What is a short-term visa?

1) What is a short-term visa?

This visa is for the purpose of visiting Japan for sightseeing, visiting relatives, short-term business activities (meetings and training) or even sport activities. The period of stay for a short-term visa is generally set in units of 90 days, but this residence status can also last 30 days, 15 days or even less. Keep in mind that it is not possible to work on a short-term visa.

2) Types of short-term visas

Short-term visas are broadly divided into three categories: “Visiting relatives and acquaintances”, “Short-term business” and “Tourism”. When applying for a short-term visa, the application details differ depending on the purpose of entry.

「Visiting relatives and acquaintances」

This is an application for the purpose of visiting relatives or acquaintances in Japan.

In principle, relatives are defined as blood relatives and in-laws. Acquaintances include friends.

「Short-term business.」

This is for the purpose of cultural and sports exchanges, conferences, business meetings, advertising, market research, etc.

However, remunerated activities are not permitted, so if you plan to engage in remunerated activities, you must obtain a work visa instead of a temporary visitor visa.

More information on work visas can be found on the following page.

➡「About work visas」

「Sightseeing Visa.」

This is an application for the purpose of sightseeing and visiting the country.

The planned activities and accommodation must be clearly stated.

The documents required depend on the purpose of the visit, the nationality of the applicant, etc. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

[Enquiry link].

info@visaoffice.jp

             Reference: Embassy of Japan in China 「Temporary Visitor」.

　　　Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Korea,「List of basic documents to be submitted for a short-term visa application」

3) Exempted Countries 

Visa exempted countries are countries and regions that allow entry without a visa if the stay in Japan is 90 days or less and the applicant is not engaged in a remunerated activity. 

The list below shows the visa waiver countries as of April 2nd 2023. 

For up-to-date information and detailed requirements, please visit this page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

【Period of Stay 】

The length of stay on a landing permit is 15 days for Indonesia and Thailand, 14 days for Brunei, 30 days for the United Arab Emirates and 90 days for other countries and regions 

*Ever Since April 2nd 2023

Persons from these countries may stay in these countries for up to six months, but if they wish to stay for longer than 90 days, they must apply to the Immigration Control and Residency Management Office to extend their period of stay before its expiration.

4) Process from applying to obtaining a visa 

When you are about to visit Japan, you must prepare the necessary documents, after that you need to apply for a short-time visa at the Japanese embassy or Consulate General of your own country.

5) Short-term visa for “Business” purposes, points not to forget!

I) Remuneration cannot be received 

As explained above, it is not possible to receive remuneration for a short-term visa, even for business purposes. If you receive remuneration, you may be punished for illegal stay.

II) You cannot work at all, even without remuneration

Work is not permitted on a short-time visa, even if it is unpaid. Even if the purpose of your visit to Japan is to train for customer service for instance, this may be considered as work by the Immigration Bureau and you may not be able to have your short-term visa accepted.