Visa requirements

Japan

General visa requirements for travelling to Japan. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Business visa (Startup Visa (Designated Activities))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee
3,000 JPY
Validity
12 months
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Open to all nationalities.

  • Purpose of visit

    Must have a viable business plan endorsed by the local municipality. Must intend to establish a business in Japan.

    Includes
    • Business establishment preparation
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses during the preparation period.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, financial guarantee; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds to support living expenses during preparation period

  • Business plan

    Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

    Minimum investment: Varies by municipality; must demonstrate path to meeting Business Manager visa requirements; Must include financials: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare detailed business plan. Contact the target municipality's startup support desk for endorsement process.

  2. Processing wait

    Municipality reviews and endorses business plan. Timeline varies by city.

  3. Document submission

    Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with municipality endorsement letter and supporting documents.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect visa and enter Japan to begin business preparation.

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Short-Term Business Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
5 working days
Fee
3,000 JPY
Validity
3 months
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Required for nationals of non-visa-exempt countries conducting short-term business activities. Visa-exempt nationals can conduct business under visa-free entry.

  • Purpose of visit

    Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, market research, after-sales service, or other short-term business activities not constituting employment.

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • conferences
    • negotiations
    • market research

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from Japanese company/organization detailing purpose, schedule, and relationship

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Visa Application Form to Enter Japan; Form url: https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000124525.pdf

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain invitation letter from Japanese business partner, prepare company letter and business itinerary.

  2. Document submission

    Submit application at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with invitation letter, company letter, and supporting documents.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY for single-entry or 6,000 JPY for multiple-entry.

  4. Processing wait

    Processing typically takes 5 working days.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect visa from embassy/consulate.

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
180 days
Fee
3,000 JPY
Validity
6 months
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be a national of a country/region that has both a visa exemption arrangement AND a tax treaty with Japan.

  • Financial

    Must earn an annual income of 10 million JPY or more from employers/clients located outside Japan.

  • Purpose of visit

    Must work remotely for employers or clients located outside Japan. Cannot engage in local employment or business with Japanese entities.

    Includes
    • Remote work for non-Japanese entities
  • Health

    Must maintain private health insurance with minimum 10 million JPY coverage.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Tax returns, employment contract, bank statements showing income; Minimum amount: Annual income of 10,000,000 JPY or more

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Designated Activities (Digital Nomad) Visa Application; Form url: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/pagewe_000001_00046.html

  • Tax return

    Accepted forms: Income tax return or equivalent document proving annual income of 10 million JPY+; Years required: 1

  • Private health insurance

    Coverage territory: Japan; Minimum coverage: 10,000,000 JPY covering medical treatment, hospitalization, repatriation, and injury

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare income proof, employment documentation, private health insurance certificate, and other supporting documents.

  2. Document submission

    Apply at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Cannot change status while in Japan.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.

  4. Processing wait

    Processing typically takes 5-10 working days.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect visa. Enter Japan within validity period.

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Business Manager Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee
3,000 JPY
Validity
12 months
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Open to all nationalities.

  • Employment

    Must start or manage a business in Japan. From October 2025: requires 3 years of management experience or equivalent education. Must hire at least 1 full-time employee.

    Required status: Business manager/owner in Japan

  • Financial

    Minimum investment/capital of 30 million JPY (from October 16, 2025). Business must demonstrate financial stability and sustainability.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months

  • Curriculum vitae

    Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Certificate of company registration (tokibo tohon), articles of incorporation, office lease agreement

  • Proof of address

    Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.

    Accepted documents: Office lease agreement or property ownership certificate for physical business premises; Max age months: 3

  • Language proficiency

    Accepted tests: JLPT or equivalent demonstration of Japanese language proficiency; Minimum score: Sufficient for business operations (new requirement from October 2025)

  • Business plan

    Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

    Minimum investment: 30,000,000 JPY (effective October 16, 2025; previously 5,000,000 JPY); Must include financials: Yes

  • Certificate of

    Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Business Manager; Validity months: 3

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Register company in Japan, secure physical office space, prepare certified business plan, and financial documentation.

  2. Processing wait

    Apply for Certificate of Eligibility at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.

  3. Document submission

    Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE, business plan, company registration, and financial documents.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of COE date.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.