Long-Term (COE-based) Verified 2026-04-20Japan Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Long-term visa for work, study, or residency in Japan — requires Certificate of Eligibility (COE) obtained by Japanese sponsor.
No visa is ever guaranteed — the final decision always rests with the Japan visa authority. We make sure your file is presented at its strongest.
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
Your whole Japan Long Term COE Visa,
handled for one honest price.
A strong Japan file clearly explains your travel purpose, funds, and ties to India. We structure and submit everything properly — so your case is presented clearly and professionally.
All-in · 18% GST included · no hidden charges
File-ready in 3–5 working days after documents
5★ · 92 reviews · reply in 5 min
Everything below — included, nothing extra
- Document checklist
- Application form guidance
- Document review
- Cover letter
- Purpose of travel structure
- Financial proof review
- Sponsor document guidance
- Submission & appointment support
- Post-submission guidance
Not sure you qualify? Start with a refundable ₹499 possibility report — an honest Yes / Maybe / No, credited to this fee.
Price is for our consultancy service only and includes 18% GST. No agency can guarantee a visa — the final decision rests with the visa authority.
Your fee, justified
₹24,999–₹34,999 fee — what exactly is included?
Our professional fee isn't just form-filling. It covers complete Japan visitor visa preparation, document & refusal-risk review, financial-proof structuring, submission support and post-filing guidance. Tap any item to see what's inside.
Before we prepare your Japan visitor visa file, we understand your complete profile — every applicant is different, so no two files are built the same way.
- Purpose of travel
- Employment or business background
- Monthly income & savings
- Funds available for the trip
- Family ties in India
- Property / assets, if any
- Previous travel history
- Relatives, friends or a sponsor in Japan, if any
- Previous visa refusals, if any
- Planned trip duration
- Who is paying for the trip
- Whether the trip is realistic for your profile
A visitor visa isn't approved just because documents are attached — the purpose, funds, travel plan and return ties all have to support each other.
We don't hand everyone the same checklist. After understanding your profile, we build one for your exact case type:
- Salaried
- Business owner
- Self-employed
- Farmer / agriculture income
- Student or minor
- Retired parent
- Housewife / dependent
- Family visit
- Tourist visit
- Business visitor
- Previous refusal
- Sponsor-supported
- First-time traveller
This avoids missing key documents — and avoids piling on documents that aren't explained properly.
We review your documents before preparing and submitting, checking they're complete, readable, consistent and well-arranged:
- Passport & photographs
- Bank statements
- Salary slips
- ITR / Form 16
- Employment & leave-approval letters
- Business / GST / registration proof
- Income proof
- Property documents, if any
- Family & marriage documents, if applicable
- Invitation & sponsor documents, if applicable
- Previous refusal letter, if any
- Travel history, itinerary & stay proof
Funds are one of the most common refusal triggers. A high balance alone isn't enough if the money doesn't look genuine, stable, and tied to your income. We check:
- Whether the balance is reasonable for the trip
- Average balance vs trip cost
- Sudden large deposits that need explaining
- Salary / business income vs bank statement
- ITR vs income profile
- Whether you can afford the trip without leaning entirely on a sponsor
- Whether sponsor support is properly explained
- Whether funds look genuine and traceable
We help structure the financial side professionally so it reads as genuine, not borrowed for the application.
We help present a clear, realistic purpose — tourism, a holiday, a family/relative visit, an event, a business meeting, or parents visiting children — and make sure it lines up with your dates, funds, itinerary and documents.
A weak or vague purpose makes a file look doubtful. We keep it clear, simple and professional.
We prepare or structure the main explanation letter — a professional summary that makes your case easy for the officer to understand. It covers:
- Who you are and why you want to visit
- How long you'll stay and where
- Who is paying for the trip
- What you do in India
- Which financial documents are attached
- Your family ties in India
- Why you'll return after the visit
- If previously refused — what has changed since
This is not a guarantee letter — it's a clear, professional explanation of your case.
