Japan Student Visa Requirements in 2025: Full Checklist & Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to study in Japan in 2025, getting your student visa right is as important as securing your admission. The process is clear if you know the sequence—secure admission, obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), apply for the visa at your local Japanese mission, and complete your post-arrival registrations.

Here’s a professional, in-depth guide covering every requirement, document, and step you need to handle—from your initial school application to working part-time and extending your stay.

What the student status covers
Japan’s “Student” residence status is granted to those enrolled at universities, junior colleges, professional training colleges (senmon gakkō), or approved language schools. The permitted stay can be up to 4 years and 3 months at a time, depending on your course length and your school’s sponsorship.

Typical application timeline

• 7–5 months before entry: Your school gathers your documents and submits the COE application to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).
• 4–2 months before entry: COE is issued (processing can take 1–3 months).
• 2 months to 3 weeks before entry: Apply for your visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate that covers your residence.
• Entry window: You’ll need to enter Japan within the COE’s validity period—usually around three months from issue.

Important note on eVISA
Japan’s eVISA platform is for certain short-term visas only. Student visas require the standard application through a Japanese mission abroad.

Who applies for it
Your school in Japan will file the COE on your behalf after you accept their offer. This document confirms you meet Japan’s entry requirements and significantly speeds up visa issuance—but it’s not a visa by itself.

Documents your school will ask for

• Passport biodata page and, if requested, proof of civil status (e.g., birth certificate for minors).
• Academic history: diploma, transcripts, and proof of current enrollment if applicable.
• A Statement of Purpose outlining your study plans and goals.
• Proof of financial ability (see Section on funds).
• Disclosure of any previous stays in Japan, visa history, or criminal records (if required).

Electronic COEs
Japan now accepts electronic COEs. You can present these digitally or as a printout when applying for your visa.

What to prepare for your visa application

• Valid passport.
• Completed visa application form (provided by the mission).
• Passport-size photograph (specifications in Section on photos).
• Original, copy, or electronic COE.
• Any additional documents required by your specific embassy or consulate, such as proof of tuition payment or travel itinerary.

Processing time and fees
Visa processing typically takes 5–10 working days. Fees in 2025 are around ¥3,000 for a single-entry visa and ¥6,000 for a multiple-entry visa, paid in local currency. Some nationalities are exempt from fees.

How much is enough?
While there’s no official minimum, you should demonstrate you can cover tuition plus living expenses for at least one year. Many schools recommend proof of ¥1.5–¥2.5 million in addition to tuition (more if you’re studying in Tokyo).

Acceptable evidence

• Bank statements (3–6 months) and a bank balance certificate.
• Sponsor’s proof of income (tax statements, salary slips).
• Scholarship or loan confirmation letters.
• Tuition receipts if already paid.

Presentation tips
Translate non-English/Japanese documents as required. Keep your documents consistent, well-organized, and labeled.

Photo specifications

• Size: 45mm x 35mm.
• Taken within 6 months.
• Color, plain background, full-face, no shadows.
• Avoid editing or filters.

Form completion tips

• Use the YYYY/MM/DD date format.
• Ensure names and addresses match your passport.
• If a section doesn’t apply, write “N/A” instead of leaving it blank.

Receiving your Residence Card
Most students receive their Residence Card upon entry at major airports. Keep it with your passport—it’s your official ID in Japan.

Work permission on arrival
If you plan to work part-time, apply for “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted” at the airport. This saves you a trip to the immigration office later.

Address registration
Visit your local city or ward office within 14 days of moving in to register your address. Your Residence Card will be updated with your new address.

National Health Insurance (NHI)
Enroll in NHI at the municipal office unless you’re already covered under an employer’s plan. This is mandatory for all mid- to long-term residents.

Work limits
With a valid work permit, you can work up to 28 hours per week during term time. During official school holidays, you can work up to 8 hours per day (40 hours per week). Jobs in adult entertainment industries are strictly prohibited.

Best practices
Keep a simple log of your hours. If your course or school changes, check if your work permission needs to be re-applied for.

Special Re-entry Permit
If you plan to leave and return within one year (or before your residence status expires), you can use the Special Re-entry Permit by ticking the box on your departure card. For longer absences, apply for a regular re-entry permit before leaving.

Extension of stay
Apply at your Regional Immigration Services Bureau up to three months before your current stay expires. You’ll need updated enrollment certificates, attendance records, and proof of finances.

Post-graduation status changes
Graduates may change status to job-seeking activities or a working visa category. Maintain a strong academic and attendance record to support your application.

• Financial inconsistencies: Avoid sudden large deposits before submitting your bank proof.
• Incorrect photo size or quality: Follow the 45mm x 35mm specification exactly.
• Delaying visa application after COE: Your COE has a limited validity—apply promptly.
• Skipping municipal procedures: Late address registration or NHI enrollment can cause serious issues.

Before departure

• Admission letter and fee payment proof.
• Passport biodata copy and past Japan visa pages (if any).
• Diploma, transcripts, Statement of Purpose.
• Bank statements, sponsor documents, scholarship proofs.
• COE (electronic or printed).

Visa application

• Valid passport.
• Completed visa form.
• 45×35mm photo.
• COE.
• Consulate-specific documents.
• Visa fee.

Upon arrival

• Passport with visa and COE.
• Residence Card.
• Work permit application (if needed).

Within 14 days

• Address registration.
• NHI enrollment.

While studying

• Comply with work limits.
• Maintain attendance and academic standards.

For travel

• Use Special Re-entry Permit for short trips; regular permit for longer absences.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Application

• Match all personal details across your passport, academic, and financial documents.
• Organize your paperwork with a cover page and numbered attachments.
• Check local requirements at your specific embassy or consulate, as they may request extra documents.