Visa for Japan

!IMPORTANT NOTICE! 

From 1st April 2022, no appointment is required for visa applications. 

※From 7th September 2022, The Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai starts accepting specific new visa applications (Partial Multiple entry visas). Although, we consider Diplomat Passport holders, Official/Special Passports holders, and Humanitarian case applications prioritize during this period.

※Starting from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022 , followings will be applied.
-Prescribed applications in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) completed by the receiving organizations located in Japan will be no longer required for new entry of foreign nationals into Japan.
-Foreign nationals enter into Japan for a short-term stay for tourism will be no longer limited under package tours.

【NOTES】
1. From September 7th 2022, all travelers who can present a valid vaccination certificate showing they’ve received 3 doses of a COVID‑19 vaccine will not be required to present a PCR test negative certificate.
If not applicable, a negative COVID-19 test result conducted within 72 hours of your departure time is required.
　●https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_test.html

2. Please follow all border control measures of Japan
　●https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html#2_1
　●https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000121431_00209.html
3. Covid-19 mask use in community settings and mask use for children
 

1. Before apply for visa (Business affairs and long–term stays)

In order to apply for Japanese visa, basically receiving company/authority/inviter in Japan MUST first apply to the ERFS system.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html

Any inquiries regarding apply to the ERFS system, please contact following call center in Japan. 
TEL: +81-50-1751-2158 , +81-50-1741-8558
(*Monday to Sunday, 9:00 to 21:00 Japan time, (available in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean))
 

 

2. The acceptable categories of visa applications

■Visa for short-term "Business affairs"
※※Those nationals on the list of certain countries/regions (whose visa exemption arrangements with Japan have been temporarily suspended) can apply for a multiple entry visa.
■Visa for working and long–term stays with "Certificate of Eligibility"
※For those who apply for a visa as a technical intern trainee or a student, kindly check the below website.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html#vjw
■Temporary Visitors Visiting Relatives or Acquaintances
■Spouses or children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or long-term residents (Teijusha)
■Visa for short-term "Tourism purpose" (※ package tour only)

Please be noted that required documents and procedures are different from usual, therefore, please check the required documents as below. 
※The Visa examination takes approximately 1 week or more.

 

 

3. Required documents to apply visa

3-1. Visa for Short- term “Business affairs”

▶ Those nationals on the list of certain countries/regions (whose visa exemption arrangements with Japan have been temporarily suspended), including the United Arab Emirates may apply for their visas with the following:
 
▶ Others not in the list, required documents in the link below.
List of required documents
 

3-2. Visa for working and long–term stays with “Certificate of Eligibility”

(1) A copy of the “Certificate for Completion of Registration to the ERFS system"
(2) Visa application form
(3) Passport
(4) Copy of passport
(5) Copy of UAE visa (residence)（※UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan.）
(6) Photo (white background)
(7) Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Ministry of Justice
※a Declaration letter is required if you have a COE issued more than 3months ago. (For business affairs) (For family/dependents)
※The Declaration should be prepared by the inviting person/company/organization in Japan
(8) Copy of COE
(9) Confirmation letter (※applicable technical intern trainees or students only)

 

3-3.Temporary Visitors Visiting Relatives or Acquaintances (*)

*Only those who are deemed to have a relationship equivalent to relatives (betrothed or common-law marriage) or those who are deemed to have a need to visit Japan (to attend a wedding or funeral or to visit an acquaintance who is ill).
 
▶ Countries / Regions Other Than Visa Exemption Countries/Regions
(1) Visa application form
(2) Passport
(3) Copy of passport
(4) Copy of UAE visa (residence)（※UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan.）
(5) Photo (white background)
(6) An invitation letter (English/Japanese)with written pledge(English/Japanese).　
(7) A confirmed flight reservation record of round-trip flight to/from Japan.
(8) A recent 3 month UAE bank statement
(9) A letter from the employer
(10) A schedule of stay
(11) A guarantee letter
(12) A certificate of residency (Juminhyo) issued within the last 3 months
(13) Documents showing the relationship between the applicant and his/her relatives or acquaintances.
※A family register (Koseki) issued within the last 3 months, headed by applicants' Japanese spouse.
For those visiting acquaintances, documentation to support the purpose of the visit is also required.
(14) A copy of the residence card of a relative or an acquaintance (if applicable)
(15) A confirmed flight reservation record for accompanying family members (if applicable)
 
▶ Visa Exemption Countries / Regions (including UAE etc.)
(1) Visa application form
(2) Passport
(3) Copy of passport
(4) Copy of UAE visa (residence)（※UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan.）
(5) Photo (white background)
(6) An invitation letter (English/Japanese)with written pledge(English/Japanese).
(7) A confirmed flight reservation record of round-trip flight to/from Japan.
(8) Documents showing the relationship between the applicant and his/her relatives or acquaintances.
※a family register (Koseki) issued within the last 3 months, headed by applicants' Japanese spouse.
For those visiting acquaintances, documentation to support the purpose of the visit is also required.
(9) A copy of the residence card of a relative or an acquaintance (if applicable).
(10) A confirmed flight reservation record for accompanying family members (if applicable).
 

