Visa to Japan

The original architecture, the latest technologies, exquisite cuisine, low crime rate, hospitable and smiling people – this associative wide range can go on and on when you think about Japan.

The island state, located in the eastern part of Asia, has a population of about 125 million people. In the first half of 2024, about 5,600 tourists from Russia visited Japan. The figure is small, which only indicates that the "Land of the Rising Sun" is an underestimated location for travelers.

When traveling to the Asian country for the first time, entry permits are mainly issued for a short period ("for the dates of the trip"). If a tourist has visited Japan more than once, then he/she is entitled to apply for a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of up to 3 years.

For certain categories of applicants, the authorities of the Asian state have provided long-term visas. Students, hired employees, entrepreneurs, investors can apply for them.

Advantages

Students can officially combine their studies with work. A work visa holder can move to Japan with his/her family. Under the special program "Tokutei Gino" ("Special Skills Visa"), employment without knowledge of the language and a diploma of higher education is allowed.

Documents for obtaining a visa should be submitted to the VFS Global visa center , which is accredited by the Thai Embassy. You can also contact the regional offices of the Consulate General of Japan located in St. Petersburg, Khabarovsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Vladivostok.

The minimum period for reviewing documents is 4 days from the date of their registration (the period may be extended at the initiative of representatives of the consulate of the Asian country).

Freelancer Visa

The launch of the special program that will allow remote employees to live and work in the Land of the Rising Sun was announced back in March 2024. The Japanese authorities are ready to issue a Digital Nomad visa to a self-employed and full-time employee working for foreign companies, provided that the applicant:

1. Earns at least $68,839 per year.
2. Holds medical insurance with a coverage amount of $68,839.

The document is issued for only 6 months and is not subject to renewal. "Digital Nomad" visa does not give the right to apply for a residence permit, but allows the visa holder to move to the Asian state with family members (husband/wife and children)

How much does the visa cost?

When applying for a visa to Japan, there is no consular fee. But when submitting documents through the VFS Global, the applicant will have to compensate $22 for the service.

The processing fee is paid directly at the Visa Application Centre (in cash or by credit card).

Types of visas

The authorities of the Asian state issue 2 categories of visas to foreign guests – short-term and long-term.

The first includes:

• Tourist Visa; 
• Business Visa; 
• Guest visa. 

The second category includes:

• Academic (Student) visa;
• Work Visa;
• Medical visa;
• Spouse visa.

Tourist Visa

It is issued to those who go to the "Land of the Rising Sun" to relax and explore the local sights. At the initial visit, the applicant can only count on a short-stay visa.

A program of stay in the country and a document confirming financial reliability will be required. The bank deposit must contain an amount of $100 per day of stay. It is also necessary to document the fact of booking a hotel room.

Business Visa

This format of the document is mainly aimed at those who plan to participate in business meetings, conferences in Japan or go to the Asian country to sign a contract with business partners. But not only representatives of business, employees of state-owned enterprises, but also figures of science and culture can act as applicants.

Attention

A visa is issued on condition that the receiving party provides an official invitation and, in certain cases, a letter of guarantee. The program of the planned event is also requested by the consuls.

Visitor Visa

A special entry permit is also provided for those who intend to visit friends or relatives in Japan. To apply for a visitor visa, the applicant must submit not only an invitation from the host party, but also documents certifying the fact of kinship.

In addition, relatives will need a letter of guarantee confirming that the foreign guest will be financially supported for the period of stay in the Asian state. The visa can be issued for up to 3 months.

Student visa

The document is issued to foreign guests wishing to study at colleges, universities and language schools in Japan. A study visa allows the holder to obtain a work permit and officially work in the country (but not more than 28 hours per week).

For the student, the most practical way to cross the borders of the Asian state is to apply for a student visa from a language school. According to such a document, you can both prepare for admission to university and search for a job (while studying Japanese). A student visa is often issued for the period of study.

Work Visa

The visa is issued for a period of 6 months to 5 years and allows its holder to move to Japan with your family. This format of the entry permit is mainly aimed at those who have issued an employment contract with a "Japanese" employer.

Initially, when searching for a suitable vacancy, it is not required that the qualifications of the applicant 100% correspond to the nature of the work performed. But there should be no fundamental differences.

Attention

A specialist who graduated from a humanitarian university a priori cannot be considered for the position of an engineer, but it is quite possible to apply for the position of an interpreter in the same company.

Medical visa

The document is issued to applicants who prefer to use medical services in Japan. The validity of the visa depends on the patient's state of health. Execution of the document is possible in the presence of a guarantor, which is the host party (medical institution).

Often, the patient is issued a multiple-entry visa, and a single visit to Japan can not last more than 90 days.

Spouse visa

A relocant who is married to a Japanese citizen may apply for such a document format. You can become a holder of a spouse visa only if the applicant provides a certificate confirming the marriage.

Important

The marriage must be registered in Japan. Also, representatives of the consulate can request screenshots of correspondence with a spouse who has the citizenship of the Asian country. 

A spouse visa is issued for a period of 6 months to 5 years.

Necessary documents

To apply for a visa to Japan, the applicant provides:

• application (2 copies – in Japanese and English);
• foreign passport; 
• 2 photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm. ;
• civil passport;
• bank statement or certificate of employment;
• housing lease agreement. 

The above list of documents is basic. It may vary depending on the purpose of the visit. Documents must be translated into Japanese, and the translation must be certified by a notary.

Latest changes in Japan visa issue

In 2024, the Japanese authorities issue permission to enter the country without any restrictions. Documents can be submitted to the relevant consulates or use the services of the VFS Global. You can check the list of necessary certificates on the official website of the embassy.

As already noted, tourists who travel to the country for the first time will be issued a visa for specific travel dates. If the applicant has repeatedly crossed the state border of Japan, then he/she is entitled to count on a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of up to 3 years.