Before you get into the specifics of any one visa category, three eligibility questions apply across almost all of them:
Does your nationality need a visa at all? Japan waives visa requirements for short tourist and business stays for nationals of roughly 74 countries. If you're not from one of them, you'll need a visa even for a short visit. See Visa-Exempt Countries List.
Can you show you're financially self-sufficient? Most long-stay categories — and the tourist visa itself for some nationalities — require evidence you (or a sponsor) can support the stay: bank statements, an employment contract with salary details, or a sponsor's tax documents. See Financial & Income Requirements.
Do you meet any language requirements? Most work visas have no formal Japanese-language test requirement, but this is actively shifting. As of 2026, JLPT N2 is under discussion for renewals in some work categories, though not yet universally required, and Specified Skilled Worker visas do have their own language and skills tests baked in. See Japanese Language Requirements.
These pages are a starting checklist, not a substitute for verifying current rules with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) or a Japanese embassy — eligibility details change more often than the visa categories themselves.
Once you've confirmed you qualify, move on to How to Apply, or browse Visa Types if you haven't picked a category yet.