Considerations Before Moving to Japan: A Guide to Obtaining a Visa

Table of Contents

• Overview of Application for Visa
  • Step. 1 Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
  • Step. 2 Apply for Japan Visa
  • Japan Visa Categories (work or long-term)
  • Japan Tourist Visa
    • • 70 Countries and Regions for Visa Exemptions ( 90 days stay* )
• Basic Criteria for Applying for CoE and Visa
• References:

When you think about moving to Japan, the first thing that probably comes to mind is getting a visa. There's a lot of confusion about the paperwork involved, especially since Japan offers over 30 different types of visas.

This article is for people who live outside Japan and are planning to move there for the first time. The process for getting a visa is different from what it is for those already in Japan, who might be renewing or changing their visa.

Before you start applying for a visa, it's important to learn about the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), also known as 在留資格認定証明書 in Japanese.

Overview of Application for Visa

Step. 1 Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

Applying for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is a key step before getting a Japanese visa. Although you apply from your own country, you'll need someone in Japan to apply for the CoE on your behalf, especially if you plan to stay for more than 3 months.

It's easy to mix up the CoE and the visa, but they're different. Think of the CoE as the first step: you need it to apply for a visa. Without the CoE, you can't get a Japanese visa. The CoE application is free and can take one to three months to process. It's crucial to plan your trip with this timeframe in mind.

Step. 2 Apply for Japan Visa

After you get the CoE, submit it along with your passport and other required documents to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Make sure your CoE is valid for at least 3 months when you apply.

Once your passport is returned with the Japanese visa, you're ready to plan your trip, like buying flight tickets.

Remember, there are different types of visas in Japan, like work, student, tourist, and single-entry visas. Each requires different documents. For detailed information on each type, you can visit the Immigration Service Agency's website here.

Japan Visa Categories (work or long-term)

Now that you understand the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and the process to apply for a Japanese Visa, let's look at the types of visas available, especially if you're considering working or staying long-term in Japan. Here's a brief overview of the different kinds of visas offered by the Japanese government:

Highly skilled Professional Visa

Working Visa

General Visa

Specified Visa

Start-up Visa

Diplomatic Visa

Official Visa

As of April 2023*

Japan Tourist Visa

If you're planning a tourist visit, the standard tourist visa allows a 90-day stay. However, for some countries, this might be only 15 or 30 days. This applies mainly to e-passport holders meeting ICAO standards, and there are restrictions for some countries (indicated with an asterisk). For specifics, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website.

70 Countries and Regions for Visa Exemptions ( 90 days stay* )

As of September 30, 2023

Tourists should ensure their return flight is within the visa period. If you're planning to change your visa status after arriving in Japan, be cautious. Airlines might not let you check in if your return ticket is outside your visa period, as they're responsible for flying you back if you're not allowed into Japan. So, book your return flight wisely.

Basic Criteria for Applying for CoE and Visa

• Japanese language
• Work experience
• Bachelor's degree (recommended)
• Strong motivation

References:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan. “Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay).” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Sept. 2023, www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan. “Work or Long-Term Stay.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Apr. 2023, www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/index.html.