Japan long stay for sightseeing (high savings)

Key requirements

The 30 million yen test is for cash you can access, not paper net worth. MOFA wants bank records and insurance that meets stated medical benefit levels.

• Income we use for estimatesNot set in data
• SavingsOften ~$200,000+
• Accepted income typesSavings only
• Remote work allowedNo
• Local employment allowedNo
• Health insuranceUsually required
• Criminal record checkUsually required
• Accommodation proofUsually required
• Bank accountUsually required
• Processing (rough)Often one to three months (eligibility certificate plus visa)

Many people get a Certificate of Eligibility through a contact in Japan before applying at the embassy. Each consulate has its own appointment rules. Follow your post’s live instructions.

1. 1

   Check nationality and age rules

   Confirm your country is on Japan’s visa exemption list for this visa type and that you meet the age rule (and spouse rules if applying together).

2. 2

   Compile yen savings proof

   Prepare bank papers showing balances and six months of transactions in the format MOFA lists. Translate or annotate as your bank requires.

   • •If a spouse joins you, read MOFA’s combined savings rules. Traveling alone can mean a higher published amount.
3. 3

   Buy medical travel insurance

   Get insurance that meets MOFA coverage wording for death, injury, and illness. Keep certificates for visa and arrival.

4. 4

   Prepare stay plan and housing

   Line up a credible travel and housing plan with bookings or a lease that fits sightseeing, not a hidden office setup.

5. 5

   Apply for Certificate of Eligibility

   File COE materials through immigration channels, often with a qualified helper in Japan if you are not resident yet.

6. 6

   Apply for the visa at the embassy

   Present your COE, application form, photos, and any proof of lawful residence if applying outside your home country.

7. 7

   Enter Japan and register

   After entry, register your address at the municipal office, get a residence card, and enroll in National Health Insurance where required.

8. 8

   Apply to extend before six months end

   If you want up to about one year total, apply to extend your stay at a regional immigration office before the first six months lapse, with updated finances and insurance.

9. 9

   Do not work on this status

   Avoid paid gigs in Japan, local employer arrangements, or marketing yourself as working in Japan while on this leisure status.

10. 10

    Plan a different visa if you need longer

    Talk to an immigration lawyer about work or business visas before this period ends if you need to stay longer or work in Japan.

This is general information, not legal advice. MOFA checklists, insurance rules, savings definitions, and extension practice can change. Verify requirements on mofa.go.jp and moj.go.jp/isa before you apply.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-05-15

Citizenship & nationality

Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists this visa for nationals of visa-waiver countries who meet savings, insurance, travel plan, and age rules. If your country needs a visa to enter Japan, assume this route does not apply unless immigration confirms otherwise.

• •You need more than 30 million yen in liquid savings. Show current balance plus six months of bank activity as MOFA describes.
• •Spouse rules are on MOFA separately, including higher combined savings if your spouse will not travel with you. Check current rules for children.
• •This status is for tourism and leisure in Japan, not remote work and not local jobs. Mixing activities can cause serious problems.
• •First stay is often six months with one possible extension toward about one year total. Plan for a short stay, not a multi-year move.

Read MOFA Long Stay for sightseeing and recreation and ISA Certificate of Eligibility guidance before you move money or book housing.

Best for

• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: No
• Citizenship: No

Authorized stay is capped around one year in published rules. It does not lead to permanent residence by itself. Long-term PR in Japan usually needs years on work or other visas.

Practical difficulty

medium

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Rated medium because savings must be very high, but the document list is clearer than on many entrepreneur visas.