Visa for Japan - Necessary documents
2025/5/8
Necessary documents for a visa application
▸ Basics for all categories (please read!)
▸ Short-term visas (tourism, business trips, etc.)
▸ Application with a Certificate of Eligibility (student visas, work visas, etc.)
▸ Working Holiday visa (for German citizens only)
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about application documents
If you are unsure which visa category to apply for or you cannot find your desired category on this page, please contact us.
▸ Short-term visas (tourism, business trips, etc.)
▸ Application with a Certificate of Eligibility (student visas, work visas, etc.)
▸ Working Holiday visa (for German citizens only)
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about application documents
If you are unsure which visa category to apply for or you cannot find your desired category on this page, please contact us.
Basics for all categories
- Please do not staple documents together, but hand in loose papers, and please take off any passport cover!
- All citizens of former Soviet Union states have to submit two application forms and two photos (for all visa categories). The detailed list of states can be found in our FAQ.
- The processing of your application can start only after all documents are submitted completely and correctly.
- The consul in charge might request additional documents after reviewing your application.
- Application documents should be in English, German or Japanese. Documents in other languages should be handed in together with a translation (at least by yourself).
- All citizens of former Soviet Union states have to submit two application forms and two photos (for all visa categories). The detailed list of states can be found in our FAQ.
- The processing of your application can start only after all documents are submitted completely and correctly.
- The consul in charge might request additional documents after reviewing your application.
- Application documents should be in English, German or Japanese. Documents in other languages should be handed in together with a translation (at least by yourself).
Short-term visas (tourism, business trips, etc.)
On the following lists, you can find the documents needed for tourist and business visas. Please be aware that a tourist visa is not sufficient for a business trip.
▸ Tourist visa
(for tourism or visiting relatives/friends)
▸ Business visa
(business trips paid by the employer, conference visits, etc.)
Do you have any questions about application documents?
You can find many answers in our ▸ FAQ! There is also some information about multiple-entry visas.
Forms for download
Not all forms are necessarily needed for every application. Please check the lists above to know which forms you need.
▸ application form
| Hints for filling out the form ▸ schedule
| Japanese | Example ▸ invitation letter
| Japanese ▸ letter of guarantee
| Japanese * This letter of guarantee does not substitute a delegation letter for business trips. There is no template for the delegation letter.
▸ letter of authorization for visa collection by a proxy
Application with a Certificate of Eligibility
For many visa categories, such as long-term study or work visas, a so-called Certificate of Eligibility (zairyû shikaku nintei shômeisho) is required.
The contact in Japan (e.g. the employer) has to apply for the Certificate at the Immigration Services Agency in Japan. After review and issuance of the Certificate, it will be sent to the applicant, who should then apply for the corresponding visa.
The necessary documents for the visa application are:
- visa application form
(Hints for filling out the form: FAQ)- passport (original + copy)
- Certificate of Eligiblity (copy or printout, see below) *
- recent passport photo (35 x 45 or 45 x 45 mm, not older than 6 months, at least printed on photo paper)
- for non-EU citizens: copy of German Residence Permit
* Since 2023, the original CoE is not necessary anymore, neither for the visa application, nor for entering Japan. For the visa application, a printout of a scan (or a copy) of the original CoE, or a printout of a digital CoE issued in e-mail form is sufficient.
If you do receive an original CoE via post, please take it with you and present it together with the visa when you enter Japan.
Working Holiday visa (for German citizens)
* Only available for applicants with German passport!
The conditions and necessary documents for the Working Holiday visa for German nationals can be found on the homepage of the Japanese Embassy:
▸ Information about the Working Holiday visa
! New rule starting January 1, 2025 !
From January 2025, German nationals can use the Working Holiday visa twice. Until now, the Working Holiday visa could only be used once in a lifetime.
Caution when applying shortly before the age limit (31st birthday):
The application will only be considered as accepted after we have received all documents, and deemed them complete. If there is less than one month left until your 31st birthday, please do contact us via phone at 089-417 604 0 in order to discuss the best way to proceed.
