Required Documents

Applying for a Visa

Below are the main documents required when applying for a visa* (details will vary depending on the applicant's nationality, reason for coming to Japan, etc., so for details please check the Japanese Immigration Services Agency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites).

*The difference between a “visa” and a “status of residence”:

A “visa” is what is affixed to a passport in advance by a Japanese overseas diplomatic office for the purposes of entering Japan. It is required for the passport-bearer to be allowed to enter the country. The “status of residence” is the status of a foreign national while staying in Japan, after entering the country. It defines the range of activities that the person can engage in while in Japan.

Foreign nationals residing in Japan are granted permission to enter the country at ports of entry based on their visa, and they are permitted to stay based on the status of residence that is granted at that time. The term “status of residence” is unfamiliar to many non-Japanese, so elsewhere on this website, the word “visa” is used to collectively refer to both visas and statuses of residence. However, this page explains the application steps in detail, so the terms “visa” and “status of residence” will be used on this page according to their strict definitions.

Short-Term Stay visas

Below are the main documents required when applying for a Short-Term Stay visa

• Passport
• Visa application
• Photograph
• Other documents as needed depending on individual circumstances

Long-Term Stay visas

• Passport
• Visa application
• Photograph
• Other documents as needed depending on individual circumstances
• Certificate of Eligibility

The documents needed when applying for a status of residence* vary depending on the category, but the following documents are required for almost all categories. For details regarding specific categories, please see the Japanese Immigration Services Agency page.

*The difference between a “visa” and a “status of residence”:

A “visa” is what is affixed to a passport in advance by a Japanese overseas diplomatic office for the purposes of entering Japan. It is required for the passport-bearer to be allowed to enter the country. The “status of residence” is the status of a foreign national while staying in Japan, after entering the country. It defines the range of activities that the person can engage in while in Japan.

Foreign nationals residing in Japan are granted permission to enter the country at ports of entry based on their visa, and they are permitted to stay based on the status of residence that is granted at that time. The term “status of residence” is unfamiliar to many non-Japanese, so elsewhere on this website, the word “visa” is used to collectively refer to both visas and statuses of residence. However, this page explains the application steps in detail, so the terms “visa” and “status of residence” will be used on this page according to their strict definitions.

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility
• Return envelope
• Documentation certifying content of employment in Japan, such as an employment contract, hiring notice, letter of invitation, etc.
• Academic history, resume, qualification certifications, and other documents certifying the applicant's personal history
• Photograph (3cm x 4cm)

• Application for Re-entry Permit
• Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (presented at time of application)
• Passport (presented at time of application)
• If the applicant cannot present a passport, a written explanation of why a passport cannot be presented
• When the application is submitted by a proxy, documentation certifying the identity of the proxy (presented at time of application)

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Obtaining a Visa and Status of Residence

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Visa Renewal