Long-Term (COE-based)Verified 2026-04-20Japan Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
For stays over 90 days in Japan as a Student, Researcher, Engineer, Worker, or Dependent. Requires Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the Japanese Regional Immigration Bureau to the Japanese person/organization sponsoring you. COE application is made IN JAPAN by your sponsor, then you apply for the visa at the Embassy.
Heads up — Japan Visa Checklists Vary by Jurisdiction
This info is per the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi jurisdiction.
Japan splits visa decisions across the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi + four consulates (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru). Each has slightly different document checklists, photo specs, and processing times. The requirements on this page match the New Delhi jurisdiction.
Embassy of Japan, New Delhi jurisdiction covers
SureshotVisa helps Indian applicants across all states (and Indians abroad) — not just New Delhi jurisdiction. If you reside elsewhere, reach out and we'll confirm the exact checklist + VFS centre for your consulate.
Processing
Minimum 5 working days from the day the application is submitted at the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi
Stay Duration
Long-term (>90 days, matching COE duration)
Starting Fee
₹500
Apply At
9 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Japan visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Embassy of Japan, New Delhi jurisdiction covers: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh. Other states go to Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru consulates with slightly different checklists.
- 2ALL photocopies must be on A4 size paper only.
- 3Photograph must be 45mm × 35mm, white background, colored, ≤6 months old, 70-80% face visibility, good quality paper.
- 4Passport must have more than 2 blank pages. Submit OLD passports too, if any.
- 5VFS Global is involved only in the non-judgmental task of visa processing — does NOT play any role in the decision. All visa decisions are the prerogative of the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.
- 6Documents submitted will NOT be returned (except for the passport).
- 7The Embassy may request an interview or additional documentation depending on personal circumstances.
- 8For Gurugram / Chandigarh / Lucknow Drop-Off offices: payments via SEPARATE Demand Drafts (one per category) in favour of 'VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.' — NOT cash/card.
Who Can Apply
- Indian workers invited by Japanese employers (Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, Skilled Labor, etc.)
- Indian students enrolled in Japanese universities/institutions (>90 day programs)
- Researchers at Japanese universities/institutions
- Dependents of individuals already holding Japanese status-of-residence
Not eligible under this visa:
- Short-term tourism/business (<90 days) — use Tourism/Business visa
- Applications without COE — cannot be processed
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Indian — Single Entry | ₹500 |
| Indian — Multiple Entry | ₹500 |
| Other Nationals — Single Entry | ₹1,750 |
| Other Nationals — Multiple Entry | ₹3,450 |
| VFS service charge | ₹800 |
| Courier return (optional) | ₹550 |
Visa Fee is refunded ONLY if the visa is NOT approved by the Embassy. There is a VFS Service Charge of ₹800 (inclusive of all taxes) per application — this applies even if the visa fee itself is exempted. Courier return service charge (optional): ₹550 per application (₹2,650 for Bhutan office). All charges are paid in cash/card only in INR at New Delhi VFS. For Gurugram, Chandigarh, and Lucknow Drop-Off offices: separate Demand Drafts in favour of 'VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.' — one per applicant for visa fee, service charge, and courier charge.
Documents Required
Core Documents
- !Valid passport (2+ blank pages) + old passports
- !Photocopy of Bio Data Page (First + Last Page)
- !Completely filled and signed Visa Application Form
- !One photograph (45×35mm, white bg, ≤6 months old)
- !Certificate of Eligibility (Original, Copy, OR e-COE print-out of email — ALL accepted)
The MOST important document. Obtained by Japanese sponsor from Regional Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice — cannot be applied for at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Additional for WORK VISA (often requested)
- ○Experience certificate from current/previous employer
Submit upfront to avoid delays.
- ○Educational certificate from last school/university attended
Additional for STUDENT VISA (language schools)
- ○Language certificate (JLPT, etc.)
- ○Educational certificate from last school/university
- ○Financial document of parent(s)/sponsor (latest ITR OR 6 months bank statement)
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Japanese sponsor applies for COE in Japan
Employer/university/hosting organization applies at nearest Regional Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice. Process takes weeks-to-months in Japan.
Receive COE from sponsor
Original, copy, or e-COE (email print-out) are all acceptable for visa application.
Gather additional docs upfront
For work visa: experience + education certificates. For student: language + education certs + parent's financial docs. Submit proactively to avoid Embassy re-asking.
Submit at VFS Japan with COE
Pay ₹500 + ₹800. Processing 5+ working days from Embassy side (but COE process in Japan is the long part).
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Apply 2–3 weeks before travel — 5 working days is the minimum, but Embassy can extend.
- Japan has rolled out Multiple-Entry visas for Indian travellers with Japan travel history (Multiple 1-7). If you've been to Japan twice in 3 years, the Multiple visa is much easier to get than a fresh tourist visa.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) are always accepted; bank statements are the fallback. Submit both when applying for Multiple entry visas.
- For Student/Dependent applicants: always include parent/spouse's ITR + consent letter.
- Photocopies on A4 only — other sizes cause rejection at VFS counter.
- COE is the CRITICAL document — without it, visa cannot be applied for. Your Japanese sponsor's immigration office handles this in Japan.
- COE process in Japan typically takes 1-3 months. Plan accordingly.
- Once you have COE, visa at Embassy is fast (5+ working days).
- For language school students: JLPT N5 or higher strengthens application (though not always required).
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.COE missing
- 2.COE for wrong status-of-residence
- 3.Experience/education documents don't match COE category
- 4.Financial documents insufficient (for student dependents)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who applies for the Certificate of Eligibility?+
Can I apply for COE at Japanese Embassy in India?+
e-COE vs Original?+
How long does whole process take?+
Can I bring family on COE-based work visa?+
I'm going to study language for 6 months — is this my category?+
Let us prepare your Japan Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility — (COE) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Japan Visa Types
Japan Tourism Visa (Short-Stay)
Short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting Japan for holiday or recreation — up to 90 days.
Japan Tourism Visa for Indian University Students and Graduates
Single-entry short-stay visa for Indian university students — purpose: tourism for up to 30 days. Streamlined for students from eligible Indian universities.
Japan Short Term Business Visa
Short-stay visa for business visits to Japan — conferences, negotiations, exploratory business visits — up to 90 days.
Japan Visit Visa — Relatives / Friends / Acquaintances
Short-stay visa for visiting family, friends, or acquaintances in Japan — up to 90 days.
Japan Transit Visa
Short-stay transit visa for travellers passing through Japan — ₹50 fee for Indians.
Japan Medical Stay Visa
Visa for patients travelling to Japan for medical treatment or consultations — requires registered Japanese guarantor (medical coordinator/travel agency).
Japan J-Find Visa (Future Creation Individual)
2-year visa for Indian graduates of top universities to engage in job hunting, entrepreneurial activity, or remunerative activity in Japan.
Japan Multiple Entry Visa (Multiple 1) — 2+ Japan Visits in Last 3 Years
Multiple-entry short-stay visa for Indians with 2+ temporary visitor visits to Japan in the last 3 years — simple document pack.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Japan website and Embassy of Japan. Last verified 2026-04-20. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.