Asia
Visa for Japan
Updated: October 2026
Who needs a visa?
German, EU and citizens of 70 countries travel visa-free for up to 90 days. Citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey (partly visa-required from 2026), China and India need a visa. From 2028 the electronic JESTA system is planned for visa-free travellers too.
Fees and processing time
Visa fee: single entry 3,000 yen (about €19), multiple 6,000 yen (about €38); free for Ukrainians. Processing 5 working days from a complete application, longer in cherry-blossom season. No service fee as applications go directly to the consulate.
Where to apply?
In person or by post at the Japanese Consulate General in Hamburg (responsible for Bremen, Lower Saxony, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein), Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Munich or the Embassy in Berlin. Applicants must prove residence in the consular district (registration certificate, residence permit). Since 2025 online pre-registration via JAPAN eVISA for some countries.
Visa types
| Category | Who it is for | Government fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free 90 days | Germans, EU and 70 countries; tourism, business | 0 | – |
| Temporary Visitor | Tourism, family visit, business; up to 90 days | €19–38 | 5 working days |
| Work visa (Engineer/Specialist, Skilled Labor) | Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the employer in Japan | €19 | 5 days after CoE (CoE: 1–3 months) |
| Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) | 16 sectors, language and skills test, CoE | €19 | 5 days after CoE |
| Student | CoE from the school/university | €19 | 5 days after CoE |
| Working Holiday | Age 18–30; Germany participates, 1 year | 0 | 1–2 weeks |
| Spouse / Dependent | Spouse of a Japanese national or visa holder; CoE | €19 | 5 days after CoE |
Documents
- Passport and residence permit, registration certificate
- Application form, photo 45×45 mm
- Day-by-day itinerary (Schedule of Stay) with accommodation
- Return flight booking
- Bank statements 3 months or host's Letter of Guarantee with their tax certificate
- Invitation (Letter of Reason) and host's Koseki/Residence Card for private visits
- For work/study: original Certificate of Eligibility
What we do for you
- Check the category and assess your chances honestly
- Personal checklist, check of every document
- Complete the online form from your details, write the cover letter
- Book the visa centre or consulate appointment, prepare you for questions
- Arrange translations, apostille, insurance
- Track status, answer queries, explain the decision
Common mistakes
Incomplete Schedule of Stay (every day must be covered); applying at the wrong consulate (not your district); host documents without tax certificate; photo with background or glasses.
Our fee: Document check from €150, full support for one application from €490. Government fees, translations and apostille are charged separately and quoted in advance. Prices →