Japan
AI-assisted translation. Check the original text to confirm details.
What the source says
For work or long stays, Japan generally advises obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility before applying for the consular visa.
Organise your research
Write down your purpose, nationality and country of residence. List questions about documents, costs, timing and family members. Compare the application category with your plan before making decisions.
Before the next step
This guide is an editorial starting point. Open the source below, check the current version and seek qualified advice when your case needs individual assessment. Approval is not promised.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Japan
www.mofa.go.jp · Source checked on 13/11/2026This is a summary of the publication. The full text and requirements are available from the original source.
Read the original source ↗Visas and documents: destination context
Country reference guide. These routes are not new measures announced by the news; each has its own requirements.
Guides to the main routes, not a list of every existing visa. Nationality, residence, age, family and consulate can change the required evidence.
Sources checked · 2026-11-13StudyStudent
The school normally participates in the COE process. The certificate supports the visa but guarantees neither approval nor entry.
Official name
Student
Documents to organise
- Valid passport or travel document
- Category application, completed and signed where required
- Photograph meeting the specifications
- Admission or enrolment at an eligible institution and course
Depending on your case and the official checklist
- Financial evidence accepted for this category
- Diplomas, transcripts and qualification recognition
- Certified translations and legalisation/apostille where requested
Route forms and references
- Certificate of Eligibility · COE
How to proceed
- Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.
- Confirm admission, enrolment, payments and institution-issued documents.
- Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.
- After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.
Sources by route
WorkWorking visa
The activity must match an authorised residence status. The sponsor in Japan normally arranges the COE before the visa.
Official name
Working visa
Documents to organise
- Valid passport or travel document
- Category application, completed and signed where required
- Photograph meeting the specifications
Depending on your case and the official checklist
- Contract or job offer accepted for the category
- Diplomas, transcripts and qualification recognition
- Evidence of experience and professional licensing
- Certified translations and legalisation/apostille where requested
Route forms and references
- Certificate of Eligibility · COE
How to proceed
- Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.
- Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.
- After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.
Sources by route
Join familyDependent
Dependent is a distinct category. Check eligible family relationships and sponsor statuses, including evidence for the COE.
Official name
Dependent
Documents to organise
- Valid passport or travel document
- Category application, completed and signed where required
- Photograph meeting the specifications
Depending on your case and the official checklist
- Certificates and evidence of family or partner relationship
- Family member’s identity and immigration status or nationality
- Supporting family member’s income, maintenance and accommodation
- Certified translations and legalisation/apostille where requested
Route forms and references
- Certificate of Eligibility · COE
How to proceed
- Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.
- Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.
- After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.
Sources by route
Check fees, minimum income, document validity and timing with the route source. Confirm translations and legalisation with the responsible consulate. Visa, entry, residence and permission to work are different steps; approval is not guaranteed.
Explore guide ↗Information for careful decisions
Rules may change. Check dates, requirements and updates with the official source. This content is informational and does not replace professional advice.
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