Visa for Japan

​▸ Do I Need a Visa?

▸ Visa Application Procedures
    ▹ Processing Time
    ▹ How to Apply
    ▹ Visa Fees

▸ Necessary Documents
    ▹ Temporary Stays (tourism, business trips, visiting family/friends)
    ▹ Application with a Certificate of Eligibility (student visas, work visas, etc.)
    ▹ Working Holiday Visa (for German citizens only)

- German nationals as well as nationals from other countries and regions (▸ full list here) can enter Japan without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days.
 

This includes: touristic travel, business trips, attending a conference, visiting relatives/friends, remote work for an employer outside Japan, attending language schools, unpaid internships, unpaid research work, etc..

- All other nationalities, as well as long-term stays or activities with remuneration from the Japanese side, require a visa to enter Japan (even if the applicant has a German residence permit).

- Holders of a German travel document for refugees, or a travel document for foreigners ("blue/gray passport") always need a visa to enter Japan.

We only accept applications from persons residing in Bavaria or Baden-Wurttemberg! If you do not live in our area, please check here where you should apply.
The information on this page is only valid for applications in Munich.

Processing Time

 

The regular processing time for visa applications is 5 to 9 working days, but might change depending on the nationality of the applicant, the amount of applications or the visa category. Applications by post tend to take more time. Please note that your application can only be processed after all necessary documents are handed in completely and correctly.

There is no express service! Applications should be submitted no earlier than 2.5 months and no later than 3 weeks before the planned entry date. Only applications for Working Holiday visas may be submitted earlier.

How to Apply

 

In order to hand in your application documents directly in the Consulate, you need to make an appointment. Appointments can be booked online. >> Online reservation here <<
(Please read the requirements for an online reservation and click the green or red button at the end.)

Application by proxy is possible, but the application form needs to be signed by the applicant, and their original passport should be brought when applying at the counter. A visa pick-up by proxy is also possible, however, a letter of authorization (e.g. this form) will be needed in addition.

 

Application by Post

 

If you live outside of Munich and there are more than 3 weeks left until your planned departure, you can submit your application via post. The Consulate assumes no liability for lost or damaged documents, or belated delivery.

Please do not send your original passport, only a copy (in original size, further instructions here). The original passport has to be brought to the visa collection. Otherwise, we cannot hand out the finished visa.

Please send all documents as registered mail ("Einschreiben") to our general address:

Japanisches Generalkonsulat München
Friedenstr. 6
81671 München

If you send your documents, please contact us 1 to 2 days after the tracking of your envelope shows that your documents have arrived. We can then tell you whether your documents have arrived and when the visa will be ready. We do not contact applicants from our side.

As we are not allowed to send visas back, you (or a proxy with a letter of authorization, e.g. this form) have to come to the Consulate with the original passport to pick up the visa.

Visa Fees

 

The visa fee depends on the nationality of the applicant, the visa category, and other factors. There is in general no visa fee for German and most EU citizens, as well as US, Ukrainian and Russian citizens. We can tell you the visa fee after checking your application documents.

Visa fees must be paid in cash when collecting the visa. Other payment methods cannot be accepted.

Further information about visa fees here.

 

For any further questions, please feel free to contact us: 089-417 604 0 | konsular@mu.mofa.go.jp. In urgent cases, we recommend to call.

▸ Temporary Stays

visa for 15, 30 or max. 90 days, depending on the length of your planned stay

▹ Tourism
▹ Business trips, conferences, etc.
▹ Visiting family or friends
 

▸ Application with Certificate of Eligibility (student visas, work visas, etc.)

 

▸ Working Holiday Visa * Only available for applicants with German passport!

❀ FAQ - Frequently asked questions about application documents ❀

If you are unsure which visa category to apply for or if you cannot find your desired category on this page, please contact us.

 

Important information about entry into Japan

The final decision on whether entry into Japan is granted will be made by the authorities at the airports and seaports in Japan. Please note that having a valid visa does not guarantee entry into Japan. It is one - but not the only - requirement.

For general questions regarding entry and residence procedures, the Japanese Immigration Service has established an information center:

Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Foreign Residents Information Center”
Tel. (within Japan): 0570-013904
Tel. (from overseas): +81-3-5796-7112
E-mail: info-tokyo@i.moj.go.jp
Homepage: https://www.moj.go.jp//isa/consultation/center/index.html