How to Obtain a Japanese Visa While Residing Overseas
How to Obtain a Japanese Visa While Residing Overseas
If you are living outside Japan but plan to secure a work visa, business-manager visa, or spouse visa, you must first meet Japan’s sponsorship requirements and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Below is a step-by-step guide, written in plain English, to help foreign nationals understand Japan’s immigration process.
1 | Secure a Qualified Sponsor in Japan
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) requires an in-country sponsor—an individual or organization legally responsible for inviting and supporting the applicant. The correct sponsor depends on your visa category:
| Visa Category | Who Can Act as Sponsor? |
|---|---|
| Work Visa / Highly Skilled Professional Visa | A Japanese employer or host institution |
| Business-Manager Visa | A resident employee in Japan, or a licensed administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) assisting with company formation |
| Spouse of Japanese National / Spouse of Permanent Resident | The Japanese spouse or a close relative living in Japan *If you first enter Japan on a Temporary Visitor (short-stay) visa, you may file the application yourself. |
Why it matters: Without a qualified sponsor, Japan will not issue a COE, and therefore no long-term visa can be obtained at a Japanese embassy or consulate.
2 | Sponsor Applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The sponsor submits the COE application to the regional immigration office with jurisdiction over their address. Once the COE is approved and mailed, you can:
- Bring the original COE to your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate.
- Receive the appropriate visa sticker in your passport.
- Enter Japan and receive your Residence Card at the port of entry.
Average processing times
Work / HSP Visa: 1–3 months
Business-Manager Visa: 3–6 months (start-ups may take longer)
Spouse Visa: 1–2 months
Peak filing seasons and incomplete documentation can extend these timelines.
3 | Why Professional Representation Saves Time
- Accuracy first — Administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) prepare bilingual forms, minimizing rejection risk.
- Fewer document requests — Professionals anticipate ISA follow-ups, so cases often conclude faster.
- Risk management — Misstatements can lead to visa denial or long-term bars; expert review protects you.
If you want peace of mind, hiring a qualified immigration lawyer is often the quickest path to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a COE valid?
The COE is valid for six months from the issue date. You must obtain your visa and enter Japan before it expires.
Can one sponsor support multiple applicants?
Yes, but the sponsor must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity and a legitimate reason for each invitation.
What if my documents are incomplete?
The ISA will issue an “additional documents” notice. Each omission restarts the internal review clock, delaying approval.
About the Author
Masakazu Murai, Gyoseishoshi • CFP® • CMA
Former investment banker at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, advising 500+ executives on cross-border M&A and capital strategy. Today he leads Continental Immigration & Consulting, specializing in Japanese visa strategy for multinational clients.