how to get a visa to live in japan

Apply for a visa to live or work in Japan.

• A completed visa application form, available here: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/j/download/VISA_APPLI.pdf
• A passport-sized photo.
• A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility, along with any other required documents for the specific type of work, study, or other activities you plan to do in Japan.

Full Answer

How early to apply the visa to Japan?

How early can I apply for a Japan visa? As mentioned, the standard single-entry visa is valid for 90 days since issue date, so you can apply as early as 3 months before your travel date. But “3 months before” would be cutting it too close to expiry date.

What are the requirements for a Japanese visa?

the following are the usual requirements for obtaining a working visa for japan: a valid passport, a recent photograph, a letter from your future employer (or sponsor) stating your position and expected salary, a certificate of eligibility (the application for which requires documentation from your prospective employer), a curriculum vitae and …

Do US citizens need a visa for Japan?

Japan Entry Requirements - Required Travel Documents for Travel to Japan. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of 90 days or less for tourism or business in Japan. However, their passports must be valid for the duration of their stay . Visitors may not be employed in Japan while they are on a visa-free stay, and cannot change their visa status once they are in the country.

Are travel visas required for Japan?

Visit the Embassy of Japan website for the most current visa information.. Entry & Exit: You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.

How can I permanently live in Japan?

You can apply for Japan Permanent Residency if you fulfill the following requirements:You have been living in Japan for a sufficient period of time. ... You display good conduct. ... You can support yourself financially. ... You have paid Income Tax and other contributions in Japan.More items...

How do I get a visa to move to Japan?

One of the easiest ways is by being offered a job before your arrival in the country. Your company in Japan will then start the visa application process for you. They will do this by issuing a Certificate of Eligibility, which is a requirement for all Japanese visas.

Can you immigrate to Japan?

The new policies are more open, in many ways, than those of the US or Canada—Japan has no caps on the number of permanent residents, doesn't require permanent residence to apply for citizenship, and has promised to accelerate applications for highly qualified applicants to within an year.

Can I live in Japan permanently as a foreigner?

Foreign residents, who have shown good conduct and have sufficient assets or ability to make an independent living, can be granted permanent residence if they reside in Japan for a certain number of consecutive years.

Can I live in Japan without a job?

I was just wondering, is it possible to move and live in japan without working. Generally no, unless you have some sort of family connection to Japan (i.e. you are the child/parent/spouse of a Japanese citizen).

Is moving to Japan a good idea?

If you're thinking of moving, international removals from the UK to Japan will be one of the best things you ever do. Although life can be relatively expensive, well-paying jobs and a stable economy mean the quality of life in Japan is generally very high.

Is Japan expensive to live?

Is living in Japan cheaper than America? Living in Japan is about three times as expensive as living in the US. Living costs in the main cities are significantly higher than in the more rural side. Japan is in the top 10 of the most expensive countries to live in.

Can a foreigner buy a house in Japan?

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying land or property in the country, and no citizenship or resident visa is required. That said, without a work visa or permanent resident status, obtaining a loan can be difficult. Foreign buyers typically opt to pay cash for this reason.

How long can you stay in Japan without a visa?

90 daysYou must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.

How long can you live in Japan with a visa?

Generally, tourist visas will stay valid for up to 90 days from the day you land in Japan. There are other visas that will be good beyond 90 days up to five years. Make sure your visit to Japan is planned before the expiry date so that you can use your visa.

Do you need a visa to buy a house in Japan?

Buying Property Doesn't Give You A Visa First and foremost, buying a house in Japan does NOT help you acquire a visa or permanent resident status. The residency process is the same whether you own property or not.

What is the easiest country to immigrate to?

Easiest Countries to Immigrate To. Here are some of the easiest countries to immigrate to: ... New Zealand. New Zealand is a popular destination for immigration mainly because of its Skilled Migration Program. ... Australia. ... Spain. ... Paraguay. ... Germany. ... Montenegro. ... Czech Republic.More items...

What is the easiest visa to get for Japan?

Japanese Tourist VisaJapanese Tourist Visa A tourist visa is the easiest way for most people to get into Japan. Depending on your country, your maximum duration of stay will be different and will range between 1 and 3 months. For some people, you may be able to leave the country and come back and get another tourist visa to stay longer.

How can I move and live in Japan?

If you've made your mind up about moving to Japan, there are four things you'll need. Those four things are a passport, one visa application form, one photograph, and a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The first three are fairly straightforward, but the COE requires a bit more work.

Do US citizens need visa for Japan?

A passport and onward/return transportation ticket are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.

Can a friend sponsor me to Japan?

Answer: Thanks for your question! To my understanding, the Japanese Migration authorities only accept sponsors that are related to you. So for your student visa application, you would need to have the required amount of money in your bank account unless you have a relative who can act as a sponsor for you.

How long does it take to move from one address to another in Japan?

