Student Visa in Japan: Duration, Work Rules, and Application Requirements

If you are planning to study Japanese in Japan, understanding the Japan student visa requirements is essential. This guide explains the student visa duration, part-time work rules, and financial documents needed to apply successfully.

How Long Is a Student Visa in Japan?

If you wish to stay longer in Japan, you may continue your studies by enrolling in:

  • A vocational school (senmon gakko)

  • A Japanese university

This allows students to legally extend their stay and continue learning in Japan.

Can You Work on a Student Visa in Japan?

Yes. International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time up to 28 hours per week with a student visa.

Many Japanese language schools can assist students in finding part-time jobs. Working part-time can help cover:

  • Daily living expenses

  • Transportation

  • Food and personal costs

⚠️ Please note that part-time income is not sufficient to replace the required financial proof for your visa application.

Financial Requirements for a Japan Student Visa

Japanese immigration requires proof that you can financially support yourself during your studies.

Required Bank Balance

  • Approximately 1,500,000 JPY (or equivalent in your local currency)

  • This amount proves that you can pay for:

    • Tuition fees

    • Accommodation

    • Food

    • Transportation

    • Living expenses for one year

Self-Sponsorship

  • If you sponsor yourself, you must show approximately 1,900,000 JPY.

Multiple Financial Supporters

  • You may combine funds from more than one financial supporter

  • All supporters must be direct family members (spouse, parent, or sibling)

Who Can Be a Financial Supporter?Proof of employment

Your financial supporter should ideally be a direct family member, such as:

  • Parent

  • Spouse

  • Sibling

Required Documents from the Financial Supporter

  • Proof of bank balance

  • Proof of employment

    • Employment letter from the company (sample available upon request)

  • If self-employed: business registration certificate

  • Proof of annual income (tax certificate)
    Not required if income is clearly stated in the employment letter

Documents Required for a Japan Student Visa Application

To apply for a Japanese student visa, you will need the following documents:

Personal Documents

  • High-quality personal photo

    • Taken within the last 3 months

    • Different from your passport photo

    • Full face visible (eyes and ears)

    • Plain background

    • JPG or PNG format, in color

  • Copy of your passport

    • Photo page and signature page

    • If you have visited Japan before, include all pages with entry and exit stamps

  • Graduation certificate

    • From the highest level of education you completed

  • Japanese learning certificate

    • Or proof of Japanese language study history

Japanese Language Level Requirement

Applicants should have JLPT N5 level or higher, or documented proof of at least 150 hours of Japanese language study.

This requirement helps schools and immigration confirm that you are prepared for studying in Japan.

How to Apply for a Japan Student Visa

If you wish to apply, please confirm that:

  • You can meet the financial requirements

  • You can submit all required documents

  • You have documented JLPT N5 level or equivalent or documented proof of at least 150 hours of Japanese language study.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, we can:

  • Recommend suitable Japanese language courses

  • Help you choose the best school

  • Support you through the entire student visa application process together with the school 😊.