Japan · long-stay visa routes and official sources
7 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Japan: Medium (49/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Language school/student visa / Specified Skilled Worker.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Japan?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Language school/student visa / Specified Skilled Worker. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (49/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Japan without a local job offer?
Yes — 3 of the 7 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student / language school; Specified visa: Designated Activities (Digital Nomad); General visa: Student / Status of Residence: Student. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
The clearest Japan first route for many Chinese applicants: school obtains COE, then visa.
Typical timeline / duration: 2-6 months
Acceptance by Japanese school/university/language institution; school normally obtains Certificate of Eligibility; applicant submits passport, visa application, photo, COE or copy, and any consulate-specific documents.
Proof of ability to pay tuition/living costs or financial supporter evidence may be requested; exact documents vary by consulate/nationality.
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: Period of stay is granted by immigration/status of residence, commonly according to study programme.
Acceptance by Japanese school/university/language institution; school normally obtains Certificate of Eligibility; applicant submits passport, visa application, photo, COE or copy, and any consulate-specific documents.
Proof of ability to pay tuition/living costs or financial supporter evidence may be requested; exact documents vary by consulate/nationality.
For white-collar roles such as IT, operations, translation, and sales.
Typical timeline / duration: 3-8 months
Applicant normally needs a Japanese sponsoring/inviting organisation and a Certificate of Eligibility or equivalent documents; route/status must match the intended work; passport, visa application form, photo and supporting documents required.
No universal income threshold across all work statuses; eligibility depends on employment contract, qualifications/experience and status category.
An employer-led or qualification-based work route.
Typical timeline / duration: Period of stay varies by status and decision, commonly up to 5 years. Work is restricted to the activities authorised by the status of residence.
Applicant normally needs a Japanese sponsoring/inviting organisation and a Certificate of Eligibility or equivalent documents; route/status must match the intended work; passport, visa application form, photo and supporting documents required.
No universal income threshold across all work statuses; eligibility depends on employment contract, qualifications/experience and status category.
Eligible nationality/region; intends to work remotely in Japan for a period not exceeding six months; application form/photo, passport, activity/period documents, proof of annual income, and insurance covering death/injury/illness.
Typical timeline / duration: 6 months; no extension granted.
Eligible nationality/region; intends to work remotely in Japan for a period not exceeding six months; application form/photo, passport, activity/period documents, proof of annual income, and insurance covering death/injury/illness.
Annual income JPY 10 million or more; insurance medical treatment coverage for injury/illness must be JPY 10 million or more.
Exists for high-net-worth long stay; better fit than generic retirement/passive-income visa.
Typical timeline / duration: Up to 6 months initially; possible extension to maximum 1 year under the long-stay sightseeing/recreation route.
Applicant aged 18+; savings equivalent to more than JPY 30 million; passport; visa form/photo; Certificate of Eligibility or schedule of stay plus documents proving savings and travel medical/death/disability insurance.
JPY 30 million savings threshold.
If spouse accompanies under the related designated activity, couple funds may be considered under the official documentation route.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.