Japan flag — visa destinationMedical StayVerified 2026-04-20

Japan Medical Stay Visa

The Japan Medical Stay Visa allows patients to travel to Japan for medical treatment or consultations. Foreign patients must contact a registered Japanese guarantor (medical coordinator or travel agency) from the official list at mofa.go.jp — the guarantor arranges medical services and provides references. For stays >90 days, additional Certificate of Eligibility needed.

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

DelhiHaryanaHimachal PradeshJammu & KashmirPunjabRajasthanUttar PradeshUttarakhandChandigarhArunachal PradeshAssamManipurMeghalayaMizoramNagalandSikkimTripuraAndaman & Nicobar IslandsLakshadweep

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

Short-term OR long-term (COE for >90 days)

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

  • Patients needing specific medical treatment in Japan
  • Patients needing medical consultations at Japanese institutions
  • Accompanying family members (as caregivers)

Not eligible under this visa:

  • Patients without a registered Japanese guarantor
  • Simple health check-ups (use Tourism visa)

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Fees (in INR)

ItemAmount
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)
  • Covering letter (if any special explanation is needed)
  • !
    Latest Income Tax Return (or bank statement of last 6 months)

Medical Documentation

  • !
    Certificate from a Japanese medical institution about planned medical services

    Using the guarantor form at mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/visa/medical/pdfs/guarantor_form.pdf

  • !
    References from a registered guarantor (medical coordinator / travel agency)

    List at: mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/medical_stay2.html and medical_stay3.html

  • Certificate of Eligibility

    ONLY if patient needs to stay longer than 90 days to be hospitalized + receive services.

  • Medical Treatment Plan

    ONLY if patient needs to make MULTIPLE visits to Japan to receive treatment.

! = mandatory · = optional / if applicable

🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Find a registered Japanese guarantor

From official list at mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/medical_stay2.html (or medical_stay3.html). Contact medical coordinator or travel agency registered for medical stay visa scheme.

2

Guarantor coordinates medical services

They arrange Japanese medical institution appointment + issue references + provide guarantor form.

3

Get Japanese medical institution certificate

Describes planned services, treatment duration, medical needs.

4

Prepare financials + cover letter

ITR or 6 months bank statement. Optional cover letter explaining medical history.

5

Submit at VFS Japan

Pay ₹500 + ₹800. For >90 day stays, COE also required.

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:

  1. Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
  2. Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
  3. Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
  4. Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device

VFS Application Centres

VFS Japan New Delhi (main jurisdiction centre)VFS Japan Gurugram (Drop-Off)VFS Japan Chandigarh (Drop-Off)VFS Japan Lucknow (Drop-Off)VFS Japan Mumbai (separate jurisdiction — West India)VFS Japan Chennai (separate jurisdiction — South India)VFS Japan Kolkata (separate jurisdiction — East India)VFS Japan Bengaluru (separate jurisdiction — South India)VFS Japan Bhutan office

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 Medical Stay Visa is a free 1-on-1 consultation with our team.

💡 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.
  • Start by finding a registered guarantor from the official MOFA list — most are medical coordinator companies specialising in Japan treatment.
  • Top Japanese hospitals for international patients: University of Tokyo Hospital, National Cancer Center, Juntendo, Kyoto University Hospital.
  • For ongoing treatment (chemo/dialysis), apply for Multiple Entry with Medical Treatment Plan showing repeat visits.

Common Rejection Reasons

  • 1.Guarantor not from registered list
  • 2.Medical institution certificate missing details
  • 3.COE missing for stays >90 days
  • 4.Financial proof insufficient for treatment costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'registered guarantor'?+
Medical coordinator companies or travel agencies officially registered with Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Medical Stay visa scheme. Official list: mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/medical_stay2.html and medical_stay3.html.
Can I apply for medical visa without guarantor?+
No — registered guarantor is mandatory. They arrange your Japanese medical institution appointment + provide references. Cannot be applied independently.
When do I need Certificate of Eligibility?+
Only for stays LONGER than 90 days requiring hospitalization + medical services. Short medical visits (<90 days) don't need COE.
What is Medical Treatment Plan?+
Required only if you need MULTIPLE visits to Japan for same treatment (e.g. quarterly chemotherapy). Plan shows visit dates, treatments, duration.
Can family members accompany?+
Yes — caregivers (spouse/parent/child) apply separately as 'Visiting Relatives' OR with medical visa showing caregiver purpose. Include relationship proof.
What medical conditions qualify?+
Most serious conditions — cancer, cardiac, specialist consultations, advanced surgery, rare-disease treatments. Japan excels in robotic surgery, imaging, regenerative medicine.

Let us prepare your Japan Medical Stay Visa application

Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.

Other Japan Visa Types

Short-Stay Tourism

Japan Tourism Visa (Short-Stay)

Short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting Japan for holiday or recreation — up to 90 days.

Short-Stay Tourism — Indian Students

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.

Short-Stay Business

Japan Short Term Business Visa

Short-stay visa for business visits to Japan — conferences, negotiations, exploratory business visits — up to 90 days.

Short-Stay — Visiting Relatives/Friends

Japan Visit Visa — Relatives / Friends / Acquaintances

Short-stay visa for visiting family, friends, or acquaintances in Japan — up to 90 days.

Transit

Japan Transit Visa

Short-stay transit visa for travellers passing through Japan — ₹50 fee for Indians.

Long-Term (COE-based)

Japan 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.

Long-Term — Job Hunting / Entrepreneurial

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.

Multiple Entry — Travel History

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.