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.

Work / Immigration visa (Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP-1b: Advanced Specialized/Technical))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Employment
Must have a contract with a public or private organization in Japan for work requiring specialized knowledge in natural sciences or humanities.

Required status: Contract with Japanese organization
Financial
Annual salary is a major scoring factor. Minimum annual income of 3 million JPY required.

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.
Degree attestation
Attesting authority: Degree-granting institution; Must be apostilled: No
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Highly Skilled Professional 1(b); Validity months: 3
Points assessment
Assessment system: Japan Highly Skilled Professional Points System; Minimum points: 70

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather degree certificates, CV, employment contract, points calculation worksheet, and company documents.
Processing wait
Employer applies for Certificate of Eligibility at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing takes 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of COE date.

Work / Immigration visa (Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Purpose of visit
Must be a spouse or child (including adopted child) of a Japanese national. Marriage must be legally valid in both countries.
Includes
- Family reunion with Japanese national spouse/parent
Financial
The couple must demonstrate stable income or sufficient savings to maintain their livelihood in Japan.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
Birth certificate
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
Marriage certificate
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
Sponsor financial
Minimum income: Sufficient stable income to maintain household; Required documents: Tax certificate, employment certificate, or proof of income of Japanese spouse
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Spouse or Child of Japanese National; Validity months: 3
Relationship evidence
Minimum evidence items: 3; Relationship type: Spouse or child

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare marriage certificate (registered in both countries), relationship evidence (photos, communication records, meeting history), Japanese spouse's income documents.
Processing wait
Japanese spouse or representative applies for COE at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE, marriage certificate, and supporting documents.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of COE date. Residence card issued at port of entry.

Work / Immigration visa (Long-Term Resident Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities. Primarily for Nikkei (Japanese descendants), spouses of long-term residents, and humanitarian cases.
Purpose of visit
Must fall under categories designated by the Minister of Justice: Japanese descendant (up to 3rd generation), spouse of long-term resident, child born out of wedlock to Japanese national, refugee, or other special circumstances.
Includes
- Long-term residence as designated by Minister of Justice
Criminal record
Must be a person of good conduct.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
Birth certificate
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Long-Term Resident; Validity months: 3
Relationship evidence
Minimum evidence items: 2; Relationship type: Varies (spouse, child, descendant)

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare documents establishing eligibility (family registry, birth certificates, proof of Japanese ancestry, etc.).
Processing wait
Apply for COE at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing varies, typically 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.

Work / Immigration visa (Entertainer 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 be engaged in entertainment activities: concerts, sports competitions, promotional events, theatrical performances, or other entertainment-related activities. Must have a contract with a Japanese promoter or organization.

Required status: Contract with Japanese promoter/organization

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Entertainer; Validity months: 3

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare performance contract, portfolio/career history, and invitation from Japanese promoter/organizer.
Processing wait
Japanese promoter applies for COE. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.

Work / Immigration visa (Religious Activities Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Purpose of visit
Must be dispatched by an overseas religious organization to engage in missionary work, religious services, or other religious activities in Japan.
Includes
- Missionary work
- religious services

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Dispatch certificate from overseas religious organization and invitation from receiving religious body in Japan
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Religious Activities; Validity months: 3
Religious membership
Denomination name: Recognized religious organization with presence in Japan; Minimum membership years: 0

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain dispatch certificate from sending religious organization and invitation from receiving organization in Japan.
Processing wait
Receiving organization applies for COE. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.

Work / Immigration visa (Intra-Company Transferee Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Employment
Must have been continuously employed at the foreign office for at least 1 year immediately prior to transfer, performing duties classified as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. University degree not required.

Required status: Intra-company transfer with 1+ year tenure
Financial
Compensation must be equal to or greater than that of Japanese nationals in equivalent roles.

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.
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Intra-company Transferee; Validity months: 3
Ict assignment
Corporate relationship: Head office, branch, subsidiary, or affiliated company with capital ties or management control relationship; Minimum employment years: 1

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare transfer letter, employment history, company relationship documentation, CV, and employer financial documents.
Processing wait
Japanese receiving company applies for COE at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of COE date.

Work / Immigration visa (Artist Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Employment
Must engage in artistic activities (composing, painting, sculpting, photography, writing, etc.) as a profession. Must demonstrate ability to earn a living through such activities.

Required status: Professional artist

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: Portfolio of work, exhibition history, publication credits, contracts, gallery representation, income records; Minimum amount: Sufficient to sustain livelihood through artistic activities
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Artist; Validity months: 3

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare portfolio, CV, exhibition/publication history, contracts, and financial documentation.
Processing wait
Apply for COE at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.

Work / Immigration visa (Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP-1c: Advanced Business Management))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Employment
Must be engaged in management or administration of a business in Japan (e.g., corporate executive, director, manager).

Required status: Business management role in Japan
Financial
Annual income of 3 million JPY or more required. Higher salary yields more points.

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.
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Highly Skilled Professional 1(c); Validity months: 3
Points assessment
Assessment system: Japan Highly Skilled Professional Points System; Minimum points: 70

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare CV, business management experience documentation, employment/appointment contract, points calculation worksheet.
Processing wait
Apply for COE at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of COE date.

Work / Immigration visa (Technical Intern Training Visa (TITP))

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. Most participants come from Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Philippines, and Myanmar through sending organizations.
Age
Must be 18 years of age or older.

Min age: 18
Employment
Must be accepted by a supervising organization and implementing organization (employer) in Japan. Must intend to engage in the same type of work in home country after training.

