Singaporeans and permanent residents planning to visit Japan are eligible for visa-free entry for short stays. However, for longer stays, a visa is required. In this article, we’ll discuss the different Japanese visa options and guide you through the application process.
Do Singaporeans and Pemanent Résidents need a visa to visit Japan?
Singapore passport holders are not required to apply for visas for short-term entry into Japan (less than 90 days). However, there are some important points to keep in mind:
- Stay duration: The visa-free entry is limited to stays of 90 days or less. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a longer-term visa.
- Purpose of visit: The visa exemption is for unpaid activities only. If you plan to work or engage in paid activities while in Japan, you will need to obtain a work visa or other appropriate visa.
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your departure from Japan.
If you plan to stay longer or engage in activities not covered by the visa exemption, read on to learn about the different types of Japanese visas available.
Japanese visa types
Japan offers a range of visa types to cater to various purposes of visit. Some of the most common visa types include:
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
- Student visa
- Work visa
- Specified skilled worker visa
- Spouse or child of a Japanese national visa
Each visa type has its own set of requirements and application procedures, so it’s important to determine which visa best suits your needs before applying.
Can I apply for a Japanese visa online?
Yes, Japan offers an online visa application system. However, it is limited to certain types of visas, such as short-term tourist visas, and is available only to citizens of select countries. For other visa types, including work and long-term residence visas, applications must still be submitted in person at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
How to apply for a Japanese visa in Singapore
To apply for a Japanese visa in Singapore, follow these steps:
- Determine the appropriate visa type for your purpose of visit.
- Download and complete the visa application form from the Japanese embassy website.
- Gather all required documents (see the next section for details).
- Schedule an appointment at the Japanese embassy or consulate in Singapore.
- Submit your application package in person and pay the visa fee.
- Wait for your application to be processed and collect your passport with the visa.
Required documents for a Japanese visa application
When applying for a Japanese visa, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages
- Recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, income tax returns, etc.)
- Itinerary and flight reservations
- Accommodation bookings or invitation letter from a host in Japan
- Other supporting documents depending on the visa type (e.g., employment certificate, school enrollment, etc.)
Japanese visa fee for Singaporeans
The Japanese visa fee in Singapore varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. As of 2024, the single-entry visa fee for Singaporeans is approximately SGD 35. However, fees are subject to change, so it’s best to confirm the current fee with the Japanese embassy before submitting your application.
Processing time for Japanese visa applications
The processing time for Japanese visa applications in Singapore is usually around 5 working days from the date of submission. However, this may vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications received. In some cases, additional processing time may be required, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
How Smartphone iD helps you get a Japanese visa quickly
One of the requirements for a Japanese visa application is a recent passport-sized photograph that meets the specified dimensions (35mm x 45mm). The Smartphone iD app uses advanced AI and a team of experts to ensure that your passport photo meets all the necessary requirements for a Japanese visa application. Our app provides real-time instructions to guide you through the process, making it easy for anyone to take a perfect passport photo using their smartphone camera.
Once you’ve taken your photo, our team of experts will verify it to ensure compliance with Japanese visa requirements. After verification, the digital photo will be sent directly to your email, ready for you to print or use in your application. Best of all, Smartphone iD is the most affordable option for passport photos on the market, making it a smart choice for travelers looking to save on their visa application costs.
