If you’re planning on moving to Japan 🇯🇵, one of the first (and most important) steps is securing the right visa and residency status. Japan offers several visa types depending on whether you’re relocating for work, study, retirement, or family reasons.
In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the visa process for Japan in 2025, including key requirements, application tips, and useful resources.
For a complete relocation guide, check out 👉 Moving to Japan.
Step 1: Decide Why You’re Moving to Japan 🌏
The type of visa you need depends on your reason for moving. Some common categories include:
- Work Visa – For those relocating to Japan for employment (engineer, teacher, IT professional, etc.).
- Student Visa – For studying at a Japanese university or language school.
- Dependent Visa – For spouses and children of residents in Japan.
- Investor/Business Manager Visa – For those setting up or managing a business in Japan.
- Highly Skilled Professional Visa – For specialists with advanced careers and qualifications.
💡 If you’re relocating long-term, you’ll eventually want to look into permanent residency (after 5–10 years) or even Japanese citizenship.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents 📑
Before applying for a Japanese visa, you’ll need to prepare several documents:
- A valid passport (with enough time left before expiry).
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent passport-sized photo.
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – issued by a sponsor in Japan (employer, school, or family).
- Supporting documents depending on visa type (work contract, school admission letter, marriage certificate, etc.).
👉 More details can be found on the official Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) site: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa.
Step 3: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) 📝
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is often the most important part of the process.
- Your sponsor in Japan (employer, school, or family) applies for the COE on your behalf through the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
- Once issued, the COE proves that you meet the visa requirements.
- The COE usually takes 1–3 months to process.
Without a COE, most visa applications will not be accepted.
Step 4: Submit Your Visa Application at the Japanese Embassy 🏢
Once you have the COE, you can apply for your visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
- Submit your COE, application form, passport, and photos.
- Pay the visa fee (around ¥3,000–¥6,000 depending on type).
- Processing usually takes 5–10 working days.
If approved, you’ll receive your visa stamped into your passport.
Step 5: Enter Japan and Register as a Resident 🛬
When you land in Japan, immigration officials will:
- Issue your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) at the airport (for stays over 3 months).
- Stamp your visa with the official entry date.
Within 14 days of arrival, you must:
- Register your address at your local city hall.
- Enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance (if applicable).
- Set up your My Number ID, which is needed for taxes and other services.
Step 6: Extend or Change Your Visa (If Needed) 🔄
Most Japanese visas are valid for 1–3 years. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at your local immigration office.
💡 If your circumstances change (for example, switching jobs or getting married), you may need to change your visa category.
Step 7: Consider Permanent Residency or Citizenship 🏯
For those planning a long-term relocation to Japan, permanent residency is the next step:
- Permanent Residency – Usually available after 10 years of continuous residence (sometimes 3–5 years for highly skilled professionals or spouses of Japanese nationals).
- Citizenship – Requires 5+ years of residence, proof of integration into Japanese society, and renunciation of your previous nationality.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Application ✨
- Start early – Japanese visa processing can take months.
- Make sure all documents are accurate and translated into Japanese (if required).
- Keep copies of everything submitted.
- Stay in close contact with your sponsor (employer, school, or family).
Final Thoughts
The visa process for Japan may seem complex, but with the right preparation it becomes much more manageable. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or family, following these steps will put you on the path to your new life in Japan.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your move to Japan, Advance Moves makes relocating easier. Get an instant online removal quote today 👉 Moving to Japan.