Visa & Status

The spouse/dependent visa is one of the most flexible in Japan’s immigration system — it allows work without employer sponsorship and is renewable as long as the sponsoring resident maintains their status. Getting the application right the first time matters. Here’s how it works. Two Main Family Visa Types 1. 家族滞在 (Kazoku Taizai) — Dependent Visa For family members of foreign nationals holding a work, student, or other qualifying visa in Japan. ...

Japan allows visa-free entry for citizens of over 60 countries — which means most visitors arrive without knowing the rules on length of stay, extension, or what activities are prohibited. Here’s what you’re actually allowed to do on a tourist entry to Japan. Visa-Free Countries (Visa Waiver Program) Citizens of the following countries can enter Japan without a visa for tourism and short-term stays: 90-day stays: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, most EU countries, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many others. ...

Quick Answer The most common work visa for foreigners in Japan is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, which covers IT, engineering, marketing, sales, and translation. Other key categories: Business Manager, Highly Skilled Professional (fast-track PR), Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Gino), and Working Holiday (18–30, select countries). Your visa category is tied to your job — not your nationality. Japan has more work visa categories than most countries, and choosing the wrong one — or misunderstanding which one applies to your situation — is a common and costly mistake. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of every major work visa type in Japan. ...

Quick Answer To get a Japan student visa (留学ビザ): (1) get accepted to a recognized Japanese school, (2) your school applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — takes 1–3 months, (3) once you receive the CoE, apply at your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate — takes 5–7 business days, (4) arrive in Japan and register at city hall within 14 days. You need to show ¥2–3 million in savings (or a sponsor letter). On a student visa you can work up to 28 hours/week (40 hours during school holidays) with a work permit — request it at airport immigration on arrival. ...