Required status: Accepted by supervising/implementing organization

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
Health exam
Panel physician required: Designated physician; Validity months: 3
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Technical Intern Training; Validity months: 3

How to apply

Document gathering
Register with a licensed sending organization in home country. Complete pre-departure training.
Processing wait
Japanese supervising organization applies for COE. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan for training program.

Work / Immigration visa (Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP-1a: Advanced Academic Research))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Employment
Must have a contract or appointment with a university, research institution, or similar organization in Japan for research or education activities.

Required status: Contract with research/educational institution
Financial
Annual salary is a scoring factor. Higher salary yields more points.

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.
Degree attestation
Attesting authority: Degree-granting institution; Must be apostilled: No
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Highly Skilled Professional 1(a); Validity months: 3
Points assessment
Assessment system: Japan Highly Skilled Professional Points System; Minimum points: 70

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather all documents including degree certificates, CV, publications list, employment contract, and points calculation worksheet.
Processing wait
Employer or applicant's representative applies for Certificate of Eligibility at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing takes 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE and supporting documents.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of COE designated date.

Work / Immigration visa (Specified Skilled Worker (SSW-1))

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. Japan has bilateral cooperation agreements (MOCs) with several countries including Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, and others.
Age
Must be 18 years of age or older.

Min age: 18
Employment
Must pass the specified skills evaluation test for the relevant sector, OR have completed Technical Intern Training Level 2 in a related field.

Required status: SSW skills test pass or TITP Level 2 completion
Health
Must be in good health as confirmed by a medical examination.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
Skills assessment
Assessing authority: Designated testing organizations for each sector; Occupation list: Nursing care, building cleaning, industrial manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, auto repair, aviation, accommodation, auto transport, railway, agriculture, fishery, food manufacturing, food service, forestry, wood industry
Health exam
Panel physician required: Designated physician; Validity months: 3
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Specified Skilled Worker (i); Validity months: 3
Language test score
Accepted tests: JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese); Minimum score: JLPT N4 pass or JFT-Basic 200+ points

How to apply

Document gathering
Pass the SSW skills test and Japanese language test (or complete TITP Level 2). Obtain employment contract from a registered supporting organization in Japan.
Processing wait
Employer applies for Certificate of Eligibility at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE, test results, and employment contract.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan. Register at municipality within 14 days.

Work / Immigration visa (Professor Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Employment
Must have a contract or appointment at a university, college of technology, or equivalent institution for research or education activities.

Required status: Appointment at university/equivalent institution

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.
Degree attestation
Attesting authority: Degree-granting institution; Must be apostilled: No
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Professor; Validity months: 3

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare degree certificates, CV, publication list, and employment contract from the institution.
Processing wait
Institution applies for COE at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.

Work / Immigration visa (Researcher Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Employment
Must have a contract with a research facility (enterprise, government agency, or other organization) for research activities.

Required status: Contract with research facility

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.
Research proposal
Must be peer reviewed: No
Degree attestation
Attesting authority: Degree-granting institution; Must be apostilled: No
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Researcher; Validity months: 3

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare degree certificates, CV, research plan/proposal, and employment/research contract.
Processing wait
Hosting organization applies for COE. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.

Work / Immigration visa (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Employment
Must have a contract with a Japanese employer. For Engineer/Specialist: university degree in relevant field, or completion of Japanese vocational school, or 10+ years of relevant experience. For International Services: 3+ years of relevant experience (waived for university graduates in translation/interpretation/language instruction).

Required status: Contract with Japanese employer
Financial
Salary must be equal to or greater than Japanese nationals performing the same work. Minimum approximately 200,000-250,000 JPY/month.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
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
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
Degree attestation
Attesting authority: Degree-granting institution (university degree or Japanese vocational school completion, or 10+ years experience); Must be apostilled: No
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services; Validity months: 3

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare degree certificates, CV, employment contract, company registration documents, and financial statements of employer.
Processing wait
Employer applies for Certificate of Eligibility at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE and supporting documents.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan within 3 months of COE date.

Work / Immigration visa (Specified Skilled Worker (SSW-2))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 3 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Age
Must be 18 years of age or older.

Min age: 18
Employment
Must pass the advanced SSW-2 skills evaluation test for the relevant sector, demonstrating proficient/expert-level skills.

Required status: SSW-2 advanced skills test pass

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
Skills assessment
Assessing authority: Designated testing organizations for each sector; Occupation list: Building cleaning, industrial manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, auto repair, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fishery, food manufacturing, food service
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Specified Skilled Worker (ii); Validity months: 3

How to apply

Document gathering
Pass the SSW-2 advanced skills evaluation test. Obtain employment contract.
Processing wait
Employer applies for COE or change of status at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE (or apply for status change if already in Japan).
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.

Work / Immigration visa (Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Fee: 3,000 JPY
Validity: 5 years
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Purpose of visit
Must be a legally married spouse or biological/adopted child of a Japan permanent resident.
Includes
- Family reunion with permanent resident
Financial
Permanent resident sponsor must demonstrate stable income or sufficient savings.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
Marriage certificate
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
Sponsor financial
Minimum income: Sufficient stable income to maintain household; Required documents: Tax certificate, employment certificate, or proof of income of permanent resident spouse
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident; Validity months: 3
Relationship evidence
Minimum evidence items: 3; Relationship type: Spouse or child of permanent resident

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare marriage certificate, relationship evidence, sponsor's income/tax documents, and permanent residence card copy.
Processing wait
Sponsor applies for COE at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan.

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.