Japan Visa Guide for Vietnamese Citizens (Tourist & Work)

This comprehensive guide details the visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens traveling to Japan. From the electronic tourist visa (e-Visa) and visiting relatives to the complex Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou) pathways, we break down financial requirements, document checklists, and application procedures for a successful entry.

Part 1: Short-Term Stays (Tourist & Visiting Friends)

For Vietnamese citizens, a “short-term stay” generally refers to a period of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting family. You are strictly prohibited from working or earning money on these visas.

1. The Japan e-Visa for Tourists

In a major modernization step, Japan now offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) for Vietnamese nationals holding ordinary passports. This applies primarily to single-entry tourism.

• Eligibility: You must be residing in Vietnam.
• Purpose: Tourism only. (Visiting friends/relatives usually requires a paper application due to the documents involved).
• Duration: Up to 90 days (usually granted for 15 or 30 days).
• How it works: You apply online via the Japan e-Visa website. If approved, you receive a “Visa Issuance Notice” on your mobile device. You show this screen at the airport check-in and immigration.

Important: The e-Visa is strictly for those who can plan their own trip and prove their own finances. If you are relying on a guarantor in Japan to pay for your trip, the e-Visa system often cannot accommodate the necessary guarantee documents, and you should apply via the paper route.

2. Paper Visa: Visiting Relatives or Friends

This is one of the most common visa types for Vietnamese citizens, especially given the large number of Vietnamese workers living in Japan who wish to invite their parents or spouses for a visit.

The burden of proof here lies heavily on the inviter (Guarantor) in Japan.

• The Inviter’s Role: The person in Japan must provide a “Letter of Reason for Invitation” (Shohei Riyusho) and a “Letter of Guarantee” (Mimoto Hoshosho).
• Financial Proof: The inviter must prove they can support the visitor. This requires submitting their Tax Certificate (Kazei Shomeisho) and Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) obtained from their local Japanese city hall.

If you are unsure about the distinction between a business trip and a tourist trip, or if you are visiting a company rather than a friend, review our guide on Business Visa vs Tourist Visa: Visiting Japan for Short-Term Work to ensure you apply for the correct category.

3. Business Visa

For Vietnamese entrepreneurs or employees sent to Japan for meetings, negotiations, or market research.

• Requirement: An “Invitation Letter” from the Japanese partner company is mandatory.
• Multiple Entry: Frequent business travelers can apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 to 5 years, allowing unlimited short trips.

Jurisdiction: Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh City

Where you apply depends on your household registration (Ho Khau) or current residence.

Jurisdiction	Area Covered	Application Location
Embassy of Japan (Hanoi)	Gia Lai, Binh Dinh provinces and Northward	VFS Global Hanoi or Embassy
Consulate General (HCMC)	Dak Lak, Phu Yen provinces and Southward	VFS Global Ho Chi Minh City

Note: Most individual tourist applications are now outsourced to VFS Global. You rarely go directly to the Embassy unless it is a diplomatic or emergency case.

Part 2: Work Visas (Long-Term Residence)

This is where the majority of Vietnamese migration is focused. Japan offers several distinct pathways for work, each with different educational and testing requirements.

1. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

This is the standard “white-collar” work visa.

• Target: IT engineers, translators, marketing specialists, and office staff.
• Requirement: You must hold a University Degree (Bachelor’s or higher) relative to the job, OR have 10+ years of documented experience.
• Japanese Level: Not strictly required by law, but most companies require N2 or N1.
• Sponsorship: You need a job offer first. The company applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).

Once you secure a job offer, the process relies heavily on the CoE. For a detailed timeline of this document, read Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): What It Is and How to Get One.

2. Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou)

This visa category, launched in 2019, was effectively designed with Vietnam in mind. It allows work in 12 specific industrial sectors (like construction, agriculture, caregiving, and food service) without a university degree.

• Requirement 1 (Skills): Pass the “Specified Skills Evaluation Exam” for your chosen industry (e.g., Food Service test).
• Requirement 2 (Language): Pass the JLPT N4 or the JFT-Basic A2.
• Benefits: Unlike the old intern system, you receive the same salary as a Japanese national and have more freedom to change jobs.

Vietnam is the largest source of Tokutei Ginou workers. If you are pursuing this path, it is critical to understand the nuances of the system. For a deep dive, see our article on Specified Skilled Worker Visa (Tokutei Ginou): New Path for Foreign Workers.

3. Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)

Historically, this was the main route for Vietnamese workers. However, it is currently being reformed into a new “Training and Employment” system due to labor rights concerns.

• Current Status: Still active but phasing into a system more closely aligned with the SSW (Tokutei Ginou).
• Advice: If you have the choice, aiming for the Specified Skilled Worker visa is generally better for your career rights, salary, and long-term prospects than the traditional intern program.

Comparison of Work Pathways

Feature	Engineer / Humanities	Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)	Technical Intern (TITP)
Education	University Degree Required	No Degree (Skills Test)	No Degree
Experience	Not required (if degreed)	Not required (if tested)	Not required
Language	N2/N1 usually required by boss	N4 Mandatory	N4/N5
Family	Can bring spouse/kids	No (Category 1) / Yes (Category 2)	No
Max Stay	Indefinite (Renewable)	5 Years (Category 1)	3-5 Years

Part 3: Financial Requirements for Tourists

For Vietnamese applicants, the most common reason for tourist visa rejection is insufficient financial proof. Japanese immigration authorities are strict about ensuring travelers can afford their stay.

What constitutes “Sufficient Funds”?

