Long Stay for Tourism and Recreation: Designated Activities Visa (No. 40 & No. 41)

Long Stay for Tourism and Recreation

The Designated Activities Visa (No. 40) allows wealthy foreign nationals to stay in Japan for an extended period to enjoy sightseeing, recreation, cultural experiences, and other leisure activities.

The Designated Activities Visa (No. 41) is for the spouse accompanying a No. 40 visa holder.

You can initially stay in Japan for up to six months. By applying for an extension, you may stay for a maximum of one year.

After staying in Japan for one year, you must leave the country. However, you may apply again in the future if you continue to meet all of the requirements.

Requirements

To qualify for this visa, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country or region eligible for Japan's visa waiver program.

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have savings of at least JPY 30 million. Married couples may combine their savings.

• Have overseas travel or medical insurance that covers death, injury, and illness during your stay.

• Visit Japan mainly for tourism, recreation, or cultural experiences.

  
  

Accompanying Spouse (No. 41)

Your spouse may apply if:

• You are legally married.

• Your spouse will stay in Japan with you.

  
  

Important Notes

• Married couples traveling together may combine their savings to meet the financial requirement.

• If husband and wife each apply separately as the main applicant (No. 40), they must prove combined savings of at least JPY 60 million.

• A spouse cannot enter Japan before the main applicant.

• Children are not eligible under this visa program.

• With this visa, you are not permitted to work or earn income while staying in Japan.

  
  

Period of Stay

• Initial stay: 6 months

• Extension available: Up to 1 year in total

  
  

Working under this visa is prohibited.

This visa is only for tourism and recreation.

You are not allowed to work or earn income while staying in Japan.

This includes:

• Working for a Japanese company

• Running a business in Japan

• Working remotely from Japan for an overseas employer

※Click here for visa information for those who wish to stay in Japan while working remotely for an overseas company.

How to Apply

There are two ways to apply.

Option 1: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The individuals legally authorized to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) vary depending on the type of visa. In most cases, the application may be submitted only by the applicant personally while in Japan or by a legally authorized representative in Japan.

However, for the “Designated Activities Visa (Long-Term Stay for Tourism and Recreation)” (No. 40) and accompanying spouses (No. 41), Japanese law does not specify any agents who may file an application for a COE on behalf of the applicant.

Therefore, as a general rule, applicants must enter Japan under the “Short-Term Stay” status of residence and must be present in Japan when filing their application for a COE.

Application Process

1. Enter Japan as a Temporary Visitor.

2. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

3. Wait for the Immigration Services Agency to review your application.

4. Receive your COE.

5. Leave Japan.

6. Apply for a Designated Activities Visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.

7. Receive your visa.

8. Re-enter Japan with your Designated Activities Visa.

   
   

Option 2: Apply Directly at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate

You may also apply directly for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence.

In this case, you do not need a COE.

However, because there is no COE, the visa application may receive a more detailed review and the examination process may take longer.

Required Documents for COE application

The required documents vary depending on your situation. Because each applicant's circumstances are different, additional documents may be requested by the Immigration Services Agency or the Japanese embassy or consulate. Typical documents are below:

Main applicant

	Document Name	COE application	VISA application	Notes
1	Passport	Required	Required
2	Application form	Required	Required
3	COE		if applicable	If you present the Certificate of Eligibility, items (4) through (6) below may be omitted)
4	Travel itinerary	Required	Required
5	Bank statements for past 6 months showing savings of at least JPY 30 million	Required	Required
6	Proof of overseas travel or medical insurance	Required	Required

Accompanying Spouse

	Document Name	COE application	VISA application	Notes
1	Passport	Required	Required
2	Application form	Required	Required
3	COE		if applicable	If you present the Certificate of Eligibility, items (4) through (6) below may be omitted)
4	Travel itinerary
5	Marriage certificate
6	Proof of overseas travel or medical insurance

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

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