If you move from one residence in Japan to another, you are required to report to your current municipal office first and then to your new municipal office within 14 days to register your new address.

Where can I get a Zairyu card?

If you will be staying longer than 90 days with an appropriate visa, you must register your address with your residence’s municipal office and obtain a Resident Card (“Zairyu Card”) from regional immigration offices. For those newly arrived resident aliens with an appropriate visa, Resident Cards will be issued at Narita Airport near Tokyo, Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Chubu Airport serving Nagoya, and at Kansai Airport, near Osaka, followed by Shin-Chitose Airport near Sapporo, Hiroshima Airport and Fukuoka Airport.

Can you have a residence card in Japan?

Carry your Residence Card with you at all times. The Japanese Police are allowed to stop you and ask to see the card at any time, and not having it with you is a violation of local law.

What do you need to get a working visa in Japan?

Before a working visa can be issued, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your prospective employer, and approved by the Bureau of Immigration. This document is a preliminary screening process that says holders meet the conditions for landing in Japan and being considered for a visa.

How long can I travel to Japan without a visa?

Japan immigration laws state that visitors from 68 countries are able to travel in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa: Stays of up to 15 days: Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand. This is provided visitors have a valid passport for the duration of their stay and don't engage in any paid work or activities. Citizens of the 68 countries ...

How long can you stay in Japan with medical insurance?

Subscription to a private medical travel insurance policy which covers death, injury and illness during his/her stay. The period of stay is six months. However, it can be extended to one year with a Permission for Extension of Period of Stay (available only once). It is necessary to obtain a specified visa of Designated Activities in advance from Japanese embassies or consulates that exercise jurisdiction over the applicant's domicile to enter Japan under this program.

How long do I need a visa to study in Japan?

How do I get a student visa to study in Japan? If you are a citizen of one of the 68 countries with which Japan has a general visa waiver agreement and if you plan on studying at a Japanese language school for under 90 days, you only need a valid passport.

What is the law in Japan for short term visitors?

Japanese law requires that all short-term foreign visitors must have proof of onward travel (departure) from Japan.

Can a spouse accompany a Japanese traveler?

If the applicant's spouse does not apply as an accompanying traveler and wishes to stay separately under this program, the applicant and his/her spouse must own savings equivalent to more than 60 million Japanese yen in total. Children are not allowed to accompany, and other rules apply.

Do you need a visa to visit Japan?

Citizens of 68 countries coming to Japan for tourism purposes including Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, UK and almost all European nations don't require a visa ( rules and conditions apply ) and will be granted permission for short-term stay upon arrival. Visitors from outside these 68 countries must apply ...

How to get a visa for Japan?

To obtain an official visa it is necessary to have a passport, a photograph, and a note verbale and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan. A visa application form should also be completed.

What type of visa is needed for Japan?

One of the Japan visa types available for citizens of non-visa exempt countries is the transit visa . This type of visa for Japan is a requirement for travelers who need to stop over in Japan while en route to another country. To get this visa type is necessary to gather the necessary documents including a valid passport and a completed visa form.

How long does a working visa last in Japan?

A working visa can grant its holder authorizations for periods of three months to up to five years, depending on the case. The process to get a work permit for Japan starts with finding a sponsor in the country that will apply to the Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan for a certificate of eligibility.

What documents are needed for a diplomatic visa in Japan?

Among the documents necessary for this type of visa, it is necessary to provide a passport, photograph and a note verbale and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan.

What is a work visa in Japan?

The Working Visa is designed for a number of different kinds of professionals including professors, artists, business managers, researchers, etc.

How many points do you need to get a Japanese visa?

Applicants must score 70 points or more to be eligible for this visa type.

How long can a Japanese citizen stay in Japan?

The period of stay with this visa can range from 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or six months.

How long do you have to be in Japan to get a visa?

During this time, you must have had a Japan Work Visa for at least five consecutive years. You display good conduct.

How long do you have to be married to get a Japanese visa?

If you are the spouse of a Japanese citizen or permanent resident: You can receive Japan Permanent Residency after one year of residence in Japan, but you must have been married for at least three years. If you are the child of a Japanese citizen or permanent resident: You can receive Japan Permanent Residency after one year of residence in Japan.

What Are the Benefits of Japan Permanent Residency?

If you become a Permanent Resident of Japan, you will have many more benefits than those living on temporary residence status , such as:

How Long Does the Application Process for Permanent Residency in Japan Take?

It takes about six months for the Immigration Services at your local Immigration Bureau to process your application for Japan Permanent Residency.

How Much is the Fee for a Japan Permanent Residency Application?

The fee for the Japan Permanent Residency application is 8,000 Yen, which you have to pay through revenue stamps.

When do you have to apply for permanent residency in Japan?

You have to submit your application for Japan Permanent Residency before your current residency status (your visa) expires.

What happens if you don't pay taxes in Japan?

You have paid Income Tax and other contributions in Japan. If you have not paid taxes, paid less then the required amount, or you cannot present Tax Certificates, your application can be rejected.

