Japan Visa for Indians

The land of the rising sun, Japan is known for its ancient culture, scenic beauty, mouth-watering cuisine and sumo wrestling. It has over a dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. The country is also well-loved because of anime & pop culture, attracting many tourists. To visit Japan, Indians must apply for a Japanese visa before exploring this country.

Individuals
Sr. Citizens
Students

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About Japan Visa

A Japan visa is a legal permit that authorises foreigners to enter Japan. It is issued to foreign nationals who want to travel to Japan for a specified time and various purposes. This also includes people who need to transit through Japan. Take a look at some essential features of the Japan Visa for Indians:

Categories	Specification
Japan Visa Fees for Indian Applicants*	INR 500 INR 50 for Transit Visa for Japan
Japan Visa Service Fee	As per VFS Global
Japan Travel Insurance	Strongly Recommended
Japan Visa Processing Time	5 days from acceptance of application
Japan Visa on Arrival for Indians	Not Available
Japan Electronic Visa	Available from April 2024

*Values will vary depending on the category of the visa applied

In India, the Embassy of Japan and the Consulates issue a Japan visa. However, the Embassy of Japan has delegated its visa application services to VFS Global Services, its official partner in India. The company handles the entire Japan visa process and assists the Japan Embassy/Consulates in accepting Japan visa applications and collecting the required Japan visa fees for Indian applicants.

All applicants of Japan visas for Indians are also advised to obtain travel insurance for Japan to stay prepared for any unforeseen adversities. Since April 2024, you can also avail the facility of the Japan e visa for Indian tourists.

Documents Required for Japan Visa for Indian Citizens

To apply for a Japan visa, all applicants must submit the required documents at the VFS Global visa application centre. Take a look at the list of documents under Japan visa requirements for Indian citizens:

A valid Indian passport with at least two empty pages
Copy of the first and last page of the passport
Old passports (if any)
Duly signed Japan visa application form
One colour photograph (not older than 6 months)
Latest income tax return or bank statement for the last six months
Consent letter from the parents/spouse (if the applicant is a student or a minor)
Parents/spouses bank statement for the previous six months (if the applicant is a student or a minor)
Proof of relationship between the applicant and their dependent, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. (if accompanied by dependents)

Take a look at the following table to learn about the additional documents required for different Japan visas for Indian citizens:

Types of Japan Visa for Indians		Documents Required
Short-Term Visa	Single Entry Visa	For Vacation: Cover letter mentioning the purpose of the visit and day-to-day details Hotel booking details with day-wise itinerary Reservation certificate Proof of relationship between the applicant and dependents, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. (if accompanied by dependents) For Visiting Family/Friends: Proof of relationship with the inviter in Japan, such as birth certificate, photos, marriage certificate, etc. Original invitation letter from the inviter Stay schedule in Japan from the inviter Certified copy of the inviter’s family register List of all invited applicants by the inviter Original letter of guarantee (if the inviter is the guarantor) Multiple proofs of the financial standing of the inviter, such as income certificate, deposit balance certificate, etc. (if the inviter is the guarantor) Copy of inviter’s passport (if the inviter is a foreign national) Copy of the inviter’s valid residence card (if the inviter is a foreign national) Inviter’s residence certificate (if the inviter is a foreign national) For Business/ Research Work/ Conference: Cover letter from the employer Employment certificate Original invitation letter from a company in Japan or trading goods materials, conference materials, transaction contract between both companies Reservation certificate Stay schedule in Japan List of all invited applicants by the company in Japan Original letter of guarantee (if the company in Japan is the guarantor) Certified copy of Japan-based company’s incorporation register or company’s overview (Not required if the company listed at the stock exchange) Employment certificate of the inviter (if the inviter is an individual) For Conference/ Internship/ Interview of Students: NOC or Bonafide letter from the applicant’s institute in India Original invitation letter from a company in Japan Travel booking details Stay schedule in Japan Original letter of guarantee (if the company in Japan is the guarantor) Certified copy of Japan-based company’s incorporation register or company’s overview (Not required if the company listed at the stock exchange) Employment certificate of the inviter (if the inviter is an individual)
	Multiple Entry Visa	For Temporary Visitors: Current or old passports showing Japan visa or G7 countries’ visa Income tax returns for the last 2 years or bank statements (Not required if visited Japan more than once in the previous year) Proof of eligibility for multiple entry visa For Business Person: Proof of the company’s eligibility for multiple entry visa Reason for requesting a multiple entry visa Original invitation letter from a company in Japan mentioning the need for a multiple entry visa Latest income tax return or bank statement for the last six months Reason for requesting a multiple entry visa for dependents (if accompanied by dependents) For Researchers/ Intellectuals: Reason for requesting a multiple entry visa Original invitation letter from the inviter mentioning the need for a multiple entry visa Proof of eligibility for multiple entry visa, such as employment certificate, curriculum vitae, etc. Latest income tax return or bank statement for the last six months Reason for requesting a multiple entry visa for dependents (if accompanied by dependents) For 5-Year Business Visa (With Above-Mentioned Documents): Request letter from a recognised company or employer Request letter from Chamber of Commerce or other business organisations in India, such as ASSOCHAM, FICCI, etc.
Long-Term Visa		For Applicants with Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Original and a copy of Certificate of Eligibility Copy of educational documents, such as mark sheets Experience certificate Curriculum vitae Parents/ Sponsor’s latest income tax return or bank statement for the last six months (if the applicant wants to travel to Japan to study) For Spouse/Children of COE Holders: Original and a copy of Certificate of Eligibility for each dependent family member Proof of relationship between the COE holder and the applicant, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. For Family Members of Employment Visa Holders: Confirmed travel booking details Proof of relationship between the Japan visa holder and the applicant, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. Proof of applicant’s family member/ inviter’s employment in Japan Copy of inviter’s passport with the valid Japan visa Copy of inviter’s residence certificate or alien registration certificate Original and a copy of Certificate of Eligibility for each dependent of the inviter Inviter’s latest income tax return or bank statement for the last six months Employment certificate of the inviter Original letter mentioning the reason for inviting parents or spouse’s parents to Japan
Medical Visa		Certificate from a Japan-based medical institution mentioning the planned medical treatment and reference of a guarantor Medical treatment plan (if multiple trips to Japan is required) Certificate of eligibility (if the patient needs to stay for more than 90 days)
Transit Visa		Cover letter mentioning the purpose of the visit and day-to-day details Confirmed travel booking details Copy of destination country’s visa

