Japan Introduces Five-Year Visa for Foreigners

Japan has announced a new five-year visa option for foreigners, as published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visa allows for a permitted stay of five years and outlines a comprehensive checklist of required documents that varies by nationality.

All applicants must submit a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a photograph. Notably, nationals from Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia are required to submit two application forms and two photographs.

A Certificate of Eligibility is mandatory for all applicants, which can be submitted as an original or a copy. For electronic submissions, the document must be presented at the counter or printed and included with the application materials.

Chinese nationals face additional requirements, needing to provide a copy of their Chinese Family Register. If their Family Register is outside the jurisdiction of the embassy or consulate, they must also submit either a Temporary Residence Permit or a Residence Certificate.

This new visa represents one of Japan's longer-stay categories, providing clearer guidance for prospective applicants.