Categories
- Short-term stay (≤90 days)
tourism, business meetings, visiting friends; rules vary by nationality (visa exemption vs. visa required). - Long-term stay
Student, Work, Highly Skilled Professional, Specified Skilled Worker, Business Manager/Start-up, and others defined by MOFA.
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Japan Visa Exemptions (Short-Term Stay)
Japan maintains reciprocal visa-exemption arrangements with 74 countries and regions for short-term stays.
Most of these allow up to 90 days; several have special conditions such as 15- or 30-day caps or ePassport registration.
Always confirm the current list and notes before booking flights.
- 90 days
United States, Canada, most of the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan - 30 days
Brunei, Qatar - 15 days
Thailand; Indonesia
Types of Japan Visas and Requirements
Visa types align with your purpose: tourism, business meetings (no paid work), study, or employment.
Below are the most relevant categories for inbound travelers planning 2025 trips or moves, with core eligibility and key paperwork.
For long stays, expect to secure a COE in Japan before you apply for the visa at an embassy/consulate.
Japan Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor)
For travelers who are not visa-exempt, the Temporary Visitor visa covers tourism, visiting friends/relatives, short business meetings, conferences, or short study within 90 days.
Some nationalities can apply online via eVISA; others apply at an embassy/consulate or via an accredited agency depending on jurisdiction.
You’ll normally show confirmed flights/itinerary, accommodation, financial proof, and a completed application form.
Typical documents
- Valid passport + application form (official MOFA form).
- ID photo meeting MOFA specs; travel itinerary; proof of funds; sometimes invitation/guarantee for private visits.
- Processing time is at least 5 business days in many jurisdictions; allow more during busy periods.
Japan Work Visas (Selected Categories)
Japan offers multiple work-related statuses of residence, each with distinct eligibility rules, time limits, and family accompaniment policies.
For professionals and entrepreneurs, it is crucial to understand the differences between Specified Skilled Worker, Business Manager, and Start-up/Entrepreneur programs.
The table below highlights their main features based on 2025 regulations and proposals.
Main Work Visa Categories
| Category | Duration | Family Accompaniment | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specified Skilled Worker (i) | Up to 5 years | Not permitted | Skills exam + Japanese language level (JLPT N4 or equivalent) |
| Specified Skilled Worker (ii) | No upper limit | Permitted | Advanced skills in specific industries |
| Business Manager | Renewable (usually 1–3 years at a time) | Permitted | Office in Japan + ≥¥5M capital or 2 full-time employees |
| Start-up / Entrepreneur | 6–12 months initial (renewable under conditions) | Permitted | Backing by local government start-up program |
Japan Student Visa
Admission to a Japanese school (language school to university) is required, and your host institution usually proxies the COE application.
Expect proof of tuition/financial capacity and standard application documents.
Japan Visa Application Step-by-Step Guide
This sequence covers most short-term visas processed at embassies/consulates (not eVISA).
Timing and details vary by country, so always use your local Japanese mission’s checklist and allow buffer time.
Many missions advise applying ~1.5 months ahead when possible.
Decide whether you need a Temporary Visitor visa, a business visa, or another category. Confirm if your nationality qualifies for visa exemption or the eVISA system before proceeding.
Obtain the visa application form and other required documents such as itinerary sheets or invitation/guarantee letters. Always use the latest forms provided by your local Japanese embassy or consulate.
Prepare your valid passport, recent photo, flight bookings, proof of accommodation, and financial evidence. Some embassies provide tailored checklists, so follow them closely to avoid missing items.
File your application at the designated embassy or consulate in your country. While some posts allow applications via accredited agencies or by mail, many still require in-person submission.
Most short-term visa applications take at least 5 business days. During peak seasons or if the embassy needs to consult with Tokyo, processing can take longer.
When collecting your visa, pay the applicable fee in the local currency; cash is often required. For eVISA users, the payment is made online during the application stage.
A single-entry visa is usually valid for three months from the date of issue. Make sure to enter Japan before the expiry date, or your visa will become invalid.
Japan Visa Fees
Japan revises visa fees each April 1, and missions collect them in local currency.
MOFA’s baseline amounts remain about ¥3,000 (single), ¥6,000 (double/multiple), ¥700 (transit), with country-specific waivers or different local pricing.
The tables below show the MOFA baseline and example 2025–26 USD fees from U.S. missions.
MOFA baseline amounts (pay in local currency at mission)
| Visa type | MOFA baseline amount (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Single-entry | ~¥3,000 |
| Double/Multiple-entry | ~¥6,000 |
| Transit | ~¥700 |
Example 2025–26 U.S. mission fees
| Visa type | “All other countries” (USD) | India (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | $20 | $6 |
| Double/Multiple | $40 | $6 |
| Transit | $5 | $1 |
Notes: Some nationalities are fee-waived, and payment methods (often cash only) vary by post. eVISA fees are paid online.
