Japan Business Visa - Definitive Guide

There are different kinds of business activities that are done when you have business bonds in different countries. In order to be able to enter Japan for carrying out any of the business activities, you will have to acquire a business visa to Japan. There are several benefits to this permit. With this visa, you can visit Japan to attend business meetings, exhibitions and conferences, business meetings for a branch of your own company or a sister company, or attend client meetings and other business errands. The validity offered by this visa is of 3 months and you can stay in the country for 15 days per visit. It even allows you multiple-entry to Japan.

Before going ahead with the application process, make sure that you have everything you need to issue a business visa to Japan. There are certain parameters set by the Japan Embassy to differentiate between applicants of different kinds of visas. The procedure for the visa application is given as follows:

1. Download the Japan business visa application form from the official website of the visa application centre.
2. Fill out all the required information on the form and go through the checklist provided.
3. Fulfil all the requirements that are asked by the authorities.
4. Attach all the supporting documents along with the photographs as per the specifications.
5. Submit the application form to your nearest branch of the visa application centre.
6. Pay the fee at the time of submission.
7. Collect your passport after the processing of the visa.

When you are filling out the form, you must make sure that you fill out all the correct information. The information provided must match the details on the passport and other documents. If in case, any issues are found with the application, there are chances that your visa may get refused. A visa refusal can affect applications for your further business visa for Japan applications or any other visa to any country. To avoid the same, it is safe to acquire a professional visa consultation.

When applying for the visa, there are eligibility criteria that you need to match. The criteria vary depending on the type of visa. The requirements for the business visa to Japan are given as follows:

• You must have proof of business ownership and purpose of visit

1. You must have proper proof of your business enterprise to show it to the authorities.
2. If you have been invited to a business conference or to attend a business or client meeting, an invitation letter from the company must be provided to the embassy.
• You must meet the health requirements

1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Japan.
2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements
1. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind doing business in Japan.
2. You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Japan.
2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are specific documents required as per the type of the visa. They may even vary from applicant to applicant depending on their visa history and the type of passport. The common Japan business visa requirements for Indian citizens are listed as follows:

• Original passport with validity at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel
• Completely filled visa application form
• Two photos as per the photo specifications
• Cover letter from the invitee company
• Proof of confirmed travel dates 
1. Air tickets
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Japan
1. Travel requisition by employer
2. Letter of mission
3. Latest Income Tax Returns
4. Bank Statement
• Proof of accommodation
1. Invitation letter
2. Hotel reservation

The Japan business visa photo requirements are as follows:

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 60-70% of the frame - 32mm x 36mm.
• Head should well-centred.
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the issuance of the business visa to Japan is about 5 to 7 working days. The time will still vary depending on certain factors like the workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters.

The fee for business visa to Japan is paid at the time of submitting the application form. The fees for Indian citizens is also determined based on the procedure that is to be followed. The visa fee will differ as per the purpose and other parameters as well.

After you have submitted the Japan business visa application form along with your passport and other documents, -

• You then have to do is wait for the processing before you can collect your passport.
• You can choose any feasible branch of the visa application centre as per your reach.
• Meet the checklist that is provided by the centre in order to get the visa sooner. 
• If the documents are missing, it will only take time for the processing and verification of the same.
• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

To carry out a visa status check, you can visit the official website of the visa application centre. You will need to enter your reference number and your date of birth to check the processing of the visa. Alternatively, you can call the helpline number provided by the visa application centre to know the status of your visa.

After the successful submission of the visa application form and getting the business visa stamp for Japan on your passport, there are certain measures that are to be taken. You must -

• Before you travel
1. Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Japan within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border

1. Once you enter the country, make sure that you fill out the landing card.
2. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
3. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
4. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
5. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Japan

1. Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
2. The business visa does not permit you to employ the residents or reside in the country.
3. It is a permit that allows you to only perform business and business-related operations in the country. You are still permitted tourism.
4. The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
5. Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for the visa extension in time.