Japan is much more than anime, sushi and technology. It is also one of the safest, best-organised and culturally richest destinations in the world. In 2023, more than 3 million foreign nationals were living legally in Japan, which shows a growing openness towards international residents (source).

). Cases such as that of the Spanish singer Álvaro Soler, who lived in Tokyo during his teenage years, show that the Japanese experience can change lives. In interviews, Soler highlights how deeply Japanese culture influenced his art (japan.travel).

). Other well-known figures have also tried their luck in Japan. Manuel Mijares worked in a Japanese nightclub before he became famous (elcomercio.pe), and the Colombian influencer Yeferson Cossio recently announced his move to the country in search of new experiences.

Types of Japanese visa

Comparison of visa types

Visa type	Maximum duration	Key requirements	Work permitted
Tourist	90 days	Passport, funds, itinerary	No
Student	1-2 years (renewable)	Letter of acceptance, funds, certificate of eligibility	Yes, up to 28 h/week
Work	1-5 years (renewable)	Job offer, experience or degree, certificate of eligibility	Yes
Digital nomad	6 months – 1 year	Proof of stable income, health insurance	Limited
Working Holiday	1 year	Age (18-30), valid passport, funds	Yes

1. Tourist visa

The tourist visa allows short stays (up to 90 days) for purposes such as tourism, visiting relatives or taking part in cultural events. This visa does not allow you to work or carry out any paid activity. Depending on your nationality, you may not need to apply for it in advance, as Japan has visa waiver agreements with many countries in Latin America and Europe.

Common requirements:

• A passport valid for at least six months.
• Evidence of funds (bank statements, payslips).
• A detailed travel itinerary.
• A letter of invitation (if you are visiting a Japanese resident).

This visa is ideal if you only want to see Japan for a limited period. It cannot be extended from within Japan; if you want to stay longer or change status, you will have to return to your own country and go through the relevant process.

2. Student visa

This visa is designed for those who want to study in Japan at accredited institutions such as universities, Japanese language schools, technical institutes or specialist colleges. Its duration ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the programme.

Key requirements:

• A letter of acceptance from a Japanese educational institution.
• A certificate of eligibility (CoE), issued by the school.
• Proof of financial means (recommended minimum: 1,000,000 yen per year).
• A valid passport and application form.

With this visa, students can legally work up to 28 hours a week, once they have applied for a special permit. That allows them to earn extra income, although their main activity must remain academic. Many schools also offer careers guidance for those who want to stay in Japan after completing their studies.

3. Work visa

This visa allows professionals to work in Japan in a wide range of sectors, such as engineering, technology, education, marketing, finance, design and research. The visa usually lasts between 1 and 5 years and can be renewed.

Essential requirements:

• A firm job offer from a Japanese company.
• A university degree or relevant professional experience.
• A certificate of eligibility arranged by the employer.
• An employment contract, a CV and a covering letter.

There are various sub-types of work visa depending on the occupation (for example “Instructor”, “Engineer”, “Specialist in Humanities”, and so on). It is one of the visas with the most opportunities for qualified foreign nationals. Changing employer is possible, but it means notifying Immigration and renewing your status.

4. Digital nomad visa (a new category)

This visa is intended for remote workers who want to live in Japan temporarily while continuing to run their online businesses or jobs. Although it is still at a trial stage, Japan is considering formalising this option in order to attract foreign talent without the need for a contract with a Japanese company.

Usual requirements:

• A minimum annual income (proof of more than 30,000 USD a year is usually required).
• International health insurance valid in Japan.
• Documents proving the remote nature of your work.
• Proof of accommodation in Japan.

This visa does not allow you to work directly for Japanese companies, but it does allow freelance work for international clients. It is ideal for entrepreneurs, developers, designers, marketers or writers looking for a temporary experience in Japan without giving up their projects.

5. Working Holiday visa

Available to young people aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 in some countries) with bilateral agreements with Japan. It allows you to live in the country for up to a year, combining travel with occasional work to fund your stay. It is issued once only and cannot be renewed.

General requirements:

• Aged between 18 and 30.
• Citizenship of a country with an agreement (Spain, Mexico, Chile and Argentina, among others).
• A covering letter and travel plan.
• Evidence of funds (minimum 2,000-3,000 USD).
• Health insurance for the whole stay.

This visa is perfect for those looking for a cultural rather than a professional experience, as it lets you get to know Japan in depth without the restrictions of a tourist visa. The jobs allowed are usually part-time or temporary (cafés, farms, hostels, basic language teaching).

Why is Japan such an attractive destination?

Japan combines modernity and tradition as few countries do. Living there is an experience that mixes cutting-edge technology, a highly safe society and a deep respect for rules and for living alongside others. Its low crime rate, its impeccable transport and its cultural focus on excellence make it a sought-after destination for students, professionals and travellers from all over the world.

