If you are a foreigner thinking of moving to Japan, and are curious about the visa process, this post is for you. In this comprehensive guide you will learn what documents and information (including photos) should be prepared when applying for an application visa, how long it takes, as well as many other things.

Since 1999, J-1 Visa has been the visa application program for Japanese people to live and work in the United States. For example, Steve Jobs made Apple Computer a worldwide business phenomenon after he moved to the USA on a J-1 work visa. There are many people interested in making Japan their home country by acquiring a job in the country. However, this is only possible when you have a job offer from a potential employer to sponsor your stay.

Did you know that Japan has one of the largest percentages of foreign residents in its population as a result of its economic status and employment opportunities? The Ministry of Justice in Japan reports that as a result, it receives about 600,000 visas per year for those wanting to live in this rich country. For the Japanese government to handle this level of activity, it has implemented an efficient system that includes a points-based immigration evaluation process.

Japan Visa

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Complete guide to the Japan visa, types of visas, the requirements and FAQs

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Most foreigners who want to visit Japan will have to apply for a Japan Visa before they travel.

Millions of people visit Japan every year – in fact, only in 2018, Japan received over 30 million tourists. And there is a lot to see in this exciting island nation, which is a perfect blend of modernism, tradition, history, and nature. Additionally, it is one of the safest countries in the world to visit and is expected to become even easier to obtain a Japan visa in 2020.

This article will detail the application process for obtaining a Japan visa, the types of Japanese visas, and answer other frequently asked questions.

Who Needs a Visa for Japan?

Whether you have to apply for a visa before you travel to Japan depends on two things:

• Your nationality: Citizens of several countries are exempt from holding a visa when they travel to Japan for short-stay purposes (tourism, social visits, business, etc). The policy allows them a visa-free stay of up to 90 days.
• The length and purpose of your stay: Even citizens of visa-exempt countries have to apply for a Japanese Visa if they want to enter the country for employment, studying, marriage, or any other long-term purpose, or a purpose which requires them to work.

See a more detailed list of the Japan Visa policy.

Types of Japan Visas

The Japanese government issues the following main categories of visas to foreign visitors:

• Short-Term Stay / Temporary Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to enter Japan for tourism, visits, business or other recreational or short-term purposes. Temporary Visas for Japan do not allow the holder to engage in employment and can be divided based on the purpose of travel into:
  • Japan Tourist Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to travel to Japan for tourism or visits to family or friends.
  • Japan Business Visa, which is issued to foreigners who are traveling to Japan to attend a meeting, conference, negotiate, or for any other business-related purposes.
  • Japan Transit Visa, which is issued to foreigners who are transiting through the territory of Japan on their way to a third country of destination.