japan visa

Japan Visa for Indian Passport Holders - [2024]

Japan, often called the 'Land of the Rising Sun', has 20 world heritage sites and is famous for its beautiful nature, gardens, temples, festivals, delicious food, history, and theme parks. That's why millions of tourists visit every year.

If you're an Indian citizen planning to visit Japan, you'll require a Japan visa. Here, we've provided a guide to help you through the steps of obtaining one.

What is Japan Visa?

japan visa

Japan is a rule-following country. There are certain formalities that you need to take care of in case you are willing to visit Japan soon. The foremost thing that you do is applying a visa for Japan in India. There are multiple assets associated with the issuance of this visa. As per the type, the visa will allow the holder to travel the country for tourism, for business, visiting friends and family, and for pursuing higher education or employment in the country. The validity of the visa will differ from type to type and so will the eligibility and document requirements. Issuing a visa to Japan from India is mandatory for all the nationals of India.

How to apply for Japan Visa from India?

To apply for a Japan visa from India, you generally need to follow these steps:

Determine the Type of Visa: Identify the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel to Japan. Common types include tourist visas, business visas, work visas, student visas, etc.

Gather Required Documents: Check the official website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in India to find the list of required documents for your specific visa type. Generally, you'll need:

  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Valid passport
  • Travel itinerary
  • Proof of financial capability to cover your expenses in Japan
  • Supporting documents based on your visa type (such as invitation letters, employment certificates, etc.)

 

[To get a clear idea of all the documents needed for a Japan visa, contact our visa consultants. They'll help you navigate the visa process smoothly, ensuring timely processing and reducing the chances of visa rejection.]

Schedule an Appointment: Some visa application centers may require you to schedule an appointment to submit your documents and biometrics.

Complete the Application Form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. Any discrepancies or incomplete information may result in delays or denial of your visa application.

Submit Your Application: Visit the designated visa application center or embassy/consulate to submit your application along with the required documents. Make sure to pay the visa application fee, which is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.

Biometric Data Submission: Depending on the requirements, you may need to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and a photograph.

Wait for Processing: The processing time for a Japan visa varies depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Collect Your Passport: Once your visa application is processed, collect your passport from the visa application center or embassy/consulate. If approved, your passport will have the visa stamped inside.

Check Visa Validity and Conditions: Verify the validity dates and any conditions attached to your visa. Make sure you understand the terms of your visa before traveling to Japan.

It's important to note that visa requirements and procedures may change over time, so it's always best to check the latest information on the official website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in India before applying.

Japan Visa Types

Japan offers different types of visas for tourists, business travelers, and students. Whether you're visiting for sightseeing or studying, Japan's visa system has options for various purposes and lengths of stay.

Short-Term Visas:

  • Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa):
    • Intended for individuals visiting Japan for tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or attending cultural events.
    • Typically valid for short stays, usually up to 90 days.
    • Single or multiple-entry options may be available depending on the applicant's nationality.
  • Business Visa:
    • Designed for short-term business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, or market research.
    • Allows engagement in specific business activities during the stay.
    • Available for single or multiple entries, depending on circumstances and nationality.
  • Transit visa:
    • Transit visas are for a quick visit, usually allowing travelers to stay for a short time.
    • They're for people just passing through a country on their way to another destination.
    • With transit visas, you can usually only do touristy stuff during your short stay.

 

Long-Term Visas:

  • Work Visa (Working Visa):
    • Issued to individuals with confirmed employment in Japan, enabling them to work for a Japanese company or organization.
    • Valid for the duration of the work contract or specific project.
    • Generally allows for multiple entries during its validity period.
  • Student Visa:
    • Granted to individuals enrolled in Japanese educational institutions, including universities, language schools, or vocational schools.
    • Valid for the duration of the academic program.
    • Often permits multiple entries to facilitate travel during breaks or holidays.
  • Spouse or Dependent Visa:
    • For family members of individuals holding long-term visas (e.g., work or student visas) in Japan.
    • Allows spouses, children, and dependents to accompany the primary visa holder and reside in Japan.
    • Generally allows for multiple entries during its validity period.
  • Permanent Resident Visa:
    • Provides indefinite residency status in Japan for individuals who meet specific residency requirements.
    • Offers nearly the same rights as Japanese citizens, including work and access to social services.
    • Allows for multiple entries and stays in Japan without the need for visa renewals.