There is no written law stating an exact number, but general consensus among visa agencies suggests:

• Bank Balance: You should show a balance of at least 100,000,000 VND to 200,000,000 VND (approx. $4,000 – $8,000 USD).
• History: A “Concept of Savings” is important. A sudden deposit of 200 million VND the day before you apply looks suspicious (like you borrowed it). A bank statement showing steady savings over 3-6 months is much stronger.

Supporting Documents

Money in the bank is not enough. You must prove you have strong ties to Vietnam that will compel you to return.

1. Labor Contract: Proves you have a job to come back to.
2. Leave Application: A document signed by your manager approving your holiday dates.
3. Social Insurance Book: Copy of your social insurance payments serves as strong proof of stable employment.

Part 4: The Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Whether applying for a Tourist Visa or converting a CoE into a Work Visa, the submission process in Vietnam generally follows these steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Documents

Download the latest checklist from the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam website. Do not rely on third-party blogs, as forms change.

• Photo: 4.5cm x 4.5cm. White background. Taken within 6 months. Note: This is different from the standard 4x6cm Vietnamese photo size.
• Application Form: Must be typed or printed clearly. No correction fluid.

Step 2: VFS Global Appointment

Almost all individual applications must go through VFS Global.

• Hanoi: Ocean Park Building, 1 Dao Duy Anh, Dong Da.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Resco Building, 94-96 Nguyen Du, District 1.
• Fee: You will pay the Visa Fee (approx. 640,000 VND for single entry) plus the VFS Service Fee (approx. 200,000 VND).

Step 3: The Interview (Rare but Possible)

In some cases, the Embassy may call you for an interview. This usually happens if they suspect the purpose of the trip is not genuine.

• Tip: Be honest. If you are going to meet a boyfriend/girlfriend, say so. If you say “tourism” but they find out you are staying at a partner’s house, you will be rejected for false declaration.

Step 4: Passport Collection

Processing time is typically 8 working days for VFS applications. You will collect your passport from the VFS center.

Part 5: Common Reasons for Rejection

If your visa is rejected, you generally cannot reapply for the same purpose for 6 months. Avoiding rejection is vital.

1. “Flash” Deposits: Borrowing money to inflate your bank balance just for the application. Immigration knows this trick.
2. Unclear Relationship: Visiting a “friend” but failing to provide photos, chat logs, or a clear explanation of how you met.
3. Inconsistent Itinerary: Submitting a travel plan that says you will stay in a 5-star hotel in Tokyo while your bank balance shows minimal savings.
4. Fake Documents: Never, ever submit forged employment or bank documents. This will lead to a permanent ban.

Part 6: Arriving in Japan

Once you have the visa, the journey isn’t over.

Landing Procedures

At the airport (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, etc.), you will be fingerprinted and photographed.

• Work Visa Holders: You will receive your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) right at the airport. Check the details immediately.
• Tourist Visa: You will get a “Temporary Visitor” sticker.

Setting Up Life (For Workers)

Vietnamese expats face specific challenges when setting up.

• Banking: Opening a bank account can be difficult with a fresh residence card. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most friendly option for new arrivals. Read Japanese Banking Basics: Hanko, Passbooks, and Branch Culture Explained to prepare your documents.
• Taxes: Understand that your residence tax is paid in arrears. The bill you get in Year 2 will be based on Year 1’s income. Budget accordingly. For complex situations, consider Hiring a Tax Accountant in Japan: When Do Expats Need Help?.

Part 7: What if I Lose My Job?

Given the large number of Vietnamese on technical visas, job loss is a major concern.

If you are on a Work Visa or SSW visa and lose your employment, you do not have to leave Japan immediately. You generally have a grace period (often 3 months) to find a new job, provided you actively look for work.

However, you must notify immigration within 14 days of the job loss. Failure to do so can hurt your future chances. For a detailed guide on what to do in this scenario, read Losing Your Job in Japan: Visa Implications and Next Steps.

Conclusion

For Vietnamese citizens, the path to Japan requires diligence, financial preparation, and a strict adherence to the rules. Whether you are applying for an e-Visa for a quick trip to Kyoto or studying for the Tokutei Ginou exams to build a career in Osaka, the key is transparency.

Japan values consistency. Ensure your documents match your story, your finances match your itinerary, and your skills match your visa category. With the right preparation, the door to Japan is open.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on immigration rules and the specific policies for Vietnamese nationals as of early 2026. Visa fees, VFS procedures, and financial thresholds are subject to change. Please consult the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam or a qualified administrative scrivener for advice on your specific situation.

References

Primary sources (official)

• Embassy of Japan in Vietnam. General Information on Visa Application.https://www.vn.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/Vn_Visa_Index.html
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Japan e-Visa (Online Application).https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Specified Skilled Worker Program (Vietnamese Language Guide).https://www.ssw.go.jp/vi/
• VFS Global. Japan Visa Application Centre – Vietnam.https://visa.vfsglobal.com/vnm/en/jpn/

Other helpful sources

• Japan Dev. The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Visas for Software Engineers.https://japan-dev.com/blog/japanese-visa-software-engineers
• GaijinPot. Specified Skilled Worker Visa: A Guide for Vietnamese Nationals.https://blog.gaijinpot.com/specified-skilled-worker-visa-guide/
• Vietnam Investment Review. Labor migration from Vietnam to Japan: Trends and 2025 Outlook.https://vir.com.vn/labor-migration-trends
• Navigos Search. Salary Guide for Vietnamese Workers in Japan.https://www.enworld.com.vn/salary-guide