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Australians in Japan
Japan is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. This island nation has a lot to offer for anyone who is looking to sightsee or even work there.
With a unique blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology, Japanese society stands out from many countries as a must-see location.
Due to this, Japan has become a mainstay location for any Australian citizens looking to go abroad. So much that between 2019 to early 2020, over half a million Australians visited Japan!
The year prior saw 458,000 travel to Japan, and the year before that saw 393,100 embark and return from the Land of the Rising Sun. This means there was over a 30% increase in a span of just two years.
With the Covid pandemic occurring, naturally, these numbers went down, but as soon as restrictions began to ease, there has been a rise in those choosing to visit Japan for the first time or undertake a return trip.
At the moment, there are several different types of visas for japan, including both short-term and long-term permits (this is obtained via a Japanese Embassy or Consulate). On top of this, Japan is introducing a new electronic visa system as well.
Australian Citizens and Short-Term Stays in Japan (90 days and below)
Fortunately, any Australian traveler looking to visit Japan doesn’t need to apply for a visa, so long as their stay is 90 days or less.
This is because Australia is one of the 68 Japan Visa Exempt countries. Citizens from these countries can enter Japan for tourism, to visit relatives, or for business purposes for the allocated 90 days’ timeframe.
However, once the electronic visa system is completely in place, all Australian citizens will most-likely have to apply for an e-Visa for short-term trips.
Australian Citizens and Long-Term Stays in Japan (3 months up to 5 years)
For any Australian citizen looking to study, work, join a family member, or travel for any other long-term purpose, it is necessary to apply for a Japan Visa. Long-term visas are issued as either single or double entry permits, working visas, or student visas.
Each of these documents allows for a different period of stay in Japan. The application fee is between A$ 35.00 AND A$ 71.00 (or ¥3,000 – ¥6,000).
The time taken to process this is between 5 – 10 business days and the approved document can be collected from the Japanese Embassy in Australia.
Single Entry Permits (Up to 3 months)
Single entry permits allow the visitor to enter the country on only one occasion. The period of validity of the single-entry visa is three months. This period will be affixed to a citizen’s passport upon entry to Japan. An extension of the visa validity is not possible.
Double Entry Permits (2 Short Visits over 6 months)
Double-entry permits, as the name indicates, allows for a second re-entry into Japan. This permit will allow for 2 short trips to be taken within 6 months.
Alternatively, an Australian citizen can apply for a longer-term stay with a Japan Work Visa or a Japan Student Visa.
Japan Work Visa (3 months up to 5 years)
Working visas are considered long-term stay visas and cover the type of work that requires high-level professional knowledge or skills. Simpler labor jobs such as waiters, construction workers, sales representatives, etc., cannot obtain this visa.
As this type of entry permit has a high entry threshold, it allows for more extended periods of stay – up to five years!
To get a better idea of what types of professionals are sought out, their roles include:
- Artists; Business Managers;
- Diplomats or Officials;
- Engineers;
- Instructors;
- Intra-company Transferees;
- Journalists;
- Legal and Account Services;
- Medical Specialists with Japanese Qualifications;
- Professors.
This visa is perfect for anyone who has a job that meets these prerequisites and plans to work in Japan full-time.
Japan Student Visa (3 months up to 2 years and 3 months)
Alongside the work visa, students can also acquire a long-term student visa. This is specifically designed for anyone who wants to study in Japan, including prospective Australian citizens.
Visas can be obtained with the intention of attending a university or any other educational facility within the country.
Japan eVisa for Australian Citizens (Up to 30 days)
This new eVisa has been made to streamline the visa registration process and is already available to citizens of China, and it is highly likely that Australians will be eligible to apply via the registration process in the coming year.
This Japan eVisa is valid for 90 days and permits a 30 day stay for any successful applicant.
The eVisa is a much faster way to register for a shorter visit to Japan as they are issued within 72 hours of application, they are available entirely online (meaning no visits to the Japanese Embassy are necessary), and the approved document will be sent in PDF form to the applicant’s email address.
On top of this, the Japanese government has stated its intention to add other types of visas to the online system in the future, with the development of an online mechanism for obtaining a single-entry visa in Japan underway.
The plan is to get the online system and electronic visa for Japan up and running by early 2021, before the summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Japan Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens
There are different requirements depending on the type of visa requested. The conditions for an eVisa are the most straightforward, only needing an Australian passport, which must be valid for at least another 6 months and have at least two blank pages for the entry/exit stamps.
Japan Work Visa Requirements
Most people who want to enter Japan through a working visa application should get a Certificate of Eligibility first.
The Certificate of Eligibility is a document issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice. To receive a Certificate of Eligibility, you must have a sponsor in Japan, such as an employer, a teacher, a parent, or others.
In order to apply for your Certificate, your sponsor in Japan must contact the local Immigration Office. Once released, the certificate will be mailed to you, and you will be able to apply for a visa using the documents mentioned below.
The application for the Certificate of Eligibility is free and will take up to three months to complete.
Documents required by visa applicants who have a valid Certificate of Eligibility include:
- A valid passport and a photocopy of the photo page of the passport;
- One Japan Work Visa Application Form. This should be both completed and signed. You can download a copy of the application form from the website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- A passport-sized photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm or 2in. x 2in and taken within the past 6 months);
- A photocopy of the original Certificate of Eligibility
On top of this, additional documents may be required.
Japan Student Visa Requirements
The application procedure for a Japan Student Visa is unconventional but quite similar to the work visa. It is divided into two parts: first, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. This is applied for on your behalf by the university where you will be training.
Then, at a nearby embassy or consulate, you apply for a visa of your own.
A more specific breakdown would include:
- A valid passport and a photocopy of the photo page of the passport;
- A letter of admission issued by any Japanese educational institution you plan on studying in (describing the course that is to be attended, the length of the stay, and any other necessary details regarding the studies);
- Any previous diplomas, credentials, or documentation related to your academic history;
- A document proving that the applicant has a sufficient amount of money to cover the expenses of the stay in Japan (this can be a bank statement, a sponsorship letter, any document proving that you have financial help, a scholarship proof, etc.)
How to apply for the Japan Visa from Australia?
Long-Term Visa Application
Collect the documents mentioned above and submit them to the Japanese Embassy. The application process can take a few weeks, so bear this in mind before planning any travel.
eVisa Application
Fill the application form in, providing both personal and travel details, alongside and travel details, email address, passport information. Make sure to double-check the form before submitting it, ensuring there are no errors.
You will then be given the option of how you want to pay for the visa.
Within 72 hours, if your eVisa application is successful, you will receive it in PDF form to the relevant email address.
Benefits of applying for the Japan e-Visa for Australian citizens
The best way to get to know the country at least a little bit before you visit it for a long-term stay, is by visiting it for a short stay in advance. Apply for an online Japan visa and visit this beautiful country for up to 30 days.
All you need is a valid Australian passport! Since the requirements are that elementary, traveling to Japan became effortless. Take a look at the following list of benefits before you apply:
- A short processing time (only 72 hours from submitting the form)
- Elementary documents (the only thing that’s needed is a valid passport)
- A quick and intuitive application process (that consists of three simple steps)
- Applying takes place entirely online (no visits to the Embassy!)
- Full assistance of an e-Visa support team
- The approved document arrives in PDF form straight to your email box!
Spare a few minutes and apply using your phone, laptop, PC, tablet, or any other device with an internet connection!