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Japanese Visa Info
From Virtual Japan
A Japanese Visa is necessary if you want to stay in Japan for any type of non-vacation activity. But due to the extreme population density in Japan, the availability of Visas is very limited, as Japan in general discourages immigration.
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Basic Information
A number of different countries can get into Japan without a Visa at all, but the stay is limited to between 30 and 90 days (depending on country and reason of purpose). The United States and Canada can both stay for 90 days. However, a large number of European Countries can stay for up to 6 months, including Austria, Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Any individual staying for longer than that amount of time must retain a Visa, as well as individuals from smaller countries, especially in the Middle East (with the exception of Israel and Turkey).
Visa Types
Japanese law has 27 different residence and tourist visa types. Most of them require that the individual has a company or school sponsoring their stay, and the visas are typically for no more than three years and go to as low as 15 day visas for shorter, non residence stays. If you wish to get a Visa in Japan, you must qualify for one of the following visa types:
- Accounting or Law
- Artists – This includes all types of artists, writes and musicians, however you cannot get a visa for an income-paying job (getting paid to do a gig or showcase a gallery in Japan does not count as an income).
- Company Transfer – When you work in a company located in another country, and you are transferred to a Japan branch, you can get a company transfer visa. You must be there for a specific period of time.
- Diplomat or Official
- Education/Teaching – One of the most common Visa types is for education. Many individuals are flown in to teach English and other languages in Japan
- Cultural – There are also Visas for things related to Japanese culture, such as Martial arts. Much like the artist’s Visa, these individuals are not supposed to receive an income while they are there.
- Engineering – Engineering is one of the few very welcome industries that Japan accepts.
- Non Art Entertainment Industry – Television media, Comedians, industry employees and other forms of entertainment that do not qualify under the category of “artist.” Entertainment industry Visas may receive an income during their stay in Japan.
- Family – If you have a family member holding a Visa for any of the reasons of the list, you can get this type of Visa. This is different from a Japanese spouse or family member.
- Japanese National/Spouse – if you are married to someone in Japan or are related to someone in Japan, you can get this Visa type.
- Government Official or Employee
- Social Sciences, Humanities and International Relations - Social Sciences do not include therapists but rather research psychologists. It must be people studying and bringing knowledge.
- Investing and Managing – Management only includes those that manage investment firms and have offices that employ 2 or more full time employees.
- Media – Like the entertainment Visas, those that are from news organizations and TV stations can get a Visa. One need not be part of a major station for this to be the case (Documentarians and other freelance media employees can obtain these Visas as well).
- Those in the Medical Industry with certification.
- Exchange Students and Students from other countries that have gotten into Japanese colleges.
- Permanent Residency – To apply for permanent residency Visas, you must live in Japan for 5 years. Since most Visas are only for 3 years or less, this is a difficult task. You can also apply for permanent residency if you are married to a Japanese Citizen.
- Lecturers and Professors – University level only. Others apply for the teaching visas.
- Religion – For missionaries and religious individuals attempted to promote some type of religious work.
- Non Humanities and Social Science Research
- Non-University Students – High school students and language school students. Most often exchange students enrolled in a school outside of Japan.
- Settlement Visas – These are permanent residencies that do not qualify for permanent resident visa status.
- ”Short Term Resident” – These are tourist visas for extended stays.
- Miscellaneous Activities – Visas for activities not included on this list can apply to the Justice Ministry which approves them on a case by case basis.
- Child and Spouse Permanent Residencies – When a Permanent Resident (non-Japanese national) gets a Visa, the Child and Spouse of that individual can get Visa as well. However, the Visa is not itself a permanent residency visa, and working is only allowed if the immigration office says it is.
- Technical Skill
- Training
Alien Registration
All of those that are planning to stay beyond 90 days (or 180 days depending on the country) must apply not only receive a new visa but must register as an Alien with the ministry. You also need this registration if you wish to work.
How to Immigrate to Japan
Due to the length you need to stay in Japan, you must be able to qualify for multiple Visas. Never let your Visa expire, and try to renew your Visa whenever possible. Once you have renewed your Visa for at minimum 5 years, you can apply for naturalization and permanent residence.