The officer must be satisfied you'll leave Japan after your authorized stay. We identify and present your reasons to return:
- Job continuity or business ownership
- Regular income source
- Spouse / children / parents in India
- Dependents and family responsibilities
- Property or assets in India
- Education or business commitments
- Previous travel compliance, if any
If someone in Japan is inviting you, we guide the sponsor-side documents:
- Invitation letter
- Sponsor status proof (passport / PR / citizenship)
- Sponsor employment & income proof
- Sponsor bank statement, if needed
- Relationship & communication proof
- Who bears expenses & stay arrangement
A sponsor supports the case but never guarantees approval — your own purpose, funds and ties must still be strong. We also flag if a file is leaning too heavily on the sponsor.
We guide or assist with the application form and details (online portal or the VFS/embassy form, depending on Japan), and check consistency between the form and your documents:
- Personal, passport & travel-history details
- Employment & education history
- Family information
- Purpose of visit & funding details
- Sponsor information, if applicable
- Previous-refusal declarations
- Background questions
- Correct document categories
Wrong, incomplete or inconsistent information can hurt this application — and future ones too.
How a file is lodged depends on the country — some are fully online, while others (most Schengen states) need you to complete the form first, then book a VFS appointment and submit a physical file in person. We guide the exact Japan process:
- Completing the application form first, where required, to unlock the appointment
- Booking the VFS / embassy appointment
- Arranging documents in the right order — for upload or the VFS counter
- Guiding the visa-fee payment
- Final review before submission or your VFS visit
- What to carry to the appointment (originals, photos, forms)
- Submitting / lodging and saving the confirmation
- What happens after submission
After submission, if biometrics are required, we guide you through:
- Biometrics Instruction Letter
- VFS appointment booking
- Documents to carry
- What to expect at the VFS centre
- How biometrics update in your application
- What to do once biometrics are done
Biometrics fee is separate, paid to the authority / VFS as applicable.
Our support doesn't stop at submission. We stay connected and guide you on:
- How to check application updates
- What official messages mean
- What to do if more documents are requested
- What to do after a Passport Request
- VFS passport submission & courier return
- Decision-update explanation
- Next steps after approval
- Basic guidance if refused
What's not included (paid direct, at actual cost)
- Government / embassy visa fee
- Biometrics fee
- VFS service charges
- VFS courier & SMS charges
- VFS premium-lounge charges
- Travel insurance
- Flight tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Translation charges
- Notary / attestation
- Medical exam, if ever required
- Any other third-party charges
No agency can guarantee a visa — the final decision is always the visa officer's. Our role is to prepare, review, structure and present your file professionally from the documents and profile you provide.
Good to know before you apply
Rules that apply to every Japan visa type — worth a quick read so nothing trips up your file.
- 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
Previously refused?
Same feeWe rebuild refused Japan cases the right way.
What it costs
Government & VFS fees
Paid directly to Japan / VFS — these are not our service fee, and we never mark them up.
| 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.
What to gather
Documents required
Having a document isn't the same as presenting it right — that's the part we handle.
Core Documents
5 items- Valid passport (2+ blank pages) + old passportsRequired
- Photocopy of Bio Data Page (First + Last Page)Required
- Completely filled and signed Visa Application FormRequired
- One photograph (45×35mm, white bg, ≤6 months old)Required
- Certificate of Eligibility (Original, Copy, OR e-COE print-out of email — ALL accepted)Required
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)
2 items- Experience certificate from current/previous employer
Submit upfront to avoid delays.
- Educational certificate from last school/university attended
Additional for STUDENT VISA (language schools)
3 items- Language certificate (JLPT, etc.)
- Educational certificate from last school/university
- Financial document of parent(s)/sponsor (latest ITR OR 6 months bank statement)
Required · optional / if applicable
The journey.
4 steps from intake to approval. Curved spine on the right shows the natural pace — never as linear as government sites pretend.
- 01
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.
- 02
Receive COE from sponsor
Original, copy, or e-COE (email print-out) are all acceptable for visa application.
- 03
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.
- 04
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).
