If you think two weeks, two months, or heck even two years may not be enough time to love & hate, but mostly cherish your time in Japan, then we are on the same page. The same I need to obtain a visa for entering and staying long-term in Japan page. Note Japan has strict visa requirements, and obtaining a long-term visa suitable for digital nomads can be complicated without company sponsorship.
What Kind of Visa Can You Get?
There are several long-term visa types for Japan, and the prerequisites and necessary documentation to obtain a long-term visa for Japan will vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and individual circumstances.
- Working Visa
- Highly Skilled Professional Visa
- Business Manager Visa
- General Visa
- Specified Visa
- Start-up Visa
- Diplomatic Visa
- Official Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa
Working Visa
A working visa can grant its holder access to Japan for three months to up to five years, depending on the case. The process to get a work permit for Japan starts with finding a sponsor in the country who will apply to the Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan for a COE (certificate of eligibility).
The commonly required documentation to obtain a visa in Japan includes:
- Passport
- One visa application form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)
- One photograph (nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia need to submit two photographs)
- Certificate of Eligibility - the original and one copy
- Authorized copies of marriage/birth certificates are required for dependents
Note Additional documents may be required based on the applicant’s nationality.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
The Highly Skilled Professional Visa, HSP or HSFP visa, is a point-based type of working visa obtained by scoring at least 70 points, where points are awarded to the applicant based on their educational and professional background, income, and academic achievements based on a fixed point chart created by the Japanese Immigration Authorities.
General Visa
A general visa is designed for its holder to engage in cultural activities. Exchange students, interns (unpaid), trainees, or students of Japanese language and culture all fall into this type. The allowed period of stay differs depending on the general visa holder's purpose.
- Cultural activities: three months, six months, one year, or three years.
- Students: From three months up to four years and three months.
- Training: three months, six months, or one year
- Dependent (family member of a foreign national): from three months up to five years.
Specified Visa
Foreign nationals who come to Japan on a working holiday program or for internships (paid), individuals with Japanese ancestry, or spouses/children of Japanese nationals/permanent residents can apply for a specified visa. The allowed period of stay ranges from three months up to five years, depending on the specified visa holder's purpose.
Start-up Visa
Entrepreneurs supported by municipalities in Japan and their spouses or children can apply for a start-up visa. Under the purpose of “business manager” the visa allows you a status of residence for 6 months, 1 year with more relaxed requirements, in certain designated regions like Tokyo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, etc.
Diplomatic Visa
Members of diplomatic missions receive diplomatic visas for a period of stay determined by the length of the mission of the person who has requested the diplomatic visa.
Official Visa
Individuals who come on the official business of foreign governments or international organizations recognized by the government of Japan and their family members receive an official visa. The period of stay ranges from 15 days to five years.
Digital Nomad Visa
Japan announced a new Digital Nomad Visa to launch by the end of March 2024. The period of stay is up to 6 months and cannot be renewed until at least 6 months have passed since departure from Japan. The requirements for Japan's newest visa are:
- Annual Income: Applicants must have an annual income of at least ¥10 million (approximately $68,300) from work outside Japan.
- Eligibility: The visa is available to citizens from 49 countries and territories, but specific details on the countries eligible were not mentioned in the initial summary.
- Healthcare: Applicants must have private healthcare, ensuring they are covered without relying on Japan’s national health system.
Note If any of these visas jump out at you please check the specific requirements with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country, as regulations change.
What Kind of Visa Will I Get?
I plan to apply for a digital nomad visa. Before the digital nomad visa was announced I planned to go for the business manager start-up visa and in fact, I still plan to go for the start-up visa after the digital nomad visa. I'll have more on that in a later note so stay tuned.
The nono-community is for nomads by nomads. If you have any questions or want to share your notes on Japan, visas, or experience with being nomadic we'd love to hear from ya!