3-4. Spouses or children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or long-term residents (Teijusha)

Kindly contact us by email (ryouji@du.mofa.go.jp) with the applicant's nationality and expected date of entry into Japan. We will share the required documents by email.
※Applicants who are eligible countries also can apply for a multiple-entry visa. (Spouse or child of Japanese only)
 

3-5. Visa for short-term "Tourism purpose" (※ package tour only)

Before applying for a visa, kindly check the below website.  

4. Visa Waiver for UAE nationals based on Passport-Registration System

As of April, 2022, this system is temporary SUSPENDED until further notice.
The validity of the sticker, registered before 02 April 2020 is also SUSPENDED until further notice.
From now on, it is required for UAE National to obtain a Japan Visa prior to the departure to Japan.

5 years validity UAE passport holders Visa requirements
Arabic　　　English　　　Japanese
 
Please send application forms (2 pages) by email at least 1-week prior to the application.
ryouji@du.mofa.go.jp
Further instruction will be replied by email.

 

5. Visa exemption for Diplomat / Official passport holders

As of April 2022, Visa Exemption for UAE Diplomat Passport or Special Passport Holder is SUSPENDED until further notice.
For those, considering traveling to Japan on its mission or official purpose, kindly find the link below for required documents.
Please contact the Consulate by email at least 1-week prior to the application.
 
The examination of application may take at least 1 week or more.
Visa application without prior notification to the Consulate may not be accepted.

 

6. Who are eligible to apply for visa at our consulate?

The Consulate General of Japan in Dubai is authorized to issue a visa to following nationals and residents.

(1) UAE nationals and other nationals with residential status in the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
※ Those applicants who reside in the emirates of Abu Dhabi (including Al Ain) must apply for a visa at the Embassy of Japan in the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.

(2) Residents (including its citizen and foreigner) of Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen.

 

7. Forms for the application

(1) Application form for visa　(Applicant's Original Signature is required)　　English　　　(Sample English)

(2) Application form for visa waiver　(Applicant's Original Signature is required)　　For UAE nationals 　　　※photo is not required

(3) Itinerary in Japan form　　Japanese　　　English　　( Sample )

(4) Letter of reason for invitation　　　Japanese　　　English

(5) Letter of guarantee　　　Japanese　  　English

(6) List of visa applicants form　　　Japanese　　　English　　(When there are two or more applicants)

(7) Form of Overview of the Company/Organization　　　Japanese　　　English

(8) Multiple visa request letter　　　for UAE nationals     Other nationals
　　※Multiple visa is temporary suspended. 

 

8. Visa for working and long-term stays

The Validity of Multiple-Entry Visa or Single-Entry Visa issued before 02 April, 2020 is temporary SUSPENDED until further notice.
For those, considering immediate traveling to Japan is required to apply for a Japan visa newly prior to the departure to Japan.
 

When an application for a visa is made for the purpose of employment, residency, etc. in Japan, it is necessary for a proxy in Japan to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility and for the visa applicant to file a visa application to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate-general by submitting the original copy of the Certificate of Eligibility.

In order to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility, a proxy in Japan should make an application with the nearest Regional Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice to the proxy's place of residence in Japan (an application for Certificate of Eligibility cannot be made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). 
 
(1) Process of Working and long-term Stays Visa 【English】【Japanese】

(2) A Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals in JAPAN (The Ministry of Justice)
The Ministry of Justice in Japan has opened a Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals on their website.
The website is available in English and Japanese.You can also download the Guidebook to Daily Life and Work there too.

http://www.moj.go.jp/nyuukokukanri/kouhou/m_nyuukokukanri10_00006.html

 

9. General information

Location

28th Floor, Dubai World Trade Center 【MAP】
 

Opening Hours

Visa application: 8:00-12:00 (MON-THU), 8:00-11:00 (FRI) (During Ramadan: 8:00-11:00)
Visa collection: 12:00-15:00 (MON-THU) (During Ramadan: 11:00-13:00)
※No Visa collection on Friday, in principle.
 

