Japan Student Visa Guide: COE, Steps and Work Rules

To study in Japan for longer than a short course, you need the “Student” status of residence. The process always follows the same order: you get accepted by a school, the school applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for you, you take the COE to a Japanese embassy or consulate to get your visa, and you receive your residence card when you land in Japan.

I spent three years in Tokyo and studied computer science at Waseda University, so I went through this process myself. In this guide I explain each step, the documents you need, the rules for part-time work and what to do after you arrive. Rules change, so always check the latest information with your school and the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

For me the whole process was much easier than I expected. From my acceptance at Waseda to having the visa in my passport took about one month, and the university guided me through every document.

Do you need a student visa to study in Japan?

It depends on how long you study. Many nationalities, including Swiss, EU, US and Australian citizens, can enter Japan visa-free as temporary visitors for up to 90 days. That status allows a short language course, but it does not allow work, and it is not meant for long-term study.

• Short course (a few weeks): often possible as a visa-free visitor, check the rules for your nationality
• Language school for 6 months or more: student visa needed
• University degree, exchange semester or research: student visa needed

Changing from tourist status to student status inside Japan is generally not possible, so plan the student visa before you travel.

Step 1: Get accepted by a school

Only schools that are allowed to accept international students can sponsor your COE. That includes universities, graduate schools, vocational schools and approved Japanese language schools. Universities often have their own English-taught programmes and admission rounds for international students. If you want to study the language first, my guide to Japanese language schools in Japan covers costs, intakes and how to choose a school.

I wrote about the application process in my guide to AO admissions at Waseda University and about the programme itself in Waseda CS master’s as a foreigner.

Step 2: The Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The COE is a document from Japanese immigration that confirms you meet the conditions for the student status. In most cases your school applies for it on your behalf at the regional immigration bureau in Japan. You send the school the documents, and the school handles the application.

Typical documents include:

• Application form and passport photo
• Copy of your passport
• Proof of admission or enrolment
• Your academic records and diplomas
• Proof that you can pay tuition and living costs, for example bank statements, a scholarship letter or a sponsor’s documents

Processing often takes one to three months. Many schools now receive an electronic COE, which they can forward to you by email. A COE is usually valid for three months, so you need to enter Japan within that time.

In my case nothing was difficult, it worked very smoothly. The only part that needs planning is the money: I was self-funded, and I needed roughly 1.5 million yen on my bank statement to show that I could cover my first months.

Step 3: Apply for the visa at the embassy

With the COE, you apply for the student visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for where you live. You usually need:

• Your passport
• The visa application form
• A passport photo
• The COE (original or the electronic version, as the embassy requests)

Processing is usually quick, often a few working days. Check the website of your embassy for current requirements and appointment rules, as they differ between countries.

Step 4: Arriving in Japan and getting your residence card

At major airports such as Narita, Haneda and Kansai, you receive your residence card (zairyu card) at immigration on arrival. This card is your most important document in Japan. You must carry it with you at all times.

At the airport you can also apply for permission to work part-time, which saves a trip to the immigration office later.

I got my residence card directly at the airport. I applied for the work permission later at the immigration office instead, but in the end I never used it.

Step 5: What to do after you arrive

• Register your address: within 14 days of moving in, at your local city or ward office
• National Health Insurance: you join it when you register, and it covers most of your medical costs
• Pension: students can apply for a deferral of pension payments
• My Number: you receive your individual number and can apply for the My Number card
• Bank account and phone: both usually need your residence card and address

I explain all of this in detail in my administrative guide to moving to Tokyo.

Part-time work on a student visa

A student visa does not allow work by default. You need the “Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted” (shikakugai katsudo kyoka). With it:

• You can work up to 28 hours per week during the semester
• During official long vacations, you can usually work up to 8 hours per day
• Work in adult entertainment businesses is not allowed, even part-time

Breaking these rules can lead to losing your status and being deported, so take them seriously. Your school’s international office can help with questions.

Costs and visa renewals

The visa itself is not the main cost; tuition, rent and daily life are. Japan expects you to show that you can pay for your studies. My article on the budget for studying in Tokyo breaks down what it really costs.

The period of stay is set by immigration and depends on your programme. If your studies last longer than your period of stay, you apply for an extension at the immigration office before it expires, usually with a certificate of enrolment and proof of funds.

I did not need to renew my student status during my studies. After graduating I switched to a work visa, under the Highly Skilled Professional status, and my company handled the whole application. One thing that helped: if you apply for a change or extension before your current status expires, you can stay in Japan while immigration processes it, even if the original expiry date passes in the meantime (up to the decision or two months after the expiry date, whichever comes first).

My tip for the immigration office: plan for a full day. Japanese bureaucracy takes its time, so bring every document, copies of everything and something to do while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final thoughts

The Japanese student visa sounds complicated, but your school does most of the hard work. Get accepted, prepare your documents carefully and plan enough time. For more about life after you arrive, read my guide to the cost of living in Tokyo.