Japan visa types
Explore Japan visa categories — work, study, family, visit, and more. Compare options, check requirements, and find the right visa for your situation.
19 visa types across 7 categories
Japan visa types each have different requirements, timelines, and eligibility rules. Browse by category to find the right option, with processing times and links to official Japan sources.
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Select your goal and we'll highlight the most relevant visa types.
Work visas
The Highly Skilled Professional is a residence status administered by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁), or ISA.
The Japan Engineer Specialist visa is a work status managed by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).
This status lets you work in industries identified as facing labor shortages in Japan. You must meet specific skill and language standards.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is for experienced foreign workers who have advanced skills in designated industries.
The Intra-company Transferee status allows you to work in Japan when your overseas employer sends you to a related entity in Japan.
Japan Technical Intern Training places you with an approved host organization so you can gain practical skills in Japan under a structured training plan.
Japan’s Working Holiday Visa lets young adults spend up to a year in Japan, working to support their stay.
The Japan Skilled Labor visa is an official status handled by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA).
The Japan Designated Activities visa covers specific activities that don’t fit standard residence statuses.
Study visas
The Japan student visa allows you to enter Japan for study after you complete two main steps: obtain a Certificate of Eligibility and submit a Form Visa.
Family visas
This status allows you to live in Japan as the legally recognized spouse or child of a Japanese national.
You use a specific Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) form when applying as the spouse or child of a Permanent Resident.
A dependent visa lets you live in Japan with your sponsoring family member while they hold a valid residence status.
Visit & tourism
A tourist visa allows short stays, usually up to 90 days. It covers tourism, business, or family visits, with single, double.
Residency & green cards
The Long-term Resident is a status managed by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) (ISA).
Japan permanent residence gives you an open-ended status with no activity restrictions and no need to renew your period of stay.
Other
This status lets you start or manage a business in Japan. You must show at least ¥5,000,000 in capital and a clear business plan when you apply through the.
Japanese citizenship through naturalization is a formal status granted by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA).
The Japan startup visa allows you to prepare for business establishment in specific government-designated zones.
Tips for choosing a visa type
- Match your purpose of travel to the right visa category before comparing options.
- Check official processing times — they vary by visa type and location.
- Review required documents early; some visas need employer or school sponsorship.
- Understand the difference between nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas.
- Use official government sources to verify eligibility — VisaMind provides guidance, not legal advice.
Looking beyond Japan? Visa requirements vary by destination. Start from the homepage to explore other countries.