General requirements for a visa application

Document	Tourist	Student	Work	Digital nomad	Working Holiday
Passport	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Application form	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Recent photograph	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Letter of acceptance / job offer	❌	✔️	✔️	❌	❌
Certificate of eligibility (CoE)	❌	✔️	✔️	❌	❌
Evidence of funds	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️

Which visa do I need?

It all depends on your objectives. The tourist visa is for short stays, with no possibility of working. If you want to study, you need to be accepted by a Japanese institution and to prove you have sufficient funds. To work, a job offer is compulsory.

The digital nomad visa is an ideal option if you work remotely and are looking for a temporary experience in Japan. The Working Holiday visa, on the other hand, lets you work on a limited basis while you travel around the country, which is ideal for young people between 18 and 30.

How your nationality affects the type of visa

The applicant’s nationality significantly affects which visa is available and which requirements apply. Citizens of Spain, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and other Latin American countries, for instance, have bilateral agreements with Japan that allow a visa waiver for tourism of up to 90 days. For student, work or residence visas, however, everyone has to follow similar procedures, although some countries benefit from simplified processes or shorter timescales.

The role of the certificate of eligibility (CoE)

The CoE is an essential document for many medium- and long-term visa types. It is issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau at the request of the institution or company receiving you. Its purpose is to certify that you meet the requirements for living in Japan under immigration law. Although it does not replace the visa, it speeds the process up enormously, and without it your application could be refused by the embassy.

Costs and consular fees

• Single entry: approx. 3,000 yen
• Multiple entry: approx. 6,000 yen
• Additional costs: sworn translations, health insurance, apostilles

Hiring a specialist translation service can help you prepare your documents correctly and avoid refusals.

Real job opportunities

With an ageing population and a shortage of labour, Japan is increasingly looking for foreign professionals. Sectors such as technology, elderly care, hospitality and language teaching are in constant demand. If you have a solid professional profile and basic knowledge of Japanese, your chances of obtaining a work visa increase considerably.

Is speaking Japanese compulsory?

Although some visas can be obtained without speaking Japanese, command of the language makes everything easier, from renting a home to finding better-paid work. Many language schools offer in-person or online courses, but there are also tailored corporate options, such as those we provide at Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas for companies and professionals.

Do you need us to translate your documents?

At Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas we help you take the first step towards your life in Japan. We provide professional, certified translations of all the documents you need for your visa application, such as academic certificates, employment contracts, covering letters and birth certificates. Our team specialising in legal translation makes sure your paperwork is ready, valid and error-free, meeting the standards required by Japanese embassies and consulates. Travel with confidence: we take care of the language.

Real cases of well-known people who lived in Japan

Álvaro Soler

He lived in Tokyo from the age of 10 to 17. The experience left a deep mark on him and fed his interest in music and in multiculturalism.

Manuel Mijares

The Mexican artist worked in a Japanese nightclub before he became famous. A curious story that shows how unpredictable life abroad can be.

Yeferson Cossio

The Colombian influencer publicly shared his decision to move to Japan to explore a new life away from the media spotlight.

Living in Japan with your family: the dependant visa

If you already have a work or student visa, you can bring your partner and children over on a dependant visa. This visa allows them to live legally in Japan while you work or study. They cannot work, however, without an additional permit. As well as personal documents, you will have to show stable income to support them and suitable accommodation. It is a common option for those planning to settle for the long term.

The most common mistakes when applying for a visa

• Submitting incomplete forms
• Not allowing for processing times
• Ignoring the certificate of eligibility
• Not having documents translated in line with official standards

Cultural adjustment and realistic expectations

Many foreigners idealise Japan because of its pop culture or its social order, but the reality of settling in can be a challenge. From language barriers to strict social norms, living in Japan calls for openness, patience and a genuine wish to fit in. Learning a few local customs, such as taking your shoes off when you enter a home or not taking calls on public transport, can make the experience much easier. Finding out about all this before you arrive will let you enjoy it more and avoid unnecessary culture shock.

The path to Japan is no longer a mystery

Living in Japan is a life-changing experience that combines age-old tradition, technological innovation and a way of life all its own. Whether you dream of studying, working or simply starting a new chapter somewhere different, planning your move properly is key to making it turn out as you hope. Knowing the visa types and their requirements will let you take confident steps from the outset.

The application process can look complex, especially if you need to translate and submit official documents in Japanese. This is where professional support makes the difference. Every form, certificate and letter has to meet specific standards, and a small error can delay or prevent your arrival.

At Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas, we are ready to accompany you through this process. We translate all your documents accurately and with certification, and we offer language training to help you settle in better once you are in Japan. If your destination is the land of the rising sun, let us make sure that the language is not an obstacle but an opportunity.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Contacto