# Student visa & permits in Japan

> Student visa, residence permit, registration, fees, deadlines and document guidance for studying in Japan.

Source of record: https://versityspot.com/study-abroad/japan/visa
Confirmation: 15 of 15 sections confirmed against their official source (last 2026-08-08).

## Visa & Immigration

For a standard long-term student route, admission comes first and a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) normally follows. The student or an authorised proxy can apply for the COE, and in practice the accepting school commonly acts as that proxy. After the COE is issued, the student applies for the visa at the responsible Japanese embassy or consulate. Processing times vary, so start on the institution's timetable rather than assuming a fixed one-to-three-month window.

Japan does not publish one nationwide minimum bank balance that every student must show. Immigration instead asks for evidence that study and living costs can be met. Depending on the case, that can include a bank-balance certificate, proof of income and documents showing the source of funds. Schools may apply their own documentary thresholds when preparing a COE application, so ask the institution for its current checklist rather than relying on a forum figure.

Japan's eVISA is not a substitute for the long-term student route. Use the embassy or consulate instructions for your nationality and place of residence after the COE process is complete.

*Source: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/immigration-procedures/*

## Residence Permit

Students entering with a qualifying mid- or long-term status receive a residence card immediately at designated major airports, including Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai and several others. If you enter through another port, the card is generally mailed after you register your address.

After establishing an address, notify the municipal office within 14 days. That resident registration unlocks other practical steps such as National Health Insurance and local administrative services. A My Number notification follows for tax and social-security administration; it is separate from the residence-card number.

Student periods of stay can be granted for up to four years and three months. Apply for extension before expiry and follow Immigration Services Agency instructions if an application remains pending. Keep the residence card with you as required by Japanese law.

*Source: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/immigration-procedures/*

## Common questions

### What should international students know about visa in Japan?

A COE normally comes first, often via your school. Japan does not publish one universal student bank-balance threshold.

### What should international students know about residence in Japan?

Residence cards are issued at designated airports or mailed later; register your Japanese address within 14 days.