How much more awesome is it to live in Japan?

Living in Japan is 18,000 times more awesome if you can speak Japanese.

What do prospective employers tell you when you are in Japan?

Once you’re in Japan looking for a job, the first thing that every prospective company will tell you is MUST HAVE VALID WORK VISA.

What are designated activities in Japan?

Designated activities (Examples: foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan as personal help privately employed by diplomats, etc., foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan for a working holiday or for paid internships, candidate nurses and care workers who wish to enter Japan based on an EPA, etc.)

Where do they write your address on a Zairyuu card?

At the ward office, they’ll write your address on the back of your zairyuu card. That’s why I look so shocked.

How to apply for a Japanese visa online?

In order to apply for the Japanese visa online, it will be necessary to complete the simple electronic visa application form for Japan. Applicants will be able to fill in the Japan visa online application form in just a few minutes, by supplying personal and passport information, and travel details, and answering a few security-related questions.

When will Japan have an e-visa?

The electronic visa system for Japan (Japan eVisa) is an electronic visa, expected to be introduced in April 2020, which will allow eligible nationalities to travel to Japan for short stays.

When will Japan's evisa be available?

The electronic visa system for Japan (Japan eVisa) was expected to be introduced in April 2020. However, the eVisa program has been delayed and a new launch date has not been announced yet.

Can Chinese citizens travel to Japan?

The Japan visa online will first be available to Chinese citizens who wish to visit Japan for short stays, as Japan visas issued to Chinese visitors currently make up 70% of all visa applications. The Japanese eVisa is then expected to be rolled out to other eligible nationalities.

Is a visa exemption suspended?

All passengers are also subject to testing for COVID-19 and must undergo a 14-day quarantine. Most visas and visa exemptions are currently suspended.

Where can I get a resident card in Japan?

Get a resident card. Once you are in Japan, you will need to obtain a resident card. If you arrive at Narita, Haneda, Chubu, or Kansai Airport, you can get your resident card at the same time that you get your passport stamped.

How to live in Japan?

To live in Japan, you'll need to acquire a Certificate of Eligibility by showing that you plan to work in Japan, enroll as a student, or live there as the spouse or dependent of a permanent resident. You'll also need to provide evidence that you can financially support yourself.

How to get an IDP?

Procedures for getting an IDP vary by country. In the US, you can apply for an IDP through your local AAA office or the National Automobile Club. In the UK, you can apply for an IDP at selected Post Office branches.

How long is an IDP valid in Japan?

The IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

What is the best way to live in Japan?

If you want to live and work in Japan, having a good grasp of the Japanese language is a big advantage. Some jobs may require you to prove your proficiency by providing a Japanese Language Proficiency Test certificate. Having a JLPT certificate can also help you earn points toward becoming a permanent resident.

How to get familiar with Japanese culture?

Explore and try new things. The best way to get familiar with Japanese culture is to experience it. Ask a friend, a coworker, or a classmate for advice on interesting things to see and do, or see if they are willing to show you around. Take time to explore the area where you live, and get to know your new neighbors.

How big is an apartment in Japan?

They are typically smaller than apartments in America, for example. A family of 3-4 in Japan might live in an apartment that is about 63 square meters (678 sq. ft.) Additionally, apartments in Japan are typically unfurnished.

Where to apply for a visa for Japan?

All you'll need to do is to apply for the relevant visa, depending on your reason for staying in Japan, at the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your home country . The documents that you should bring with you, are:

What is a certificate of eligibility in Japan?

The Japanese consulate describes the Certificate of Eligibility as: A Certificate of Eligibility is issued before a visa application by a regional immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice as evidence that the foreign national meets the conditions for landing in Japan, including the requirements ...

Is it hard to move to Japan?

As you can see, the process of moving to Japan isn’t too hard. In just a few easy steps, you’ll be living comfortably in Japan in no time. Good luck with your move!

Does Japan have universal health insurance?

While individuals are required to carry their own health insurance, it is provided by a universal healthcare insurance system that guarantees mostly equal access to insurance and services, at a price laid out by the Japanese government.

Is Japan a good country to open a bank account?

Setting up your finances in Japan will feel pretty familial, in one of the world’s best banking systems. The only part that may seem a little foreign is the process of opening a bank account over a cup of tea and polite conversation.

Do Japanese people speak English?

Despite the fact that many Japanese people may know some English, Japanese culture is one in which knowing the language is key to fitting in and becoming part of life in the country. Getting started on your Japanese is easy through sites and apps like duolingo, tofugu, and even freejapaneselessons.com.

Is Japan a gaijin country?

Japan’s gaijin, or expat community is pretty strong, as inclusivity in Japan is fairly limited to other Japanese people or those who speak excellent japanese. If you’re looking to meet up with other expats from your home country, a quick search on facebook or meetup will produce tons of results.