International students planning to study in Japan must complete a multi-step immigration and visa process before entering the country, according to the official “Study in Japan” government information portal operated by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO).
The process includes obtaining admission from a Japanese institution, securing a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), applying for a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate, and completing residence registration after arrival in Japan.
Japan grants a “Student” residence status to foreign nationals enrolling in universities, junior colleges, colleges of technology, specialised training colleges and Japanese language schools. The period of stay is decided individually by the Japanese Ministry of Justice and can extend up to four years and three months.
What is the Certificate of Eligibility?
One of the most important requirements for international students is the Certificate of Eligibility, commonly known as the COE.
According to the official guidance, an international student or their representative in Japan must apply for the COE through a regional immigration services bureau in Japan. In most cases, the educational institution accepting the student acts as the applicant’s representative.
Students are advised to contact their university or language school directly for document requirements and timelines.
The COE serves as proof that the student meets Japan’s immigration conditions for long-term study. Without it, students may face difficulties in obtaining a visa.
Financial proof is mandatory
Japan also requires students to demonstrate that they can financially support themselves during their stay.
According to the Study in Japan portal, students may need to submit savings balance certificates, income certificates for the previous year and documents showing the source of funds.
These documents can belong either to the student or their financial guarantor.
The requirement is intended to show that students can cover tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses while studying in Japan.
Documents required for student visa
Once the COE is issued, students can apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country or region of residence.
The official list of required documents includes:
- Passport
- Visa application form
- Photographs
- Certificate of Eligibility (copy accepted)
- Additional supporting documents if requested
Students must carry the same documents while entering Japan.
The portal also notes that travellers can use “Visit Japan Web,” an online service designed to simplify airport arrival procedures including immigration, customs and quarantine declarations.
Residence card after arrival
International students staying in Japan for more than three months receive a residence card, known as a zairyu card.
Students arriving through major airports including Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Fukuoka usually receive the card during immigration clearance. Those entering through smaller airports receive a passport stamp and later collect the residence card after completing local registration procedures.
After deciding their residential address, students must register at their municipal office within 14 days.
The residence card must be carried at all times while living in Japan.
Understanding Japan’s “My Number” system
Foreign residents in Japan are also assigned a 12-digit social security and tax identification number called “My Number.”
The number is issued after local residence registration and is used for administrative procedures, banking services and part-time employment documentation.
Students can also apply for a My Number card, which functions as an official identification document in Japan.
Special rules for entrance exams
Students travelling to Japan only for entrance examinations must apply for a Temporary Visitor visa by presenting an exam voucher issued by the institution where they plan to appear for the test.
Depending on nationality and visa category, temporary visitors may stay in Japan for 15, 30 or 90 days.
The official guidance also states that nationals of countries under Japan’s Visa Exemption Arrangements may not require a visa for short visits. However, such students generally need to return to their home country after passing the examination to apply for a formal Student visa before beginning studies in Japan.
