B. Visa Application for those with family in Japan and other cases (COVID-19)

Visa application period
You may apply for a visa 3months prior to entering Japan. Depending on your travel plan, please apply for a visa accordingly.

Visa Processing Time
The minimum assessment time is 5 working days for all visas. It generally takes longer if additional documents are required for further assessment.
In some cases, applications need to be referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and it can take between 2 weeks and 2 months or more to complete the process.
There is NO priority processing service.

Visa applications must be made IN PERSON.　
An appointment is required by telephone(9480-1800) in advance.

1. Spouses/Children of Japanese Nationals

A. Short term stay (up to 90 days) applications for passport holders of 68 countries/ regions (i.e. Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA) (*1)

Application method for passport holders of 68 countries/ regions ordinarily subject to visa exemption measures, which are still suspended. If you are not legally married to your partner, please see 2. Short Term Visas for Family and Acquaintances

(1) Visa application form (with passport photo attached, taken within the last 6months)
(2) Valid passport
(3) Your valid long-term visa for Australia if you are not an Australian citizen
(4) a koseki tohon (family register), issued within the last six months *PDF copy is acceptable.

B. Short term stay (up to 90 days) applications for passport holders of other countries/ regions

(1) Visa application form (with passport photo attached, taken within the last 6months)
(2) Valid passport
(3) Proof of income (pay slips, PAYG statement, savings statements, superannuation, work contract etc.)
(4) Your valid long-term visa for Australia if you are not an Australian citizen
(5) a koseki tohon (family register), issued within the last six months *PDF copy is acceptable.
(6) Flight booking confirmation (please do not need to purchase a ticket until you have received a visa)
(7) Letter of Invitation (in English)/Letter of Invitation (in Japanese) *PDF copy is acceptable.

# Additional documents may be required if necessary.

C. Long term stay (more than 90 days)

(1) Visa application form (with passport photo attached, taken within the last 6months)
(2) Valid passport
(3) Certificate of Eligibility and copy of Certificate of Eligibility

*If your Certificate of Eligibility has expired, please see here for guidelines

(4) Your valid long-term visa for Australia if you are not an Australian citizen

2. Short Term Visas for Family and Acquaintances

From June 1st, family of people living in Japan can now apply for a temporary visitor visa using the following documents if they hold a passport from a country or region ordinarily subject to visa exemption measures.

(1) Visa application form (with passport photo attached, taken within the last 6months)
(2) Valid passport
(3) Copy of your relation's passport photo page
(4) Your valid long-term visa for Australia if you are not an Australian citizen
(5) Proof of relationship to your relative in Japan (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Family Register etc.) *PDF copy is acceptable.
(6) Copy of your relation's Japanese residence card if applicable (front and back)
(7) Invitation Letter (Japanese or English) from your relative
(8) Copy of Written Pledge (Japanese or English)

Acquaintances of people living in Japan can now apply under the following circumstances:
o    Visiting your fiancee or defacto partner
o    Attending the wedding, funeral or other significant ceremony of a friend
o    Visiting a sick friend
Please contact us to confirm what kind of proof will be required for a visa as an acquaintance.

If you do not hold a passport from a country or region ordinarily subject to visa exemption measures, please apply using the following guideline, or contact us:
"Application Procedures for Single Entry Visas (for Those with Nationalities other than China, Russia ,CIS Countries, Georgia or the Philippines")

# Additional documents may be required if necessary.

3. Humanitarian Reasons

You may be able to apply for a visa under specific humanitarian circumstances, such as a family emergency (if your family member is not included in the above categories) or medical treatment. Please contact us if you believe this applies to you.

4. Permanent Residents whose re-entry permit has expired

If you are a permanent resident whose re-entry permit has expired, you may be able to apply for the following measure.
Please contact us for more information.