# Japan visa for Nepali citizens

> Japan visa for Nepali citizens: tourist & e-visa requirements, fees, processing time. Apply online with Yatra.

Canonical page: https://yatraforfun.com/visa/japan
Last updated: 2026-08-10

## Embassy / mission

- **Mission:** Embassy of Japan — Kathmandu
- **Address:** Panipokhari, Lazimpat, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 264)
- **Phone:** +977 1 4426680
- **Email:** nepal.consul@kt.mofa.go.jp
- **Hours:** Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00 (visa counter Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00).
- **Application centre:** VFS Japan Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu — 3rd Floor, Chhaya Center, Amrit Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu. Operated by VFS Global since 2024 — handles short-stay tourist + business; long-stay (work / study / family) via Embassy direct.
- **Online portal:** https://www.vfsglobal.com/japan/nepal (VFS Japan Nepal) · https://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp (Embassy Kathmandu)
- **Payment:** Cash NPR at submission; VFS service fee separate.

## Visa categories

### Tourist — Japan Short-Term Stay Visa — Tourism

**Purpose:** Tourism, family visit (≤ 90 days).
**Stay duration:** 15 / 30 / 90 days per consul discretion.
**Validity:** 3 months single / 1–5 years multi.
**Entries:** Single or Multiple.
**Processing time:** Typically 6 working days from VFS submission to issuance (Embassy notice 31 Mar 2026); 1–2 months if detailed examination is required — apply well ahead in peak seasons (Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov student surge).
**How to apply:** VFS Japan Kathmandu (Chhaya Center) — appointment at vfsglobal.com/japan/nepal. Slots for up to 10 working days ahead are released DAILY — a "no open seats" message means booked out, check again next day. Embassy accepts only Diplomatic / Official visas directly.
**Financial requirement:** Bank statement (last 6 months) having ending balance of NPR 4 lakh (4,00,000).

**Required documents:**

- Passport (6+ months) + photocopy
- Visa application form (online + signed)
- Photo (45×45mm white background)
- Citizenship copy
- Cover letter explaining purpose
- Bank statement (last 6 months) having ending balance of NPR 4 lakh (4,00,000)
- Tax clearance certificate
- Employer letter / business registration
- Daily itinerary + hotel booking + return ticket

### Business — Japan Short-Term Stay Visa — Business

**Purpose:** Business meetings, conferences (≤ 90 days).
**Stay duration:** Up to 90 days.
**Validity:** 3 months single / 1–5 years multi.
**Entries:** Single or Multiple.
**Processing time:** Typically 6 working days via VFS (Embassy notice 31 Mar 2026); 1–2 months if detailed examination is required.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo, form
- Invitation letter from Japanese company
- Japanese inviter company registration (Tōkibo Tōhon)
- Schedule of stay in Japan
- Employer letter from Nepal

### Work — Japan Work Visa (Engineer / Specialist / SSW / Skilled Labour)

**Purpose:** Engineer/Specialist (E/H), SSW (Specified Skilled Worker), Skilled Labour, Intra-Company Transferee.
**Stay duration:** 1 / 3 / 5 years.
**Validity:** 90 days entry; convert to Status of Residence (Zairyū Card) on arrival.
**Entries:** Single visa; multi on Zairyū Card.
**Processing time:** 5–7 working days AFTER COE issued (COE itself takes 1–3 months).
**How to apply:** Japanese employer obtains COE at regional Immigration Bureau -> COE sent to applicant -> visa stamped at Embassy Kathmandu.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo
- Original COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
- Employment contract
- Education / professional qualifications (attested)
- JLPT N4+ (E/H) or JFT-Basic + skills test (SSW) *(conditional)* — Per category.
- Police clearance
- TB chest X-ray
- DoFE labour permit + PDO + SSF + insurance

### Student — Japan Student Visa (Ryūgaku)

**Purpose:** University, language school, vocational school in Japan.
**Stay duration:** Per programme (1–4 years).
**Validity:** 90 days entry; convert to Zairyū Card.
**Entries:** Single visa; multi on card.
**Processing time:** 5–7 working days AFTER COE.
**How to apply:** Japanese institution applies for COE at Immigration Bureau -> COE -> embassy visa.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo
- COE for Ryūgaku
- Letter of Acceptance from Japanese institution
- Academic transcripts (notarised English translation)
- Proof of financial means (sponsor or self ¥1.5–2 million / year)
- JLPT / J.TEST results *(conditional)*
- TB chest X-ray

### Family Visit — Japan Spouse / Dependant Visa

**Purpose:** Spouse of Japanese / PR holder / work-visa holder; dependent child.
**Stay duration:** Per spouse / dependant status.
**Validity:** 90 days entry; multi on Zairyū Card.
**Entries:** Single visa; multi on card.
**Processing time:** COE 1–3 months + visa 5–7 days.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo
- Original COE
- Sponsor passport / Zairyū Card / Japanese ID
- Marriage / birth certificate (attested + legalised)
- Sponsor income proof

### Transit — Japan Transit Visa

**Purpose:** Transit through Japan to third country.
**Stay duration:** Up to 72 hours.
**Validity:** 15 days.
**Entries:** Single.
**Processing time:** 3–5 working days.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo, form
- Onward ticket to third country
- Visa for next destination (if required)

## Important general notes

- Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a notary-certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Use a Nepal Bar Council–registered translator and have each translation notarised by a Notary Public.
- Nepalis MUST obtain visa for Japan — no visa-free or e-Visa.
- Short-stay tourist + business via VFS Japan Kathmandu (Chhaya Center, Thamel) since 2024.
- Long-stay (work / study / family / SSW / spouse) via Embassy Kathmandu directly with COE (Certificate of Eligibility).
- Visa fees: Single-entry ¥3,000 (≈ NPR 2,700), Multi-entry ¥6,000 (≈ NPR 5,400), Transit ¥700.
- VFS service fee NPR 2,400 + courier NPR 1,200.
- Standard processing 5 working days from Embassy receipt.
- COE for long-stay obtained by Japanese sponsor at regional Immigration Bureau in Japan FIRST; then visa issued in 5–7 days.
- Photo: 45×45mm white background.
- TB-test (chest X-ray) mandatory for long-stay before visa is issued.
- For SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) workers: JFT-Basic + skills test + employer agreement.

