Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
It depends on your nationality. Japan waives visa requirements for short tourist and business stays for nationals of roughly 74 countries, including the US, UK, most of the EU, Canada, and Australia. If your country isn't on that list, you'll need a visa even for a short visit. See the Visa-Exempt Countries List for details.
What's the difference between a visa and a status of residence?
A visa is permission from a Japanese embassy or consulate to travel to Japan — it's checked once, at the border. A status of residence is granted by Immigration when you actually enter (or change status in-country), and it determines how long you can stay and what you're allowed to do. See Visa vs. Status of Residence for the full explanation.
Can I work on a tourist visa or student visa?
Not by default. The tourist visa carries no work rights at all. Students can work part-time, but only with separate permission, capped at 28 hours a week during term time. See the Student Visa page for details.
What happens if my status of residence expires while I'm still in Japan?
If you file a renewal before your current period of stay expires and it's still pending on the expiry date, you can generally remain in Japan under the same conditions for up to two months while it's processed — but apply early rather than relying on that. See Extending or Renewing Your Status of Residence.
What is JESTA?
JESTA is a pre-travel screening system Japan's Cabinet approved in March 2026, modeled on the US ESTA. Once fully rolled out (targeted for 2028), most visa-exempt travelers will need to register online before departure and get authorization before boarding. It doesn't replace any visa — it's an added screening step for people who don't need one.
Does Japan issue a separate work permit?
No. Japan does not issue a separate work permit. Your status of residence itself determines whether and what type of work you're allowed to do. See Work Visa Categories.
How long does a Japan work visa take to get?
Realistically 1.5 to 4 months from a standing start: about 1–3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility, then another 5–10 business days for the visa at the embassy. See Processing Times.
How much does a Japan visa cost?
Short-stay consular visas are relatively cheap: ¥15,000 single-entry, ¥30,000 multiple-entry as of July 2026. Domestic immigration fees — renewals, status changes, and especially PR — are rising sharply under 2026 legislation. See Japan Visa Fees by Category.
Can I bring my spouse and children with me to Japan?
Yes, in most cases. Spouses of Japanese nationals get Spouse of Japanese National status with no work restrictions; spouses and children of work or student visa holders generally join on Dependent status, with more limited work rights. See Spouse, Dependent & Family Visas.
How do I qualify for permanent residency faster?
The standard path is 10 years of residence. Spouses of Japanese nationals can qualify in as little as 1–3 years, and Highly Skilled Professional visa holders scoring 70+ points can apply after 3 years (or 1 year with 80+ points). See Japan Permanent Residency.
Immigration rules change often — confirm anything time-sensitive with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) or a Japanese embassy before you act on it.