Visa for Japan
▸ Visa application procedures
▹ Processing time
▹ How to apply
▹ Visa fees
▹ Necessary documents
For any further questions, please feel free to contact us: 089-417 604 0 | konsular@mu.mofa.go.jp.
Do I need a visa?
- 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.
- 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.
Visa application procedures
We only accept applications from persons residing in Bavaria or Baden-Wurttemberg!
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 <<
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 after some days, so we can tell you whether your documents have arrived and when the visa will be ready.
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 here.