Japan Visa Types for Indians

Japan Visa for Indians

All Indian citizens who wish to travel and stay in Japan must apply for a Japan visa from India. Whether they are travelling for a few days or months, they will be allowed to enter Japan only if they have a valid Japan visa.

Even transit passengers who have to spend a few hours/days in Japan while travelling to another country need to obtain a transit visa to enter Japan. These are the types of Japanese visas for Indians available depending on the length and purpose of their visit:

Short-Term Visa

This type of Japan visa is issued to Indians who want to visit and stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days. It is granted to people visiting Japan for tourism, attending conferences/seminars, visiting friends/family, conducting business and research activities, etc.
People with this type of visa are not allowed to undertake any paid work during their stay in Japan. The Short-Term Japan visa is available in two types:
- Single Entry Short-Term Visa
- Multiple Entry Short-Term Visa
Work or Long-Term Visa

This type of Japan visa is issued to Indian nationals who wish to travel to Japan for more than 90 days. It is granted to people who want to travel and stay in Japan to take up employment activities. These are of the following types:
- Highly Skilled Professional Visa
- Working Visa
- General Visa
- Specified Visa
- Start-up Visa
- Diplomatic Visa
- Official Visa
All of these visas have further subdivisions and have varying documentation requirements.
Visa for Medical Stay

This type of Japan visa is issued to people who must travel to Japan to provide medical facilities. Medical visas are also granted to people accompanying medical patients to Japan.
Transit Visa

This type of Japanese visa is issued to those transiting through Japan while travelling to another country. It is granted to people with a layover in Japan before continuing their journey to the destination country. This visa allows holders to stay in Japan for a maximum of 15 days and permits only limited activities, including sightseeing and leisure.

Visa Guide

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How to Apply for a Japan Visa for Indians?

Applicants can apply for a Japan visa for Indi'ans at the nearest VFS Global visa application centre holding jurisdiction over their state or union territory. Take a look at Japan visa requirements for Indian citizens:

Visit the official website for VFS Global for Japan
Go to the menu bar and select the Apply for a Visa option
Scroll down to click on the View More option under Begin your Application section
Click on the link to download the Japan visa application form
Duly fill up the application form after downloading it
Visit the nearest visa application centre covering jurisdiction over your city
Submit the Japan visa application form along with other required documents at the centre
Pay the necessary Japan visa cost for Indian applicants

The applicant will be notified by email when they receive their Japan visa. They can also track their Japan visa application status online.

