Japan Visa Guide for Pakistani Citizens — Tourist and Work
A clear, up-to-date guide for Pakistani passport holders. Learn exactly where to apply (VFS/Gerry’s), fees (Pakistani applicants are visa-fee exempt), processing times, photo size, eVISA eligibility, and the main work routes (COE, SSW, Engineer/Humanities). Includes checklists, tables, and timeline tips.
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Quick answer
- Where to apply: Submit all categories (except diplomatic/official) via VFS Global/Gerry’s in Pakistan. The Embassy/Consulate refer public applicants to VFS/Gerry’s for documents, booking, and processing.
- Fees: Pakistani passport holders are exempt from the Japan visa fee. You still pay the VFS service fee of PKR 3,000 (paid online when booking).
- Processing time: Minimum 6 business days if complete; some files take a few weeks. No same-day visas. Apply early.
- eVISA: Japan’s eVISA is available to residents of certain places (e.g., Australia, Canada, UK, USA, India, UAE), not Pakistan. Pakistani residents apply through VFS/Gerry’s.
- Tourist rules: “Short-Term Stay” is up to 90 days and no paid work.
- Work routes: For paid work or any stay over 90 days, your sponsor in Japan should first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE); then you file the visa at VFS.
Helpful reads for your planning: Japan Travel Insurance Made Simple, Buying a SIM Card in Japan
Who needs a visa and what counts as short-term stay
Pakistani citizens need a visa to enter Japan. For tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, or conferences, Japan uses the Short-Term Stay (often called “Temporary Visitor”) category. It covers non-paid activities up to 90 days. Paid work is not permitted on this status.
If you plan to work or stay longer than 90 days, you’ll use a work or long-term status of residence, and (in principle) you should have a COE before applying at VFS.
Where to apply in Pakistan
From 2024 onward, the Embassy and Consulates do not accept public visa applications directly (except diplomatic/official). You must apply through VFS Global/Gerry’s. For queries, the Embassy page itself directs applicants to VFS/Gerry’s (with a public contact email/phone).
Jurisdiction note: For example, Karachi VAC serves residents of Sindh and Balochistan. Always check VFS for your city’s rules and appointment slots.
Tip: Book your VFS appointment online. The service fee (PKR 3,000) is paid during booking. Keep your payment card ready when reserving a slot.
Fees, photo size, and processing time
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Japan visa fee | Exempt for Pakistani passport holders |
| VFS service fee | PKR 3,000 per application (paid online at booking) |
| Processing time | Minimum 6 business days if complete; can take weeks; no same-day issuance |
| Photo size | 45 mm x 45 mm, light background (preferably white) |
| When to submit | VFS won’t accept if your travel date is more than 90 days after the submission date |
For general MOFA timing guidance (especially without a COE), Japan notes that issuance can take 1–3 months; applying with a COE is recommended for work/long stays.
Tourist visa for Pakistani citizens
What you can do on a tourist visa
You can sightsee, visit friends/relatives, attend meetings, or join events without pay for a stay up to 90 days. No paid activities.
Step-by-step application (tourism)
- Choose your visa type on the VFS Japan–Pakistan page (e.g., Tourism, Visiting Relatives).
- Book your VFS appointment and pay the service fee (PKR 3,000) online.
- Prepare documents following VFS checklists; print on A4 and keep the order of the checklist.
- Photo: 45×45 mm, recent, light background.
- Submit at the VAC (bring originals and copies as indicated). Track status via your VFS dashboard.
- Processing: minimum 6 business days if complete; collection or courier return.
Related reads: Japan taxi and ride apps, Cash vs. Cards in Japan
Typical tourist document set (summary)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa application form | Complete and sign; 1 per applicant (download link on VFS) |
| Passport(s) | Current + any old passports as applicable |
| Photo | 45×45 mm; recent; light background |
| Itinerary in Japan | Day-by-day plan (VFS provides a template) |
| Flights and accommodation | Bookings/reservations matching the itinerary |
| Financials | Recent bank statements; other proof of funds, as applicable |
| If invited/hosted | Letter of guarantee/invitation; relationship proof; host’s financial/tax docs if covering costs (templates on VFS) |
Good to know: Japan’s pre-entry TB screening currently targets specific nationalities (Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, China). Pakistan is not on that list as of October 2025; still, check MOFA before you apply.
