Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for Long-Stay Tourst Visa in Japan

Question 1

I am a Thai national and wish to stay in Japan for periods exceeding six months annually. What type of visa would be suitable? My primary purpose for staying in Japan is semi-retirement. I plan to purchase an apartment in Japan and stay for at least half a year each year. I do not need to work in Japan and am financially stable. What is the optimal option?

Answer 1

Only the Designated Activities Visa (No. 40) for long-term stays for tourism/recreational purposes can be applied for. Please review the requirements for this visa. Japan’s immigration policy determines visa types based on the purpose of activities in Japan. Therefore, if you simply wish to stay in Japan for leisure or vacation purposes, you would use a Short-Term Stay Visa (maximum 90 days). Unless there is a special reason for your stay, a tourist visa cannot be extended. However, with this visa for affluent individuals, you can stay in Japan for up to one year.

Question 2

Can I obtain a long-term stay visa for tourism and recreation purposes while already in Japan on a tourist visa (90 days)? I hold a Canadian passport and have savings of over 30 million yen overseas.

Answer 2

Applying for a long-term stay visa for tourism or recreation requires the following two-step process:

  1. First, while you are in Japan, apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for that visa status.
  2. Next, once that COE is approved by the Immigration Bureau, if you are still in Japan, you can submit an application to change your visa status. If the Certificate of Eligibility is not approved within the 90-day period of stay, you must return to your home country to await the result. In that case, take the COE to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country, obtain the visa, and then enter Japan. Please note that the processing time for the Certificate of Eligibility varies depending on circumstances, so please inquire.

Question 3

Hello, I am Taiwanese and wish to send my daughter to study in Japan in the future (high school, university, or longer). My wife and I intend to apply for a long-term tourist visa (Article 40 with ¥30 million savings).

Upon inquiring with the Japan-Taiwan Association, we received the following response:

First apply for 6 months in Taiwan, then extend for 6 months in Japan.

The following year, apply again for 6 months in Taiwan and extend for another 6 months in Japan.

Is it possible to continue this method for many years? Thank you for your assistance.

Answer 3

The long-term tourist visa has a maximum duration of one year (6 months + 6-month extension).

Following the method you described, the possible sequence is: Initial 6-month stay → 6-month extension → Return home after one year
→ Reapply for 6-month visa → 6-month extension → Return home after one year

This sequence is feasible.

Question 4

I read the article about the “Long-term Stay for Tourism and Recreation” visa. My wife and I would like to apply for this visa with your assistance. However, we have a young child. As far as I understand, children cannot obtain the same visa for up to one year? Is there any way for our child to stay with us for tourism and recreation purposes for up to one year?

Answer 4

Unfortunately, your children cannot obtain a one-year tourist visa. The maximum duration is 90 days. To apply for a long-term stay visa for your child, either parent must obtain a work visa and provide the children with Dependent Visas (for family stay), or, if the children are of school age, they can apply for Student Visas independently.

 

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