Indians need a visa to work or travel in Japan. This section describes the various non-immigrant visas and the procedure to obtain them. Immigrant visas are not dealt with here.

VISA TYPES

There are basically two visa types that you need in order to work in Japan: The more permanent Business Visa and the Work Permit. For information on all the categories of visas, click here.

VISA PROCESS

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan handles the visa applications. The following sections provide an overview of the visa process:

REQUIREMENTS

Along with two identical visa application forms, you need to submit the following when applying for a visa:

• Passport
• Two photographs (4cm H x 3cm W) (taken within 6 months)
• A letter of guarantee and an invitation letter, both signed by your employer.
• A Certificate of Eligibility (if you have one).
• Documents on the company:
  • Company registration (TOKIBO-TOHON in Japanese) (issued within 3 months)
  • Copy of profit and loss statement. In case the company is newly established, business plan for the next year
  • Pamphlet on the company such as Annual Report
  • List of foreign employees (nationality, name, date of birth, sex, status, authorized period of stay)
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Certificate of graduation (bachelor or master)
• Copy of the employment contract (both parties signed)
• Explanation letter (certifying the applicant will take the job which is related to his/her major studied)
• Copy of the applicant's passport
• Letter to certify the applicant has the experience related to the job taken.

For samples of the visa application form, letter of guarantee, and the invitation letter, click here and scroll to the end of the page.

APPROVAL PROCESS

If the visa application is not accompanied by a Certificate of Eligibility, it usually takes two to three months or even longer, so in such cases please allow plenty of leeway.

VISA FEES

Foreigners who obtain a visa for Japan must pay a visa fee. Generally speaking, the fees are About Japan ¥3,000 for a single-entry visa, ¥6,000 for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, and ¥7000 for a transit visa (fees are collected in local currencies). In the case of applicants from countries with reciprocal arrangements relating to visa fees with Japan, fees are reduced or exempted in accordance with the arrangement.

CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Delhi
Embassy of Japan,
50-G, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110021,
India.Tel: (91-11) 6876564, 6876581~3
Fax: (91-11) 6885587

Calcutta
Consulate-General of Japan,
12, Pretoria Street, Calcutta 700 071,
India.
Tel: (91-33) 282-2241~5
Fax: (91-33) 282-0954

Chennai
Consulate-General of Japan,
60, Spur Tank Road,
Chetput Chennai 600 031, India.
Tel: (91-44) 8265594, 8265606, 8264265, 8264349
Fax: (91-44) 8278853

Mumbai
Consulate-General of Japan,
No.1, M.L. Dahanukar Marg,
Cumballa Hill, Mumbai 400 026, India.
Tel: (91-22) 4933857,4933843, 4934610
Fax: (91-22) 4932146