Can I apply for a long-term visa while in Japan on a tourist visa?

No. You must apply from your home country or country of legal residence. Tourist visa holders cannot change status to long-term visas while in Japan except in very limited circumstances like marriage.

How long do working visas last?

Initial working visas are typically 1-3 years depending on job type and company. They can be renewed indefinitely as long as you maintain employment. After 10 years you can apply for permanent residence.

What happens if my sponsor withdraws support?

Your visa becomes invalid. You have 14 days to find new sponsor or leave Japan. Report status changes to immigration within 14 days or face penalties.

Can I work on a student visa?

Yes, but you need work permission from immigration. Students can work up to 28 hours per week with permission. Some jobs like hostess work are prohibited regardless of permission.

How to Get a Long-Term Visa for Japan

Long-term Japan visas require sponsorship from a Japanese employer, educational institution, or spouse. The most common routes are working visas (requires job offer), student visas (requires acceptance to Japanese school), or spouse visas (requires marriage to Japanese national). Processing takes 1-3 months and costs $27-60 depending on visa type.

Choose your visa category. Working visa: Need job offer from Japanese company. Student visa: Need acceptance letter from Japanese educational institution. Spouse visa: Need marriage certificate to Japanese national or permanent resident. Investor visa: Need business plan and 5 million yen investment. Each has different requirements and processing times.
Gather required documents. All visas need: valid passport, completed application form, recent passport photo, Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your sponsor in Japan. Working visas also need employment contract and university diploma. Student visas need school acceptance letter and financial proof. Spouse visas need marriage certificate and sponsor's income proof.
Get Certificate of Eligibility. Your Japanese sponsor (employer, school, or spouse) must apply for your COE at Japanese Immigration Services Agency. This takes 1-3 months. They submit documents proving they can sponsor you. You cannot apply for the visa without this certificate.
Apply at Japanese consulate. Once you receive COE by mail, apply at nearest Japanese consulate in your home country. Submit COE, passport, application form, photo, and any additional documents. Processing takes 3-7 business days. Some consulates require appointments.
Enter Japan within 3 months. Your visa is valid for single entry within 3 months of issue. Upon arrival, exchange your COE for actual residence card at airport immigration. This residence card is your legal status in Japan.

Can I apply for a long-term visa while in Japan on a tourist visa?: No. You must apply from your home country or country of legal residence. Tourist visa holders cannot change status to long-term visas while in Japan except in very limited circumstances like marriage.
How long do working visas last?: Initial working visas are typically 1-3 years depending on job type and company. They can be renewed indefinitely as long as you maintain employment. After 10 years you can apply for permanent residence.
What happens if my sponsor withdraws support?: Your visa becomes invalid. You have 14 days to find new sponsor or leave Japan. Report status changes to immigration within 14 days or face penalties.
Can I work on a student visa?: Yes, but you need work permission from immigration. Students can work up to 28 hours per week with permission. Some jobs like hostess work are prohibited regardless of permission.