Visa and Status of Residence

Individuals of overseas nationality wishing to enter Japan must first apply for and be issued with a visa. Residential status for individuals entering Japan under such visas is determined by their planned activities, status and position in Japan.
The residential status for the purpose of studies at universities, junior colleges, colleges of technology, specialized training colleges or Japanese language schools in Japan is designated as "Student." The specific period of stay is determined by the Minister of Justice for each applicant, not exceeding 4 years and 3 months.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence (COE)

An international student wishing to study in Japan or his/her proxy (for example, a family member of the student or an employee of the school accepting the student) will first apply for an authorized COE at a regional immigration services bureau in Japan.

• In most cases, the school accepting the international student will serve as the student's proxy.
• Please contact the school for the required documents.

Evidence Showing the Applicant's Ability to Pay All Expenses During Their Stay in Japan

When applying for a COE or visa, you may be asked for proof that you are able to cover your expenses while studying in Japan.

• Required documents:
  Savings balance certificate, income certificate covering the past several years or taxation certificate of the person wishing to study in Japan (or their guarantor), etc.

Visa Application

Once the COE is issued, the visa application form can be submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.

• Required documents:
  (1)Passport
  (2)Visa application form
  (3)Photographs
  (4)Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  (5)Other

Entry to Japan

When entering Japan, the following documents are required.

• Required documents:
  1)Passport
  2)Visa from Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country
  3)Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (If already issued)
  4)Other

※You can use "Visit Japan Web", a web service for smooth arrival procedure at airport. This can be used for Quarantine, Immigration, and Customs declaration procedures. For more information, please visit the website below.

Residence Card

A residence card (zairyu card) will be issued for a foreign national residing in Japan for more than three months. It is important that this residence card is carried at all times.

Issue of Residence Card

When entering Japan via New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu Centrair, Kansai, Hiroshima or Fukuoka Airport:

During the immigration process, a Landing Permission stamp will be affixed in your passport and a residence card will be issued. After you determine where you will live in Japan, please bring your residence card to the municipal office administering your address within 14 days to register as a resident.

When entering Japan via airports other than those mentioned above:

During the immigration process, a Landing Permission stamp will be affixed in your passport, with a seal indicating the later issuance of a residence card. After you determine where you will live in Japan, please go to the municipal office administering your address within 14 days to register as a resident. Be sure to bring your passport bearing the seal mentioned above. Your residence card will be mailed to your registered address at a later date.

Social Security and Tax Number ("My Number")

In Japan, an individual 12-digit social security and tax number (also called "My Number" or "individual number") is given to all residents. This number is different from the 12-digit number on your residence card.
Sometime after completion of resident registration at the municipal office of your address, you will be sent a card notifying you of your individual number. Please keep this notification card or individual number card (issued upon application) in a safe place, as your individual number is required in some situations, such as when completing important procedures at the municipal office.
Your My Number card can be used as proof of your My Number or as an official identification card. Application for issuance of a My Number card can be made by mail or online via smartphone or computer.
You may be asked to submit your My Number when completing procedures at a municipal office, when getting a part-time job, or when receiving or sending money from overseas at a bank.

Immigration Procedures for Entrance Exam Purposes

If a foreign national travels to Japan to take an exam, they must obtain a Temporary Visitor visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country by presenting the exam voucher of their school of choice. With a "Temporary Visitor" visa, you may be able to stay in Japan for 15, 30, or 90 days. If a foreign national is a national of a country under the Visa Exemption Arrangements, they will not need to apply for a visa.

• *If you are a national of a country under the Visa Exemption Arrangements, as a rule, you must return to your home country after passing the exam to obtain a Student status of residence.