In everyday conversation, people often say “visa” when they actually mean a
status of residence (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Dependent, Permanent Resident, etc.).
Legally speaking, a Japanese visa is a recommendation issued by a Japanese embassy/consulate abroad that is placed in your passport for the purpose of applying for landing (entry) at the port of entry.
What “Visa” Means (in Japan)
A visa (査証) is generally issued by a Japanese embassy/consulate abroad.
It is placed in your passport and is used when you apply for landing (entry) at the airport or seaport in Japan.
Visa vs Status of Residence (Most Important)
These two concepts are often mixed up, but they are different:
- Visa (査証 / Visa): issued by a Japanese embassy/consulate abroad for entry-related procedures.
- Status of Residence: the legal category that determines what activities you may do in Japan and for how long
(e.g., Work, Family, Student, Business Manager, Permanent Resident).
In practice, what many people call a “visa extension/renewal” in Japan is usually a
period of stay extension or a change of status of residence handled by the Immigration Services Agency.
How a Visa Works Under Japan’s Immigration System
As a general rule, a foreign national applying for landing in Japan needs a valid visa unless a visa exemption or other exception applies.
After landing permission is granted, a single-entry visa is typically treated as used.
Your legal basis for staying in Japan becomes your status of residence and period of stay granted at landing (or later through immigration procedures).
Main Visa Categories
Visa categories vary depending on the purpose of entry. Common categories include:
- Diplomatic / Official
- Work-related
- General
- Temporary Visitor (Short-term stay)
- Designated (Specific cases)
- Highly Skilled Professional
- Medical Stay
When You May Not Need a Visa
1) Visa Exemption (usually for temporary visitor purposes)
Some nationalities may enter Japan without a visa for a short-term stay (tourism, short business visits, etc.).
Conditions and eligibility can change, so please check the latest information from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
MOFA: Visa Exemption Arrangements (Latest)
2) Re-entry permission (including “special re-entry”) and certain travel documents
If you have a valid re-entry permission (or qualify for special re-entry), you may re-enter Japan without obtaining a new visa.
The requirements depend on your situation—confirm carefully before departing Japan.
Related:
Re-entry Permission (including Special Re-entry)
Special Landing Permissions (Shore Pass / Transit Pass)
In certain cases (e.g., passengers of aircraft/ships), Japan may grant special landing permissions under specific conditions.
These are typically arranged by the carrier/ship operator.
Shore Pass (SHORE PASS)
Shore Pass allows eligible passengers to land temporarily near the port of call for purposes such as sightseeing or shopping,
within a limited time and area.
Ship Cruise Landing Permission
Certain cruise passengers may be allowed to land for sightseeing under specified conditions (requirements vary).
Transit Pass (TRANSIT PASS)
Transit Pass may apply to travelers transiting through Japan under certain routes and conditions.
There are different types depending on the itinerary.
Common Pitfalls
- Requirements and processing times differ by country/region and by each Japanese embassy/consulate.
Prepare documents carefully and allow sufficient time. - Submitting false or altered documents can lead to serious consequences, including denial and future difficulties.
- “Visa” and “status of residence” are different. After entry, your activities in Japan must fit within your
status of residence.
Related:
Landing Procedures
/
Immigration Procedures (in Japan)
/
Passport