Work in Japan from Pakistan — your roadmap
Visa vs. status of residence (why this matters)
“Visa” lets you travel to Japan; your status of residence defines what you can do after arrival. Japan’s own guidance explains that visa and status of residence are separate procedures under different authorities.
The standard flow for work or long-term stay
- Sponsor in Japan (employer/school) applies to Immigration for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- After COE issuance, you apply at VFS for the corresponding visa.
- On landing in Japan, mid- to long-term residents receive a Residence Card at major airports.
Timing: MOFA recommends having a COE first. Without a COE, issuance usually takes 1–3 months. With a COE, your local visa step is typically much faster.
Common work categories used by Pakistani professionals
Japan lists many long-term statuses. These are the most common for full-time employment:
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services — for engineers, IT, business/marketing, translators, designers, etc.
- Intra-Company Transferee — for transfers to a Japan branch of the same corporate group.
- Skilled Labor — occupations needing years of proven expertise (e.g., chefs of foreign cuisine, aircraft pilots).
- Nursing Care / Instructor / Professor / Researcher — for qualified educators/researchers and certified care workers.
- Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) — mid-skill roles in designated sectors (see below).
- Highly Skilled Professional — points-based track for advanced talent.
- Business Manager / Start-up — to run a company in Japan (often paired with local “start-up visa” programs).
Specified Skilled Worker — the sectors open in 2025
Japan’s SSW (i) program allows employment in 16 fields. Officially listed fields include: Nursing Care; Building Cleaning Management; Construction; Industrial Product Manufacturing; Shipbuilding/Ship Machinery; Automobile Repair & Maintenance; Aviation; Accommodation; Automobile Transportation; Railway; Agriculture; Fishery/Aquaculture; Food & Beverage Manufacturing; Food Service; Forestry; Wood Industry.
Key points (official SSW site): SSW (i) allows up to 5 years and generally does not allow dependents; SSW (ii) in certain fields allows a longer stay and family accompaniment. Salary must be equal to Japanese workers in the same role.
Work-visa document set (after COE)
When your COE arrives, prepare the application for “Long Term Stay with COE” at VFS:
- Visa application form (signed)
- Passport(s)
- Photo 45×45 mm
- Your COE (original/electronic as instructed)
- Employment contract/offer (as applicable)
- Academic and employment proofs (degree, transcripts, experience letters)
- Any supporting statements from the employer (if listed)
- A4 copies in the order of the VFS checklist
Tourist vs. Work at a glance
| Feature | Tourist Short-Term Stay | Work / Long-Term |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Tourism, family visits, meetings, conferences | Paid employment or study; stays over 90 days |
| First step | VFS appointment + documents | Japan sponsor applies for COE; then VFS visa filing |
| Can you work? | No paid activities | Yes, within your granted status of residence |
| Where to apply in Pakistan | VFS/Gerry’s VACs | VFS/Gerry’s VACs (after COE) |
| Processing time (local) | Min. 6 business days if complete | COE first (target 1–3 months per MOFA), then local visa as above |
| Photo | 45×45 mm | 45×45 mm |
| Visa fee for Pakistani passport | Exempt | Exempt (service fee still applies) |
| eVISA option | Not available to residents of Pakistan | Not applicable |
Your realistic timeline to start a job in Japan
| Phase | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Offer & paperwork | Employer prepares COE application and collects your docs | Weeks 0–2 (varies) |
| 2. COE review in Japan | Immigration examines the case | ~1–3 months (MOFA guidance) |
| 3. VFS filing in Pakistan | You submit visa with COE, photo, passport, etc. | Appointment + ≥6 business days processing |
| 4. Fly and land | Receive Residence Card at major airports on arrival | On arrival day |
Planning tip: Do not set a start date before your COE is issued. Book travel after visa approval to avoid re-booking costs. Check your city’s VFS appointment availability early.
