Japan Business Visa for Indian Passport Holders

There are different kinds of business activities that are done when you have business bonds in different countries. In order to be able to enter Japan for carrying out any of the business activities, you will have to acquire a business visa to Japan. There are several benefits to this permit. With this visa, you can visit Japan to attend business meetings, exhibitions and conferences, business meetings for a branch of your own company or a sister company, or attend client meetings and other business errands. The validity offered by this visa is of 3 months and you can stay in the country for 15 days per visit. It even allows you multiple-entry to Japan.

• Temporary Visitor (Business):

• For general business meetings, conferences, etc.
• Stay Duration: Up to 90 days.
  
  

• Intra-Company Transferee Visa:

• For employees transferred to a Japanese branch of their current company.
• Stay Duration: Can exceed 90 days; typically up to 3 years.
  
  

• Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa:

• Introduced in 2019 for highly skilled professionals in specific fields.
• Stay Duration: Up to 5 years (can be renewed).

• Indian Nationality: Must hold a valid Indian passport.
  
  
  
• Business Purpose: Clearly defined business objectives for the visit.
  
  
  
• Sufficient Funds: Evidence of financial resources to support the stay in Japan.
  
  
  
• Return Intention: Proof of strong ties to India to ensure return after the visit.
  
  
  
• Background Check: May be required for certain types of visas or at the discretion of the embassy/consulate.

a. Common Documents

• Valid Passport:
  
  
• At least six months' validity beyond the intended stay.
• Two blank pages.
  
  
  
• Visa Application Form:
  
  
• Download from the Japanese Embassy/Consulate website or collect in person.
• Fill accurately and completely with a black pen.
  
  
  
• Recent Photograph:
  
  
• One passport-sized (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background, taken within the last six months.
  
  
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Arrangements:
  
  
• Proof of onward travel or return ticket.
  
  

b. Business-Specific Documents

• Invitation Letter from the Japanese Company:
  

• Addressed to the Embassy/Consulate of Japan in India.
• Includes applicant's name, purpose, duration of visit, and inviting company's details.
  
  
  

• Company Certificate (, ) of the Japanese Company:
  

• Issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice or a Public Notary within the last three months.
  
  
  

• Business Profile of the Indian Company:
  

• Outlining the company's main business activities.
  
  

c. Financial and Social Ties Documents

• Proof of Financial Resources:
  

• Bank statement or passbook showing sufficient funds (approximately ¥100,000 or more per week of stay).
  
  

• Proof of Social Ties to India:
  

• Certificate of Employment.
• Student ID (if applicable).
• Property ownership documents.
• Family ties documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, etc.).
  
  

d. Special Requirements

• For Intra-Company Transferee Visa:

• Detailed explanation of the transfer.
• Applicant’s resume.
• Certificate of employment.
  
  

• For Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa:

• Results of the skills and knowledge evaluation.
• Certificate of graduation from a university or equivalent.

The Japan business visa photo requirements are as follows:

• Two copies must be provided
  
  
• Photo size: 35mm x 45 mm.
  
  
• Coloured copy must be provided.
  
  
• The face must cover about 60-70% of the frame - 32mm x 36mm.
  
  
• Head should well-centred.
  
  
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
  
  
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
  
  
• The background must be white
  
  
• Neutral expressions
  
  
• Glasses are not permitted.
  
  
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
  
  
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

5.1 Gather All Documents

• Importance: Ensuring you have all required documents is crucial for a smooth application process.

• Steps to Gather Documents:

• Review Visa Requirements: Check the Japanese Embassy/Consulate website or consult with a registered travel agency to confirm the required documents for your specific visa type.

• Prepare Common Documents:

• Valid Passport

• Recent Photograph

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Arrangements

• Prepare Business-Specific Documents:

• Invitation Letter from the Japanese Company

• Company Certificate (, ) of the Japanese Company

• Business Profile of the Indian Company

• Prepare Financial and Social Ties Documents:

• Proof of Financial Resources

• Proof of Social Ties to India

• Special Requirements (If Applicable):

• For Intra-Company Transferee Visa or Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa, gather additional required documents.

• Tips:

• Ensure all documents are in A4 size. If not, attach a blank A4 sheet behind the document.

