Official visa
- Working Visa. It means exactly what it says, you will be working for a company as an employee of some sort. ...
- General Visa. One option for this would be a student visa, where you are going to Japan to learn Japanese and are enrolled at a school.
- Specified Visa. ...
- Special Visa. ...
- Conclusion. ...
Do Americans need a visa to enter Japan?
Under normal circumstances, Japan offers visa-free entry to many countries, including the United States, Australia, and European nations. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, visa exemptions are suspended until further notice. This means that travelers who normally enjoy visa exemption for Japan may have to apply for a visa.
Do I need a visa to travel in Japan from the United States?
You do not need a visa to travel in Japan if you are from the United States. You can visit Japan for 90 days or less with just a standard passport. If you are going to stay for more than 90 days, then you will need to contact the Japanese embassy to request a visa application.
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 …
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.
How can I live permanently 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...
What visa do I need to move to 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).
How long can I live in Japan without a visa?
A passport and onward/return transportation ticket are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.
Can foreigners live permanently in Japan?
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 just move to Japan?
Can an American move to Japan? Yes. You can move to Japan from the US. You'll need to apply for the relevant visa for your situation, at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate² which is closest to your home.
Is it hard to get a visa to live in Japan?
Japan has made it difficult for foreigners to settle in the country. It has imposed complex tax structures, like a steep inheritance tax that applies to even short-term foreign residents, that force some to question whether they should reside in Japan for longer than a decade.
How do I get a 5 year Japanese visa?
Procedures for Obtaining a Long-Term Stay Visa for JapanVisit the Japanese Embassy in Your Country. ... Contact Your Japanese Connection. ... Prepare the Documents to Apply for a Visa. ... Work Visa. ... General Visa. ... Highly Skilled Professional Visa. ... Specified Visa. ... Start-up Visa.More items...•
Is it hard to live in Japan as a foreigner?
Living in Japan is very comfortable, but it will not be easy for you to feel like home. One of the aspects that struck me the most when I first arrived in Japan was that, unlike in Spain, in Japan people talk very little (or almost nothing) about controversial issues such as politics, religion or taxes.
What is the longest visa for Japan?
There is a different time limit for each type of 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.
Can you move to Japan without a job?
Moving to Japan, and any other developed country can be a great beneficial experience for your career and family's long-term goals, as these countries will have the capacity to provide many benefits such as the superb education and healthcare systems, unfortunately Japan does not currently allow foreigners to migrate ...
Does Japan give citizenship to foreigners?
The general conditions for naturalization are as follows (Article 5 of the Japanese Nationality Act). The person must have been domiciled in Japan for five years or more consecutively and must have had a valid status of residence throughout the prescribed period of time.
Is Japan welcoming to foreigners?
There are many pros and cons to living in Japan and expats can feel overwhelmed with the list of dos and don'ts. Luckily, Japanese society is very welcoming of foreigners and forgiving should you commit a faux pas.
What is the easiest way to move to Japan?
One of the easiest ways to relocate to the Land of the Rising Sun is by securing a job before arriving. If you visit Japan and secure a job while on a tourist visa, you will still need to leave the country so that your Japanese employer can start the visa process.
How can someone move to Japan?
Before moving to The Land of the Rising Sun, make sure you have all the right documents. A visa is not required if you are a U.S. citizen, going for tourism or business, and staying under 90 days. You just need to have a valid U.S. passport and a return ticket. However, moving to Tokyo requires a visa.
Is it hard to live in Japan as a foreigner?
Living in Japan is very comfortable, but it will not be easy for you to feel like home. One of the aspects that struck me the most when I first arrived in Japan was that, unlike in Spain, in Japan people talk very little (or almost nothing) about controversial issues such as politics, religion or taxes.
Can you move to Japan without a job?
Moving to Japan, and any other developed country can be a great beneficial experience for your career and family's long-term goals, as these countries will have the capacity to provide many benefits such as the superb education and healthcare systems, unfortunately Japan does not currently allow foreigners to migrate ...
How long does it take to get a visa to Japan?
So that’s the skinny. If you want to move to Japan then you need to get a visa. If you want to visit for 6 months (180 days) and are on the above Visa Exempt list then by all means visit for 6 months.
How many days can you stay in Japan?
There is an unwritten but strongly agreed upon ’180’ day rule for a visitor in Japan. Meaning form the time you enter Japan to one year later you get 180 days in Japan. This means then that you could only do the ‘border’ trick once. Yes that is the case.