What works
9 levers that flip a borderline case.
- 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.
What kills cases
Top 3 refusal triggers we see.
- 1COE missing
- 2COE for wrong status-of-residence
- 3Experience/education documents don't match COE category
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 the official VFS Global page for Japan
- 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
Quiz not yet available for this visa type
We're actively building per-visa quizzes. For now, the best way to assess your eligibility for Japan Long Term Stay with Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a free 1-on-1 consultation with our team.
Free · No obligation · Reply in minutesFrequently asked
Questions, answered straight
The Japanese person or organization SPONSORING you (employer, university, spouse already in Japan) applies at the nearest Regional Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice. You CANNOT apply for COE yourself from India.
No — COE can ONLY be applied for AT the Ministry of Justice's Regional Immigration Bureau IN JAPAN. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (embassies) do NOT issue COE.
All accepted — Original, Copy, OR e-COE (print-out of email) are all valid for visa application at the Embassy.
COE application in Japan: 1-3 months typically. After COE: visa at Embassy ~5 working days. Plan 3-4 months from start to visa in hand.
Yes — once you have your COE and visa, your spouse/dependent children apply for 'Dependent' COE separately (your sponsor in Japan initiates this).
Yes — any study program >90 days requires COE-based Long-Term visa. Include your language school's admission + financial docs from parent/sponsor.
Still have a question about your case? Ask us directly — we usually reply in 5 minutes.
Before you apply
Two ways to file your Japan visa.
One quietly burns your fee, your trip and your record. The other gets it right the first time.
Do it yourself
The risky route
- You guess which papers Japan actually wants — one missing or wrongly-framed document triggers a refusal.
- You copy a cover letter off YouTube or Google — often the exact template embassies already flag as weak.
- You apply during a known peak-rejection window without realising it.
- Embassy & VFS fees are non-refundable — refused means your money, flights and leave are gone.
- One refusal stamp follows you for life — every future visa, anywhere, must declare it.
Typical result
~1 in 2 visitor files refused
With SureshotVisa
Professionally guided
- A licensed consultant checks your case honestly before you spend a rupee on embassy fees.
- We build your Japan file the way the embassy approves — documents, cover letter, financials.
- We catch the weak-ties, funding and intent issues behind 70% of Indian refusals — and fix them first.
- We've rescued hundreds of files that were already refused once and got them approved.
- Govt of Punjab licensed (Licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024) · 1200+ approvals.
Typical result
1200+ approvals · refused files rescued
Why DIY goes wrong
How a self-filed application turns into a refusal.
- 1
You feel ready
A few YouTube videos make the process look simple.
- 2
You file it yourself
You submit a sensitive Japan visa file on your own.
- 3
One detail misreads
A small framing slip looks like weak ties or unclear intent.
- 4
Refusal
Now every future visa, anywhere, must declare it.
Once you've been refused, you learn the hard way how much the small details mattered. We'd rather you never collect that first stamp.
Trusted by applicants from across India
We've helped many applicants from across India get their Japan visa — the easy way.
From first-time Japan visa applicants to cases that were refused elsewhere, our licensed team has guided applicants from across India through Japan's exact requirements — so the file is approved the first time, without the stress, guesswork or risk of a refusal.
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.
View guideJapan 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.
View guideJapan Short Term Business Visa
Short-stay visa for business visits to Japan — conferences, negotiations, exploratory business visits — up to 90 days.
View guideJapan Visit Visa — Relatives / Friends / Acquaintances
Short-stay visa for visiting family, friends, or acquaintances in Japan — up to 90 days.
View guideJapan Transit Visa
Short-stay transit visa for travellers passing through Japan — ₹50 fee for Indians.
View guideJapan Medical Stay Visa
Visa for patients travelling to Japan for medical treatment or consultations — requires registered Japanese guarantor (medical coordinator/travel agency).
View guideJapan 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.
View guideJapan 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.
View guideSource & 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.
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Share your travel purpose, employment/business profile, funds, and any previous refusal letter. We'll tell you honestly where your file stands.