• Documents should be in English or Japanese. If in another language, provide a certified translation.

• Keep a set of photocopies for your records.
  
  

5.2 Fill the Application Form

• Obtaining the Form:

• Download from the Japanese Embassy/Consulate website.

• Collect in person from the embassy/consulate.
  
  

• Filling the Form:

• Use a Black Pen: Ensure all information is filled in with a black pen.

• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all details for accuracy.

• Complete All Sections: Unless a section is marked as optional, fill in all required information.

• Signature: Sign the form as per your passport signature.
  
  

• Form Sections Overview:

• Personal Details: Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, etc.

• Travel Details: Dates of Visit, Flight Numbers (if known), etc.

• Accommodation in Japan: Address where you will be staying.

• Purpose of Visit: Clearly state the business purpose.

• Employment/Student Status: Provide relevant details.
  
  

• Tips:

• If any section does not apply, write "N/A" (Not Applicable).

• Do not leave any mandatory fields blank.
  
  
  

5.3 Submit Application

• Submission Methods:

• In Person:

• Location: Japanese Embassy in New Delhi or Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or Bengaluru.

• Requirements:

• Original documents.

• Photocopies of documents (for embassy/consulate records).

• Tips:

• Check the embassy/consulate's working hours and submission timings.

• Be prepared for potential queries on your application.
  
  

• Through a Registered Travel Agency:

• Service Charge: Applies for agency assistance.

• Requirements:

• Original documents (agency will make photocopies).

• Agency's service fee.

• Tips:

• Ensure the agency is registered with the Japanese Embassy/Consulate.

• Clarify all service charges upfront.
  

• Post-Submission:

• Receive an acknowledgement receipt (if submitting in person) or a confirmation from the agency.

• Wait for the processing to complete.
  
  

5.4 Biometric Data Collection (If Required)

• When Required:

• For certain visa types (e.g., Specified Skilled Worker Visa).

• At the discretion of the Japanese Embassy/Consulate.
  
  

• Process:

• Fingerprinting: Provide fingerprints as instructed.

• Facial Photograph: A photo may be taken.
  
  

• Tips:

• Ensure your fingers are clean and dry for clear fingerprinting.

• Follow the instructions provided by the embassy/consulate staff.
  
  

5.5 Interview (If Required)

• When Scheduled:

• In some cases, as decided by the Japanese Embassy/Consulate.
  
  

• Preparation:

• Review Your Application: Be familiar with all details submitted.

• Business Knowledge: Be prepared to discuss your business, the purpose of your visit, and your company.

• Travel Plans: Know your itinerary and accommodation arrangements.
  
  

• During the Interview:

• Be Honest and Clear: Answer all questions directly.

• Provide Additional Information: If requested, provide supplementary documents or explanations.
  
  

• Tips:

• Dress professionally to make a good impression.

• Arrive early to show respect for the scheduled time.

• Visa Application Fee:

• Generally free for single-entry business visas for Indians.
• Double-entry or multiple-entry visas may incur a fee (check with the embassy/consulate).
  
  

• Service Charge (If Applicable):

• For applications submitted through a registered travel agency.
  
  

• Processing Time:

• Usually 4-5 working days, but can take longer in some cases.

• In Person:
  
  
• If submitted directly to the embassy/consulate.
  
  
  
• Through Registered Travel Agency:
  
  
• If the application was submitted through an agency.

• Visa Denial: Reasons for denial are usually not disclosed, and application fees (if any) are non-refundable.
  
  
  
• Overstay Penalties: Strictly adhere to the visa's stay duration to avoid penalties and future visa application issues.
  
  
  
• COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: Always check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.

• Travel Insurance: Highly recommended to cover unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.
  
  
• Check Entry Requirements: Ensure you meet all the latest entry requirements for Japan.
  
  
• Register with the Indian Embassy in Japan (Optional):
  
  
• For emergency contact purposes.

Need more clarity on the Japan visa? Check out helpful resources below

Japan Visa Requirement

Japan Tourist Visa Requirement

Japan Business Visa Requirement

Japan Visit Visa Requirement

Japan Study Visa Requirement

Japan Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection