Asia Pacific
Japan immigration and visa guide
Japan offers the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system with fast-track permanent residency in 1–3 years, the J-Find visa, and a 6-month Digital Nomad Visa.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁)
- Processing time
- 4 – 12 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- Yes
- Digital nomad friendly
- Yes
Visa options in Japan
Key requirements
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by Japanese Immigration Bureau before consular filing
- Recognized university degree or equivalent 10+ years professional experience
- For Digital Nomad Visa: annual foreign income ≥ ¥10,000,000 JPY (~$68,000 USD) and private health insurance
How to apply for a Japan visa: step by step
- 1
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Petition
Sponsoring entity or legal representative submits COE application to Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan.
1 - 3 months
- 2
Consular Visa Exchange
Present approved physical or electronic COE to the local Japanese Embassy/Consulate.
3 - 7 business days
- 3
Airport Landing & Residence Card (在留カード)
Receive Zairyu Card at major international airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai) and register address at the Ward Office (区役所).
Immediate upon landing
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
How does Japan’s 1-year fast-track Permanent Residency work?
Under the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system, if an applicant scores 80 points or higher, they can apply for Permanent Residency after only 1 year of continuous residence in Japan, rather than the standard 10 years.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Japan. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) on the official website before applying.