Visa and necessary documents when coming to Japan
If you are a foreigner who is planning to travel, visit relatives or work in Japan, you will need a visa or equivalent documents to enter and stay here.
The types of visas commonly required to enter and stay in Japan include:
- Tourist Visa: allows foreigners to stay in Japan for a maximum period of 90 days. This visa is usually required if you are only coming to Japan for tourism or to visit relatives.
- Business Visa: allows foreigners to come to Japan to work within the framework of business activities. This visa can be valid for up to 1 year.
- Work Visa: allows foreigners to come to Japan to work. This visa can be valid from 3 months to 5 years depending on the type of labor contract you sign with a Japanese employer.
- Study Visa: allows foreigners to come to Japan for study or research. This visa can be for a period of 3 months to 2 years depending on your study program.
To apply for a visa, you need to prepare documents such as passport, photograph, visa application, proof of financial and documents related to the purpose of the trip. You can apply for a visa in person at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa application process may vary depending on your country, so contact the Embassy or Consulate for more details.
In addition, if you are coming to Japan for a short-term purpose (less than 90 days) and from certain countries that have an agreement with Japan, you may be able to get a visa exemption and be considered a “visa-free visa”. However, you also need to prepare equivalent documents such as passport and travel card to enter and stay in Japan.
