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For foreigners who wish to stay in Japan for a short period of time, a short-term visa (status of residence) is essential. Obtaining this visa allows you to do things like sightseeing, business, and visiting relatives. This article will explain in detail the overview of short-term visas, the application conditions, and the necessary documents.
What is a short-term visa?
A short-term visa is a status of residence that allows you to stay in Japan for a period of 15, 30, or 90 days. This status is used for non-work activities that do not involve remuneration, such as sightseeing, visiting relatives, and business.
Target activities
- Tourism and recreation: touring tourist spots in Japan and staying for relaxation purposes.
- Visiting relatives: visiting family and relatives living in Japan.
- Business: short-term business activities such as attending meetings, business negotiations, and business contacts.
- Other: cultural exchanges, participating in sporting events, attending seminars, etc.
Period of Stay
- The period of stay can be 15, 30, or 90 days.
- You can declare the desired number of days when applying, but the period will be decided by the Immigration Bureau based on the contents of your application and the purpose of your activities.
Conditions for applying for a short-term stay visa
There are several conditions that must be met in order to obtain a visa.
1. The purpose of your stay must be clear
The specific details of what you will do during your stay must be clear and consistent.
2. You must be able to pay for your expenses during your stay
You must show sufficient financial backing to cover your living expenses during your trip and stay, and the cost of returning home. For example, a bank balance certificate or income certificate.
3. You must have a definite intention to return home
Documents showing that you will return home after your stay are complete are required. For example, a reservation confirmation for a return flight.
4. Remunerative activities are prohibited
A short-term stay visa does not allow you to do any work to earn an income.
Cases where short-term visas are waived
Japan has visa exemption arrangements with some countries and regions, and nationals of these countries and regions do not need to obtain a visa to stay in Japan for a short period of time.
Main exempt countries and regions
71 countries (as of April 2024), including South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia.
The length of stay varies depending on the country or region.
For more information, please check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Required documents for short-term stay visa
The following documents are required when applying for a short-term stay visa for tourism.
- Application form for permission to acquire status of residence
Use the format specified by the Japanese embassy or consulate. - Photograph
Submit a recent photograph in the specified size. - Passport
A valid photograph with sufficient time left until expiration. - Stay schedule
Details of the dates and places to be visited. - Documents proving ability to pay expenses
Bank balance certificate, salary slip, employment certificate, etc. - Documents guaranteeing return to Japan
Reservation confirmation for return flight and letter from employer guaranteeing reinstatement after return to Japan, etc.
For more information, please see the Immigration Services Agency’s “Short-term stay” status of residence page here.
If you are unsure of what you need specifically or have questions about how to fill out the application form, please contact us using the inquiries form here.
Summary
A short-term stay visa is a convenient residence status for foreigners visiting Japan. However, if you do not apply correctly, it may be difficult to obtain. It is important to prepare the documents according to your purpose, such as tourism, business, or visiting relatives, and complete the procedures with a flexible schedule.
Also, if your country is subject to visa exemption measures, you may not need to apply, so we recommend that you check in advance. For the latest information, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you have any concerns, it is a good idea to consult an expert or embassy.