Visas and study in Japan

You can find complete information about Japanese Visas, which ones are available, which one would suit you, which ones you can get and so on in the Visa Guide. This page is intended to highlight the point that you WILL require a visa for study in Japan unless you have Japanese citizenship, even if not everyone has to apply for one before coming to Japan.

The main thing is, make sure you have completed all the requirements for getting a visa before coming to Japan. It can be very expensive if you are refused entry to the country and have to return on the same flight.

Particularly in the case of visas, make sure you ask if you are not certain. However, please do read the Visa Guide before contacting us as you should find almost all your questions answered there. It really is quite comprehensive.

Types of visa

There are many different types of visa, for study, work, cultural activities, those married to Japanese citizens, and so on. Make sure you get the one that suits what you want to do. You cannot apply directly for all types of visa - you generally have to apply through an organisation or a school or university, not directly to the Japanese Embassy (but check the Visa Guide first for details).

Visa exchange agreements and Guarantors

Japan is a country that works on cash and connections. That is, you pay cash for almost everything, and business works by personal contacts. That means also that personal guarantors, or hoshounin, are commonly required (not just by foreigners, but also by Japanese) for most activities - renting apartments, getting a job, getting a visa, and so on. This can be one of the most difficult parts of the process, so it is helpful to have a person in Japan who can be your guarantor. See the Visa Guide for details.