Japan eVISA System
Japan’s eVISA enables online application and issuance of a single-entry, short-term tourism visa (up to 90 days for most, with special 15/30-day limits for certain nationalities).
Eligibility depends on your residence country and, in some cases, requires using an accredited agency.
At the airport, you must display the “Visa issuance notice” on your device—screenshots/PDF printouts are not accepted.
Who can use eVISA (as of Sept 1, 2025).
- Apply directly on the JAPAN eVISA website:
Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, UK, USA - Apply via an accredited agency
China, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macao, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, UAE
Certificate of Eligibility and Residence Card
If you plan to work, study, or live in Japan beyond short-term stay, your sponsor in Japan usually obtains a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) first then you apply for the visa abroad.
Once you enter Japan on that visa, qualifying mid- to long-term residents receive a Residence Card at designated airports.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
A COE is issued by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency and confirms you meet the status-of-residence criteria.
Sponsors (school/employer/relative) usually file in Japan, and issuance commonly takes 1–3 months.
COE validity and formats have modernized—many institutions now receive digital COEs that you use for your visa application.
COE quick facts & steps
- Who files: Your sponsor in Japan (e.g., university, company, family).
- Processing window: typically 1–3 months; start early.
- Digital issuance: e-COE accepted; check your mission’s instructions.
- After COE arrives: book your visa appointment; submit passport, visa form, photo, COE, and any mission-specific items.
Residence Card (Zairyū Card)
Mid- to long-term residents (generally stays >3 months) are issued a Residence Card upon arrival at specific airports.
If you land at a non-issuing port, your card will be delivered later after you register your address at your city hall within 14 days.
Always carry your card in Japan; it functions as your legal ID.
Airports that issue the Residence Card at landing (current list).
- Narita, Haneda, Chubu (Centrair), Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kobe.
Japan Working Holiday Visa
Japan’s Working Holiday Programme continues to expand, offering young travelers more flexible options in 2025.
The biggest update is the introduction of two-time eligibility for several partner countries.
Below is a clear breakdown of the latest expansions and existing agreements.
Two-Time Eligibility
- Canada, United Kingdom – 2 consecutive years or 2 separate one-year stays
- New Zealand, Denmark, Austria – 2 separate one-year stays
- From Jan 1, 2025: Germany, Ireland, Slovakia – 2 separate one-year stays
Other Partner Countries (Standard 1-Year Stay)
- Australia
- France
- Republic of Korea
- Taiwan
- Spain
- Sweden
- Portugal
- Uruguay
- Finland
- Latvia
- …and others (program conditions and quotas vary by treaty)
Important Notes
- Age limits: typically 18–30, but may differ (e.g., 18–25 in some countries, up to 35 in others).
- Applications must be made through the Japanese embassy/consulate in your home country.
- Work is intended to supplement travel funds, not as full-time employment.
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FAQs about Japan Visa
These concise answers address frequent questions we hear from inbound travelers.
Each answer is scoped to 2025 guidance and points you to the official source when rules depend on nationality.
Always check your local mission before applying.
- How long does a short-term visa take?
-
Many missions quote at least 5 business days, longer in peak periods or special cases.
- What are the standard visa fees?
-
MOFA baselines are about ¥3,000/¥6,000/¥700, with 2025–26 U.S. fees of $20/$40/$5 for many nationalities; India is $6/$6/$1.
- Can I apply for a Japan eVISA for purposes other than tourism?
-
No—eVISA is single-entry tourism only; other purposes apply at a mission.
- How do I show my eVISA at the airport?
-
You must display the live “Visa issuance notice” on your device; no screenshots, PDFs, or printouts.
- Which airports issue the Residence Card upon arrival?
-
Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Kobe.
- What is SSW (Specified Skilled Worker)?
-
SSW has (i) and (ii) types; (i) up to 5 years and no family, (ii) no upper stay limit and family allowed (industry-limited).
- Are Business Manager visa rules changing in 2025?
-
The government announced planned tightening (e.g., higher capital and hiring) targeting Oct 2025; confirm final rules before applying.
- Does Japan have a Digital Nomad visa?
-
Yes—Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) introduced in 2024 allows up to 6 months (no extension).
Final Thoughts on Japan Visa Requirements
Japan’s visa landscape is straightforward once you map your purpose to the right pathway, confirm eligibility, and follow the official checklist.
Build your timeline backwards from your trip date, leaving room for COE issuance (if needed) and visa processing.
When in doubt, your local Japanese embassy/consulate and the MOFA eVISA page are the sources of truth.
