Japan Visa for UAE Residents in 2024
Get the Best Insurance Plan that fits for Your Need
Get a Quote for Insurance
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Japan?
The requirement of a Japan visa for UAE residents is based on their nationality. UAE passport holders do not require a visa to visit Japan for up to 30 days. Indian expatriates residing in the UAE can apply and obtain a single-entry electronic visa (e-visa) to Japan for stays not exceeding 90 days.
There are several visa-free countries for Japan. Foreign nationals visiting Japan must obtain a prior visa unless they belong to any of the visa-exempt countries. The visa exemption (if applicable) is available only for short-term stays not exceeding 90 days.
Types of Japan Visas Available for UAE Residents
Tourist Visa
This visa is suitable for tourism, leisure, and visiting family members or friends. It permits visitors to stay in Japan for up to 90 days
Business Visa
Individuals traveling to Japan for business meetings, events, conferences, or training must obtain a business visa for short-term visits not exceeding 90 days
Work Visa
You can obtain a work visa if you secure a job in Japan. Several categories of work visas are available based on your profession, industry, and skills. The duration of this visa varies between 1 year to 5 years depending on the employment contract
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Professionals with advanced skills or high academic achievements can obtain this visa to work in cutting-edge areas or engage in R&D activities in Japan. This visa is typically valid for 1-5 years and provides a pathway to permanent residency
Student Visa
UAE residents who wish to study in a Japanese university, language school, or vocational institution must apply for a student visa. This visa is valid for the duration of the study program and can be renewed (if required)
Dependant Visa
Dependant family members (spouse/children) of UAE residents holding a long-term Japanese visa can apply for a dependant visa. The validity of this visa is based on the primary visa holder’s status
Permanent Residency (PR)
Foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for at least 10 years including 5 years of residence under a work visa can obtain permanent residency in Japan. Highly skilled professionals can apply for PR after 1-3 years. PR permits you to live in Japan without visa restrictions
Transit Visa
UAE residents passing through Japan while they are traveling to a third country must obtain a transit visa. This visa has a validity of 15 days and the activities are generally restricted to sightseeing, leisure, and rest
Japan Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
Completed and signed visa application form
Two passport-sized photographs (recent) with a white background
Passport with a validity of at least six months beyond the intended stay in Japan (having at least two blank pages)
UAE residence visa with a validity of at least three months
A detailed travel itinerary of your trip with return flight ticket reservation
Hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a local host as proof of accommodation
Bank statements for the past 3-6 months or a letter of guarantee as proof of financial means to cover the cost of stay in Japan
Additional Requirements for a Business Visa
A certificate of employment (COE) from the applicant’s employer in the UAE, stating the job position and the purpose of the visit
A letter of invitation from a Japanese company or host organization
How to Get a Japan Visa for UAE Residents?
Determine the type of visa based on your purpose of visit
Gather all the required documents as described above (in the previous section)
Submit the application in person at the Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC) in Abu Dhabi or Dubai along with the documents. It is recommended that you apply at least 2-4 weeks in advance
Pay the prescribed visa fee at the designated payment counter in JVAC
The average processing time for a Japan visa is around 5-7 working days. After processing and approval, you will receive a notification to collect your visa in person from the visa application center
How Much Does a Japan Visa Cost? What is its Validity?
| Category | Nationality | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (Single Entry) | Other Nationalities | 80 |
| Indian | 20 | |
| Gratis Countries | Nil |
The single-entry Japan e-visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance.
Note: All applicants must pay a service fee of AED 100 (including 5% VAT) at the Japan Visa Application Center.
Japan Visa On Arrival for UAE Residents
Japan does not offer a visa-on-arrival for UAE residents. However, UAE citizens can now travel to Japan without a visa for short stays of up to 30 days.
For UAE residents who do not hold a UAE passport, visa requirements depend on their nationality. They must obtain a visa before traveling to Japan. These travelers typically need to apply for a visa through the Japanese embassy or consulate in the UAE.
Japan E-Visa Application Process
The e-visa application process allows citizens from eligible countries to apply for a short-term visa to Japan online. The step-by-step procedure to obtain a Japanese e-visa for UAE residents is as follows:
Visit the official Japanese E-Visa Portal
Create an account by registering on the portal. Then click on the confirmation email to activate your account
Complete the e-visa application form by entering your details, passport information, travel itinerary, and purpose of visit
Upload scanned copies of all the requisite documents
Pay the prescribed visa fee online using your credit card, debit card, or any other accepted method
Review the information and submit the visa application. You will receive an acknowledgment email with the application reference number
After processing and approval, the e-visa will be sent through email. Though the e-visa is electronically linked to your passport, it is recommended that you take a printout of the same
How to Check the Japan Visa Status Online?
Visit the website of VFS Global, the official partner of the Japanese embassy in the UAE
Navigate to the ‘Track Your Application’ section on the homepage
Enter the application reference number and your date of birth
Enter the captcha code as shown and click ‘Submit’. The status of your visa application is displayed on the page
Frequently Asked Questions about Japan Visa for UAE Residents
Only UAE citizens can visit Japan without a visa and stay up to 30 days. Expatriates in the UAE with a valid residence visa can apply for a single-entry e-visa to Japan for tourism purposes. The e-visa has a validity of 90 days.
The average processing time of a Japanese e-visa for UAE residents is 5-10 business days. However, this can extend for up to 3 weeks based on the documents submitted and the volume of visa applications.
Japan does not offer a visa-on-arrival for UAE residents. The visa requirements for UAE residents depend on their nationality. Most travelers must apply for and obtain a visa before traveling to Japan.
There is no minimum bank balance specified for a Japanese tourist visa. However, the applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay in Japan by submitting their latest bank account statements.
The single-entry e-visa is the easiest and fastest method of getting a visa for Japan. This is a short-term visa issued for tourism purposes.
The income tax returns (ITR) of the last three years are required to apply for a business visa to Japan. You can also submit your latest bank statements in lieu of the ITR.
It takes around 5 working days to obtain a Japanese e-visa. However, the processing time may vary based on the documentation, travel season, and the number of applicants.
Your Japan visa may be denied due to any of the following reasons:
- Invalid passport
- Incomplete and/or incorrect visa application form
- Inconsistent or misleading details
- Incorrect visa type
- Lack of sufficient funds to cover the expenses abroad
- Any pending criminal case(s)
- Lack of strong ties (job, family, etc.) to the home country
- Lack of clarity on the purpose of travel
It is recommended that you apply as early as possible to avoid potential hassles and delays. You can now apply for a Japanese visa up to three months before your expected travel date.