Visa process

At least 1 week or more until further notice due to Boarder Security Measures reasons.
※(For Chinese nationals, 2 years UAE passport holders and Travel document holders, it may take longer)
※Kindly apply at your earliest convenience
 

Visa fees　　

Visa Fees for 2022
Fees must be paid in cash on collection day. We do not accept cheque or credit/debit cards.

 

10. Criteria of visa issuance

A Japanese visa will be issued to an applicant when he/she meets all of the following requirements and if the issuance is considered to be appropriate.  

(1) The applicant possesses a valid passport and is entitled to the re-entry to a country of his/her nationality or a country of his/her residence.
(2) UAE residence visa must be valid upon returning from Japan.
(3) All submitted documents are authentic, completed and satisfactory.
(4) The applicant do not fall under any of the items of Article 5, Paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act.
(5) The activities to be engaged in Japan/ the civil status or the position of the applicant/ the period of stay meet the requirements for the status of residence and the period of stay stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
　　　(Cabinet Order No.319 of 1951. Hereinafter referred to as the "Immigration Control Act")

 

11. Transfer of valid visa to a new passport

Temporary not available for those visas (Multiple or Single) issued before 02 April 2020.

When you get a new passport issued due to the following reasons, you can transfer your valid Multiple-entry & Single Temporary Visitor visa from an old passport to a new one.
(1) A passport has been expired or renewed
(2) A passport has been damaged or stained
(3) There is no sufficient pages

Procedure of visa transfer 【English】

※In case of having a passport lost or stolen passport, you are required to apply for a new visa.

 

12.Contact to consular section

Please look at the “Frequent Asked Questions” before contacting us.
(Note) We cannot give you the specific reason of the visa rejection.
 
E-mail: ryouji@du.mofa.go.jp

 

13. Japanese immigration information

(1) Loss of a residence card (Zairyu card)
Please contact to Japanese immigration information center.
Japanese Consulate is not authorised to handle such matter regarding immigration.

■Immigration Information Center
Tel: +81-3-5796-7112 (International call)
Weekdays (Mon-Fri) between 8:30 to 17:15

List of regional information centers in Japan
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/info/index.html#sec.01

(2) Extension of the period of validity of the re-entry permit (Not applicable for special re-entry permit system)
If a foreign national who departs Japan after acquiring a re-entry permit and is unable to return to Japan due to unavoidable reason can apply, even after the period of validity of the re-entry permit expires, for an extension of the re-entry permit's period of validity at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General.
※ The period of stay cannot be extended at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/incidents/permit.html

 

! IMPORTANT NOTICE ! for Residence card, Re-Entry permission, Certificate of Eligibility.

Holding VALID Residence card (ZAIRYU-Card) and Re-entry permit

Please be noted that the certificate of negative test result of pre-entry testing conducted within 72 hours of the departure time of the flight (hereinafter referred to as “certificate of negative test result”) is still needed when re-entering. Please see here for the valid format of the “certificate of negative test result”.

●Immigration Service Agency of Japan 
●Valid Format of “Certificate of Negative Test Result”
 

Holding EXPIRED Residence card or obtained Re-Entry permission or Special re-entry permission

(1) Foreign national residents who departed from Japan with「Re-Entry permission」or 「Special Re-Entry permission」, and expired Residence card (ZAIRYU-Card), please contact Immigration Service Agent of Japan directly whether you can return Japan with them.

■Immigration Information Center
Tel: +81-3-5796-7112 (International call)
email: info-tokyo@i.moj.go.jp
Website: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/info/index.html

(2) Foreign national resident departed from Japan with「Re-Entry Permission」and had expired its validity, under certain circumstances, application for extension of validity may be accepted at the Consulate. Please send us the following documents by email for clarification.
＊「Special Re-entry permission」cannot apply for extension.
　　　　- Passport
　　　　- Re-Entry Permission page
　　　　- Residence card (ZAIRYU-Card)(Front & back)
　
(3) Foreign national resident departed from Japan before 29th April 2020 with「Re-Entry Permission」or「Special Re-entry permission」which had expired, however, if you are holding Residence card (ZAIRYU-Card) with one of the following resident status「Permanent Resident」,「Designated Activity (Non-Notified) 」,「Long-Term Resident (Non-Notified) 」, you can apply exceptionally for Japan visa for returning to Japan, despite of expiration of Re-Entry/Special Re-entry permission validity.
(*Applicable for 6months after the Japanese restriction is lifted )
Please send the following documents by email for application.

• Passport
• UAE residence Visa
• Residence card (ZAIRYU-Card) (Front & back)
• Special Re-entry stamped ED card (Front & back)
• Japan visa application form (PDF)