Detailed tourist checklist you can follow today
- Book a VFS appointment for your category (Tourism or Visiting Relatives/Friends).
- Fill the latest visa form; print on A4 and sign.
- Prepare passport(s), one photo 45×45 mm (light background), itinerary, hotel bookings, and flight reservations.
- Add recent bank statements. If a host in Japan pays your costs, include invitation/guarantee plus their financial proofs. Templates are on VFS.
- Submit at VFS; pay the service fee (PKR 3,000) and track your file.
Work-visa checklist (after COE)
- COE in hand from your Japan sponsor.
- VFS appointment for “Long Term Stay with COE”.
- Documents: application form, passport(s), 45×45 mm photo, COE, job contract, degree, transcripts, experience letters, employer statements if listed, A4 copies in checklist order.
- Submit & track, allow ≥6 business days for the local decision.
Helpful deep dives: Understanding Your Japanese Residence Card, City Hall Registration and Health Insurance
eVISA for Japan — can Pakistani residents use it?
No. As of September 1, 2025, Japan’s eVISA is open to residents of listed countries/regions (e.g., Australia, Brazil, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, UK, USA) and via accredited agencies in a few others (e.g., India, UAE, Indonesia, Hong Kong, ROK). Pakistan is not listed, so residents of Pakistan apply through VFS/Gerry’s instead.
FAQs
Is the Japan visa fee really free for Pakistanis?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders are exempt from the Japan visa fee. You still pay the VFS service fee (PKR 3,000) per application.
How long does the visa take?
VFS lists a minimum of 6 business days, with some files taking a few weeks. For work/long-term, obtain a COE first; without one, MOFA says issuance typically takes 1–3 months.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Short-Term Stay is for non-paid activities up to 90 days only.
Do I apply directly at the Embassy or Consulate?
No (unless you are diplomatic/official). The Embassy/Consulates direct public applicants to VFS/Gerry’s for submissions, documents, and booking.
Which VAC should I use?
Check the VFS site for your location. For example, Karachi serves Sindh and Balochistan residents.
What size photo do I need?
45 mm × 45 mm, light (white) background.
I heard about SSW. What fields are open?
16 fields are open under SSW (i), including Nursing Care, Construction, Manufacturing, Aviation, Accommodation, Food Service, Forestry, Wood, and more (full list above). See the Immigration Services Agency’s SSW portal.
Practical tips that save time (and stress)
- Apply early. Appointments can fill fast, and complex files can stretch past the minimum 6 business days.
- Follow the VFS checklist. Keep A4 copies and the order VFS requests; it speeds intake.
- Mind the 90-day submission window. VFS won’t take applications if your travel date is more than 90 days away.
- COE first for work. It’s the fastest, most reliable route for long stays. Without a COE, expect 1–3 months just for issuance.
- TB screening. As of now, Japan’s pre-entry TB screening applies to specific nationalities (not including Pakistan). Always re-check MOFA before you file.
Internal links you might need next
- Find a Job in Japan — Study & Work hub
- Open a Bank Account and Set Up Mobile Payments in Japan — Money & Finance hub
- Renting Your First Apartment in Japan — Housing & Living hub
- Healthcare and Insurance Basics for Newcomers — Health & Medical hub
Appendix — forms and official references you’ll actually use
- VFS one-pager (Pakistan → Japan) with visa types, fees, photo size, processing time, and checklists. This is the page VFS keeps updated for Pakistan.
- Embassy/Consulate notices in Pakistan confirming applications via VFS/Gerry’s (public categories).
- MOFA eVISA page showing the eligible countries/regions (Pakistan not listed).
- MOFA “Processing Time” page explaining why COE matters and typical 1–3 months if you apply without it.
- MOFA long-term statuses overview and ISA SSW portal listing the 16 fields.
Final word
If you’re touring, think: VFS appointment → A4 documents → 45×45 photo → 6 business days. If you’re working, think: COE first → VFS filing → residence card on arrival. Keep it simple, apply early, and enjoy planning your Japan journey.
Editor’s note: This article follows our Japan Handbook structure for long-tail visa topics and is written for clarity, not legal advice.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
