Visas

2025/7/22

General Information

  • Do you really need a visa?
    Kindly use this link to check if you need a visa for your nationality for a short-term stay
  • Apart from certain types of visa, if you intend to stay long-term or receive a salary in Japan, regardless your nationality, you must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan prior to applying for a visa.
  • We do not process so-called “ Working Holiday ” visas here in Switzerland.
  • Applications without a Swiss residence permit (for non-Swiss nationals) cannot be accepted.
  • If your residence is NOT in Geneva, Vaud, Valais, or Ticino, please contact the Embassy of Japan in Switzerland (+41(0)31-300 22 22).
  • Your passport must have two completely blank facing pages.
  • Visa applications cannot be submitted by post.
  • Please book an appointment before visiting us.
  • Standard processing time is 5 working days, but can take longer.
  • Incomplete documentation may delay processing.
  • Apply at least a month before departure.
  • Additional documents may be requested.
  • Residents from Ticino are invited to call us on +41(0)22-716 99 00 in case of urgency.

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