Japan•Asia

Open

Official (公用)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

5 working days

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Japan Official (公用) visa is for foreign nationals on official duty for a recognized foreign government or international organization who do not qualify for a Diplomat visa. It covers administrative, technical, and support staff of foreign missions and international bodies, along with household family members.

The visa is granted for stays of 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months, 30 days, or 15 days matched to the length of the official assignment and is renewable. It is fully fee-exempt. Applications require a note verbale or official documentation from the sending organization. Processing takes 5 working days.

This visa is ideal for government officials and international organization employees assigned to Japan on official duty, along with their accompanying family members.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a person engaged in official business for a foreign government or an international organization.

Must be a person who does not qualify for a Diplomat visa but is recognized as performing official duties.

Family members belonging to the same household are eligible.

Must hold a valid official passport.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Photograph

Note verbale and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan

Visa application form (In some cases this can be omitted)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Fee exempt

Worth Knowing

Strictly limited to official duties

Application Process

Receive official appointment

Submit application to embassy

Receive visa

Verified Claims (19)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Receive official appointment; Submit application to embassy; Receive visa	mofa.go.jp
Dependent Visa	Yes, dependents can accompany	mofa.go.jp
Fee Breakdown	—	mofa.go.jp
Fees	Exempt	mofa.go.jp
Forms	—	mofa.go.jp
Included Nationalities	—	mofa.go.jp
Job Offer Required	false	mofa.go.jp
Official Info	https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa15.html	mofa.go.jp

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