Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives)
Tourists, short-term business visitors and people visiting friends or relatives for a brief stay.
The Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) is a Japanese visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥3,000 (single-entry); ~¥6,000 (multiple-entry); waived for visa-exempt nationals) and processing time (~5 working days), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) is for
Tourists, short-term business visitors and people visiting friends or relatives for a brief stay.
No direct path; you must switch to a long-stay status of residence to build toward permanent residence.
Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) - eligibility criteria
- Hold a passport valid for the stay
- Show purpose is tourism, business or visiting family
- Demonstrate funds for the trip and onward/return ticket
- No intention to work or reside long-term
- Not from a visa-exempt country, or apply for the visa if required
Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) (Japan) is ~¥3,000 (single-entry); ~¥6,000 (multiple-entry); waived for visa-exempt nationals, with an indicative processing time of ~5 working days. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Japanese embassy/consulate abroad (or visa-free on arrival for exempt nationals) |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days (15 or 30 days for some nationalities) |
| Work rights | No paid work permitted |
| Study rights | No formal enrolment; short observation/meetings only |
| Government fee | ~¥3,000 (single-entry); ~¥6,000 (multiple-entry); waived for visa-exempt nationals |
| Processing time | ~5 working days |
| Route to PR | No direct path; you must switch to a long-stay status of residence to build toward permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct path; you must switch to a long-stay status of residence to build toward permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Digital Nomad · Designated Activities (Digital Nomad), Student · Student, Engineer / Humanities · Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) pitfalls we fix
Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) cost?
The Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) government fee is ~¥3,000 (single-entry); ~¥6,000 (multiple-entry); waived for visa-exempt nationals. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~5 working days. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives) lead to permanent residence?
No direct path; you must switch to a long-stay status of residence to build toward permanent residence.
Can I work on the Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives)?
Work rights: No paid work permitted.
Who can apply for the Temporary Visitor (Tourist / Business / Visiting Relatives)?
Tourists, short-term business visitors and people visiting friends or relatives for a brief stay.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority