Japanese Visas For Indians

Types of Visas for Indians to Live, Work, Study, or Visit Japan 

- by Yogendra Puranik ‘Yogi’ on April 30, 2026

Japan has become an increasingly attractive destination for Indians in recent years, with a steady rise in the number of professionals and students. This growth is driven by stronger India–Japan bilateral relations, demand for skilled talent, and the gradual opening of Japan’s labor market, including programs for specified skills.

Foreign nationals can enter Japan on short-term visas (typically up to 90 days) or long-term visas (more than 90 days), depending on the purpose of stay. Visas may be issued for single or multiple entries.

Indian nationals can apply for a Temporary Visitor (tourist) visa through Japanese diplomatic missions in India. The process is now partially digitized through designated agencies. Applications may be submitted individually or as part of a group, and applicants are generally required to demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover their stay.

Students come to Japan through various routes. The most prominent is the scholarship program offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), along with other schemes supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Japanese universities. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and research programs. In addition, many students come at their own expense, particularly to study the Japanese language at private language schools. Tuition typically ranges around ¥600,000–¥800,000 per year. With one to two years of study, students can achieve functional proficiency, which significantly improves employment prospects.

For employment, Japan offers several visa categories under its Status of Residence system, including:

• Intra-company Transferee – for employees transferred within the same multinational company

• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services – for IT, engineering, business, language, and related professional roles

• Highly Skilled Professional – a points-based system offering preferential treatment (fast-track residency, family benefits, etc.)

• Skilled Labor – for occupations requiring specialized skills (e.g., chefs of foreign cuisine)

• Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – for workers in designated sectors facing labor shortages (e.g., nursing care, construction, agriculture)

• Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) – aimed at skill transfer, though often used as an entry route for semi-skilled work

Family members (spouse and children) of students and workers may obtain a Dependent visa, typically matching the duration of the sponsor’s status. Dependents may enroll in Japan’s health insurance system. With prior permission from immigration authorities, dependents are allowed to work up to 28 hours per week.

Workers may invite parents on a short-term visitor visa (usually up to 90 days). Longer stays are generally not permitted, except in limited cases. However, Highly Skilled Professionals may invite parents under specific conditions through a Designated Activities visa, subject to eligibility requirements.

For long-term settlement, the following options are available:

• Permanent Residence – generally requires 10 years of residence, though Highly Skilled Professionals may qualify in 1–3 years depending on points

• Naturalization (Japanese citizenship) – typically requires 5 years of residence, along with strict screening by the Ministry of Justice Japan

• Long-Term Resident visa – granted in special humanitarian or exceptional circumstances

For most long-term visas (student, work, dependent), applicants must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the Immigration Services Agency in Japan. This document is then submitted to the Japanese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country for visa issuance.

Naturalization involves a detailed process including documentation, background checks, interviews, and basic Japanese language proficiency.

Compared to many Western countries, visa processing fees in Japan are relatively modest.

All the best

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