Japan Visa Fees

All Japan visa applications attract a fee that must be paid to complete the application procedure. The Japan visa fee differs depending on the type of visa. Look at the table below to check the visa fee for different types of Japan visas for Indians:

Type of Japan Visa for Indians	Japan Visa Fees (Excluding Service Fee)*
Short-Term Visa	Rs 500
Long-Term Visa	Rs 500
Medical Visa	Rs 500
Transit Visa	Rs 50

*VFS Global will attract an additional service fee and the Japan Visa fees for which the applicant is eligible. The applicant can pay the Japan visa fees at the visa application centre.

Travel Insurance for Japan Visa

For people who love ancient cultures and modern technologies, Japan is a stunning place to visit and explore. Japan is also among the safest countries in the world, with very polite locals. Most of its cities are safe for tourists. However, things can always go wrong during the trip. For instance, getting sick, missing a flight, cancelling the trip, losing a wallet, etc. Such incidents can not only spoil the trip but can also lead to major financial losses.

Thankfully, all of these losses can be tackled with the help of Japan travel insurance plan. A travel insurance policy for Japan can cover unpredictable events encountered during the trip that can cause a loss of money. It provides coverage against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, loss of passport, flight hijack, missed connection flight, etc.

Travel insurance is not compulsory to obtain a Japan visa for Indians. The Embassy of Japan will issue a valid visa even if the applicant does not buy international travel insurance for the trip. However, applicants for Japan visas are advised to buy travel insurance to prevent incurring financial losses due to adversities faced during the trip.

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Japan Visa Processing Time India

The Embassy of Japan takes at least five working days to process a visa application after receiving all the required documents. Japan visa tracking facility is available online, and you can easily track the status of your Japan visa online.

How to Check Japan Visa Status?

Indian applicants can check their Japan visa application status online by following the steps mentioned below:

Visit the official website of VFS Global for Japan
Go to the menu bar and select the Track your application option
Click on the link to track your Japan visa application centre online
Enter the reference number mentioned on the receipt issued by the visa application centre
Fill in your last name and submit the details
The current status of your Japan visa application will be displayed

Japan Visa Photo Requirements

All Indians must provide the required documents along with a completed Japan visa application form. This includes meeting stated Japan visa photo requirements as per their standards. To avoid any delay or rejections, make sure to meet the following Japan visa photo specifications:

The size of your photos must be as per the standards of Japan visa photo size: must be 45mm&45mm (2 inches & 2 inches)
The photos should have a white background
Your photos should not be older than 6 months
The photos should be clear, coloured, easily identifiable and have no edges

In case of any doubts, you can refer to the official website for Japan visa form sample. It includes details about Japan visa photo requirements and more.

FAQs

Q: How to book a Japan visa appointment?

Ans: Indians must visit the nearest VFS Global visa application centre for a Japan visa application. At the designated VAC, you can submit the documents and pay the Japan visa fees. Before booking your Japan visa appointment, you can check the working hours of the nearest visa application centre on the official website of VFS Global for Japan.
Q: Who are my dependents if I apply for a Japan visa?

Ans: Your spouse and children are your dependents while applying for a Japan visa.
Q: What if the Certificate of Eligibility does not arrive when I apply for a visa?

Ans: From March 17, 2023, you can receive your COE or certificate of eligibility by email. If you don't get a physical copy, you can also present the email or a printout containing your COE.
Q: Is there any Japan visa on arrival for Indian tourists?

Ans: No, Japan visa types don’t include visa upon arrival for Indians. However you can easily apply for Japan e visa for Indian visitors.
Q: What are some reasons for Japanese visa application rejection?
Ans: Your Japan visa application form can be rejected for several reasons, such as:
- If the application has been made in another country (different from your residence)
- If your previous visa application for Japan was rejected and it has been less than 6 months before your re-application
- If your Japan visa application has been made by someone not qualified to make your proxy application
- IF your COE is still pending
Q: Where do I need to collect my passport after a Japan visa has been issued?

Ans: If you have been issued a Japan visa for Indians, you must collect your passport from the visa application centre where you submitted your application. Some visa application centres also provide passport courier services, where your passport is sent to your address after the visa has been issued.
Q: How to get Japan visa from India?

Ans: You can apply for Japan electronic visa online or visit the Japanese VAC, depending on your Japan visa types.
Q: Is there any digital nomad visa Japan?

Ans: Yes, international professionals can apply for a Japanese digital nomad visa to live and work in Japan for up to 6 months. They must meet the eligibility requirements for Japanese digital nomad visa, such as a minimum annual income of JPY 10 million. However, this Japanese digital nomad visa is only available for people from 49 countries.

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