 

Other Categories:

  • Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa:
    • For professionals in specific fields like humanities, international services, research, and technical expertise.
    • Valid for the duration of employment contracts or project assignments.
    • May allow for multiple entries based on the nature of the work.
  • Cultural Activities Visa:
    • Intended for individuals engaged in cultural or artistic pursuits in Japan, such as traditional arts, music, language studies, or academic research.
    • Duration varies based on the nature of the cultural activity.
    • May offer multiple-entry privileges for ease of travel.
  • Investor/Business Manager Visa:
    • Designed for individuals investing in or managing businesses in Japan.
    • Offers longer-term stays aligned with business engagements or investment cycles.
    • Generally allows for multiple entries to facilitate business operations.
  • Entertainer Visa:
    • For individuals in the entertainment industry, including performers, musicians, artists, and athletes, working temporarily in Japan.
    • Valid for the duration of the entertainment activities or performances.
    • May permit multiple entries during its validity period.

 

Each visa category has its own specific requirements, application procedures, and permitted activities. Applicants should thoroughly review the guidelines provided by the Japanese authorities before initiating the application process.

Japan Visa Requirements

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 visa requirements for Indian passport holders 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
  • Proof of confirmed travel dates 
    • Air tickets
  • Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Japan
    • Travel Requisition from the Employer (if sponsored)
    • Latest Income Tax Returns
    • Bank Statement
  • Proof of accommodation
    • Invitation letter (Original)
    • Hotel reservation

      Japan visa documents requirements

Japan Visa Photo Requirements

To apply for a Japan visa, you need to provide two colored copies of a photo that meets the following specifications:

japan visa photo specifiations

  • Photo size: 45mm x 45mm.
  • The face should cover about 60-70% of the frame, approximately 32mm x 36mm.
  • The head should be well-centered.
  • Maintain a gap of 2mm to 6mm between the top of the head and the frame.
  • The picture must not be older than 6 months.
  • The background must be white.
  • Maintain a neutral expression.
  • Glasses are not permitted.
  • Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
  • Clothing should not match the background.

Japan Visa Fees in India

The Japan visa fee for Indian applicants is estimated based on several parameters and it will vary as per the type of visa too. It is to be paid to the visa application centres along with the service charges. Also, you must pay the fee only in cash, else if you do not have access to a visa application centre branch, you can send in the fee with a demand draft.

Entry Purpose Stay Duration Validity Fees
Single entry Normal Visitor 30 days 3 months 1160.0
Stay Single entry Normal Medical Stay 30 days 3 months 1160.0
Single entry Normal Visitor 30 days 3 months 1160.0
Term Work Single entry Normal Long Term Work 90 days 12 months 1160.0
Single Entry Normal Dependant 30 days 1 year 1050.0
Single entry Normal Visitor 90 days 3 months 510.0
Stay Single entry Normal Medical Stay 90 days 3 months 510.0
Single entry Normal Visitor 90 days 3 months 510.0
multiple entry Normal Visitor 30 days 3 months 510.0
Single entry Normal Employment 90 days 12 months 1160.0

Japan Visa Status

In order to perform a Japan 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. 

Where to apply?

You will have to apply offline to the visa application centre to get the visa. You can download and fill out the visa application form.  After this process is done, the application form is to be printed and signed by the applicant and submitted to the visa application centre with the required supporting documents.

When the process is completed by the centre, you will be called for an interview if required. After the interview, you can indirectly or directly reach out to the visa application centre for the submission of the final documents (if required) and the visa stamp will then be provided.

At times, the process may seem complicated and the formalities involved can seem difficult to be carried out individually. In such cases, professional visa consultation can be considered by the visa agencies.

This will allow you to have your documents handled professionally and the procedure may even be quicker than the normal process. Professional consultation also minimizes the chances of visa rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Extend My Japan Visa?

Before going ahead with the extension of your visa for Japan, you must first have a legitimate reason to extend the same.

You must apply about 90 days before the expiration of the visa. The application can be addressed to the Japan Immigration Bureau.

Your application will be processed once you pay the required fee and provide a credible reason to stay in the country.

 

 

What is the medical test for Japan Visa?

A medical test is carried out to make sure that the candidate is fit for the journey. However, this medical test is not necessarily carried out for short-term visas and the process is mainly mandated for long-term visas like a resident permit or work visa.

How Much Bank Balance Required to Get Japan visa?

The amount that is required in your savings bank account is not specified clearly by the Japan Consulate/ Embassy.

There may be requirements as per the type of your visa and whether the visa is a long-term or a short-term visa.

You may need to confirm this information once you know what kind of visa you require. The requirements may change based on several other factors.

Will my application for a Japan visa be rejected if I am unemployed?

No, you do not have to worry about your visa getting rejected because of your unemployment. To get accepted, you will need credible and genuine proof of sufficient funds.

If you have enough money to travel to Japan being unemployed, there is no problem in getting the visa for Japan accepted.

 

 

How long does Japan visa approval take?

Typically, it takes about five working days to process a Japan visa application, starting from the day after you submit it. But sometimes, if there are lots of applications at once, it might take longer.

 

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