## How to apply (4 steps)

1. **Confirm Japan visa eligibility** — Check that your Nepali passport qualifies for the visa type you need (tourist, business, work, education). Diplomatic / official passport holders may have different rules.
2. **Gather supporting documents** — Prepare: Passport (6+ months) + photocopy; Visa application form (online + signed); Photo (45×45mm white background); Citizenship copy; Cover letter explaining purpose; Bank statement (last 6 months) having ending balance of NPR 4 lakh (4,00,000).
3. **Submit at VFS Japan Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu** — VFS Japan Kathmandu (Chhaya Center) — appointment at vfsglobal.com/japan/nepal. Slots for up to 10 working days ahead are released DAILY — a "no open seats" message means booked out, check again next day. Embassy accepts only Diplomatic / Official visas directly.
4. **Track and collect** — Processing typically takes Typically 6 working days from VFS submission to issuance (Embassy notice 31 Mar 2026); 1–2 months if detailed examination is required — apply well ahead in peak seasons (Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov student surge).. Yatra's concierge tracks your application and notifies you on each status change.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does a Japan tourist visa take to process for Nepali citizens?

Typically 6 working days from VFS submission to issuance (Embassy notice 31 Mar 2026); 1–2 months if detailed examination is required — apply well ahead in peak seasons (Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov student surge).

### What bank balance is required for a Japan visa?

Bank statement (last 6 months) having ending balance of NPR 4 lakh (4,00,000).

### How many days can Nepali citizens stay in Japan on a tourist visa?

15 / 30 / 90 days per consul discretion. (Japan Short-Term Stay Visa — Tourism).

### Where do Nepali citizens apply for a Japan tourist visa?

VFS Japan Kathmandu (Chhaya Center) — appointment at vfsglobal.com/japan/nepal. Slots for up to 10 working days ahead are released DAILY — a "no open seats" message means booked out, check again next day. Embassy accepts only Diplomatic / Official visas directly.

### What documents are required for a Japan tourist visa from Nepal?

Required documents include: Passport (6+ months) + photocopy; Visa application form (online + signed); Photo (45×45mm white background); Citizenship copy; Cover letter explaining purpose; Bank statement (last 6 months) having ending balance of NPR 4 lakh (4,00,000); Tax clearance certificate; Employer letter / business registration.

### Where is the Japan embassy in Nepal?

Embassy of Japan — Kathmandu — Panipokhari, Lazimpat, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 264). Phone: +977 1 4426680.

### Can Nepali citizens apply for a Japan business visa?

Yes — Japan Short-Term Stay Visa — Business. Business meetings, conferences (≤ 90 days). Processing: Typically 6 working days via VFS (Embassy notice 31 Mar 2026); 1–2 months if detailed examination is required..

### Is there an online portal to apply for a Japan visa?

Yes — apply online at https://www.vfsglobal.com/japan/nepal (VFS Japan Nepal) · https://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp (Embassy Kathmandu).

### How is the Japan visa fee paid?

Cash NPR at submission; VFS service fee separate.

### Can Yatra help with a Japan visa application?

Yes — Yatra provides end-to-end visa assistance for Japan including document preparation, appointment booking, application review, and a PNR-backed dummy ticket (NPR 999) when the embassy requires proof of onward travel.

## Sources

- https://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/visa.html — Embassy of Japan Kathmandu visa page
- https://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00824.html — Embassy visa-procedures notice dated 31 March 2026 (Reiwa 8) — processing time, VFS mechanics, FAQ
- https://www.vfsglobal.com/japan/nepal — VFS Japan Nepal
- https://www.moj.go.jp/isa — Japan Immigration Services Agency
- https://www.mofa.go.jp — Japan MoFA
- Japan Visa Hotline (Nepal): 1-800-001-0169 — 24/7, English support
- Embassy consular section (Diplomatic/Official visas + visa transfer to new passport): consular-emb@km.mofa.go.jp
- VFS Japan Nepal contact: info.jpnnepal@vfsglobal.com
- Re-application cooldown: a rejected application cannot be re-lodged for the SAME purpose within 6 months (humanitarian exceptions possible)
- Visa transfer to a new passport: free of charge via the Embassy consular counter (old + new passport, 45×45 mm photo, form at counter; several days)
- Withdrawal: VFS service charges are non-refundable; passport return may lag several days
- Pre-entry TB screening (JPETS) applies to Nepal — TB Clearance Certificate obligation for eligible long-stay categories (per MHLW schedule commenced 2025)
- Beware "priority appointment" agents — neither VFS nor the Embassy offers paid priority booking; all such services are scams

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*Yatra (https://yatraforfun.com) provides end-to-end visa assistance for Nepali citizens — document review, embassy submission, dummy ticket (NPR 999) when proof of onward travel is required.*