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.

Student visa (Student Visa (College/University))

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 be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Japan (university, college, vocational school, or language school).

    Includes
    • Study at recognized Japanese institution
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of study.

  • Health

    Must be in good health. Medical examination may be requested.

  • Criminal record

    Must have no criminal record. Police clearance may be requested.

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, scholarship letter, sponsor financial guarantee; Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses (approx. 1.5-2 million JPY per year)

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

  • 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

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

  • Certificate of

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

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain admission/acceptance letter from a recognized Japanese educational institution. Prepare academic transcripts, financial documents, and other required materials.

  2. Processing wait

    Sponsoring institution applies for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan. Processing takes 1-3 months. Apply 4-6 months before program start.

  3. Online application

    Once COE is received, apply for the student visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

  4. Document submission

    Submit visa application with COE (original), passport, photo, and supporting documents to the Japanese diplomatic mission.

  5. Fee payment

    Pay visa issuance fee of approximately 3,000 JPY (single-entry) upon collection.

  6. Visa collection

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

Sign in to apply

Student visa (Student Visa (Pre-College / Japanese Language School))

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 be enrolled in an accredited Japanese language school or university preparatory course.

    Includes
    • Study at accredited Japanese language school
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.

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, scholarship documentation, financial sponsor guarantee; Minimum amount: Approximately 1-1.5 million JPY per year for tuition and living expenses

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

  • 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

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

  • Certificate of

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

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain acceptance from an accredited Japanese language school. Prepare financial documents and academic records.

  2. Processing wait

    School applies for Certificate of Eligibility at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing takes 1-3 months.

  3. Document submission

    Apply for student visa at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE and supporting documents.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY upon collection.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of the COE designated 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.