What is a spouse in Japan?
Spouse, etc. of a Japanese national (Examples: spouse of a Japanese national, biological child of a Japanese national)#N#Spouse, etc. of a permanent resident (Examples: spouse of a permanent resident, biological child of a permanent resident)#N#Long-term resident (Examples: persons with Japanese ancestry, Indochinese refugee settlers, the spouse or children of Japanese nationals left behind in China, etc.)#N#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.)
How long does a working holiday visa last?
Working Holiday Visas last for 6 months or one year and are only issued once. You must be in your home country to apply for one, and once approved you can then go to Japan.
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.)
What are some examples of cultural activities in Japan?
Cultural activities (Examples: unpaid internships, people studying the tea ceremony or Japanese flower arranging, etc.)#N#College student (Examples: college students, occasional students and research students, etc. enrolling in a university, etc. in Japan)#N#Precollege student (Examples: college students enrolling in a high school in Japan, students enrolling in a Japanese language school, etc.)#N#Training (Examples: trainees in a company, a local government, etc., participants in the Industrial Training and Technical Internship Program, etc. (* Including practical training for 90 days or less)#N#Family stays (Examples: The spouse and children, etc. of a foreign national on a long-term stay)
What level of Japanese do I need to pass the Japanese language test?
The test is delivered and written in full kanji, hiragana and katakana. You’d need to have a Grade 5 or 6 level of Japanese in order to understand and pass this test. Which means you’d have to have a high intermediate/ or advanced level. But not fluent.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Japan is an awesome place to live, work and play
Working and living in Japan is a dream for many people around the world, but if your uncertainty about your visa status in Japan is holding you back, don’t let that be what keeps you from your dreams of living in Japan.
Know before you land if you need a visa to Japan
Check below to see if your country is one of many that allows you get to Japan without a visa. If your country isn’t on the list, don’t worry. There are still ways to get to Japan.
Applying for a visa to go to Japan is not necessary for over 67 countries
If you want to just double check to see if your country is on the visa-exemption list for Japan, check this list below by the 日本国外務省 Nihonkoku Gaimusho Japanese Ministry of foreign affairs.
Nationalities that can stay in Japan for up to 90 days on non-extendable visas
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Iceland, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malta, Macedonia, Mauritius, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, The USA and Uruguay..
Easing restrictions for ASEAN nations
You may notice that in recent years, several ASEAN country passport holders cannot enter Japan and obtain a visa on arrival.
ASEAN countries that enter Japan without a visa
The ASEAN countries that can enter Japan without a visa as of today are Thailand, Brunei, and Indonesia (provided you register with your ePassport ahead of time). But notice that they can only stay in Japan for 15 days at a time.
Vietnamese, Indonesian and Filipino passport holders: Be aware of inaccurate news online
The MOFA website reports the following regarding Vietnamese and Filipino passport holders:
How long do you have to live in Japan to get a work visa?
It often requires you to have lived in Japan for around 10 years consecutively on a work visa, to even be able to apply. A shortcut to the application would be to get the “Highly Skilled Professional” visa, which is based on a rather complicated point system.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Japan?
The length of this visa ranges anywhere between 1 and 5 years. However, it is important to know that your visa is tied to the fact you are working.
How long do you have to study to get a work visa?
If you get accepted, you will study at the college for two years, after which you will receive a qualification that makes you eligible for a work visa. Courses available at vocational colleges vary widely, from architecture and civil engineering to photography and fashion.
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.
How long do you have to have a passport to visit Japan?
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 long does it take to get a pet in Japan?
CIB for details. Pets: The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. At a minimum, the process will take seven to eight months, though the process can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan.
How is driving in Japan?
Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Japan is complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high. City traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking; however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.
What is the phone number for Japan Automobile Federation?
Emergency Assistance: For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 in Osaka, 011-857-8139 in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 in Okinawa.
What is the NPA in Japan?
See our Road Safety page for more information. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. You can find further information in English on the NPA English website. Information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site. See the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website for car rental and driving in Japan.
How much alcohol can you drink in Japan?
Driving under the influence of alcohol could also land you immediately in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. Punishments can be up to 10,000 USD in fines and up to five years in prison.
What is the blood alcohol level in Japan?
Japan has a national 0.03 percent blood-alcohol-level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you’re found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury, you are subject to up to 15 years in prison.
