Japan business visa
Japan files a business trip under its "Short-Term Stay" status of residence — the same status that carries meetings, negotiations, conferences, market research and cultural or sport exchange. What sets it apart is the host. Someone in Japan must invite you, issuing an original invitation letter and an itinerary of stay. If that host or a guarantor is picking up your costs, they add a letter of guarantee. One line runs through the whole category: it does not permit paid employment or any revenue-generating activity in Japan.
A word for anyone who has heard Japan now has an eVISA — it does not open this door. Through 2025-2026, the eVISA for residents of India, routed via a MOFA-accredited agency, is limited to single-entry tourism. Business goes the paper way: through the VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centres, which act for the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi and the Consulates-General in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian nationals making a short business visit to Japan — meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs, market research or cultural/sport exchange.
- ✓Applicants with a host company or organisation in Japan that can issue an original invitation letter and itinerary of stay.
- ✓Salaried employees travelling on a company travel order or covering letter, supported by a certificate of employment.
- ✓Company owners, directors and self-employed applicants who can evidence their business (e.g. DIN approval, incorporation documents, company bank statements).
- ✓Not for paid or remunerated activity in Japan — the Short-Term Stay category prohibits revenue-generating work.
Visa options for Japan
Single-entry Short-Term Stay (business)
For a one-off business visit. Validity is generally about 3 months from the date of issue, with a permitted stay of up to 90 days.
Multiple-entry Short-Term Stay (business)
For repeat business travel. Validity can be 1, 3, 5 or 10 years, with each stay of 15, 30 or 90 days depending on the grant. From the second visit, tourism and visiting relatives/acquaintances are also permitted.
Documents typically required
- ✓Valid passport with at least two blank pages, plus any old passports; photocopy of the bio-data page (first and last page).
- ✓Completed and signed Japan visa application form.
- ✓One passport-size photograph taken within the last 6 months, white background (2x2 inch at some centres).
- ✓Employer's travel order or covering letter, and a certificate of employment.
- ✓Original invitation letter from the host in Japan, plus an itinerary / schedule of stay with hotel and contact details in Japan.
- ✓Flight tickets and proof of accommodation.
- ✓Letter of guarantee from the party bearing the costs, with a certified copy of the incorporation register or company overview (a stock-exchange-listed company is exempt).
- ✓Applicant's latest 3 months' bank statements and 3 months' payslips; the Indian company's last 3 years' income tax returns (or 6 months' bank statements if ITR is unavailable).
- ✓For company owners: proof of ownership (e.g. DIN approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, proprietorship document or import-export licence) and a company bank statement.
- ✓List of applicants when several people are invited together; proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate, passport copy) for any accompanying dependant.
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Applications are lodged through the VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centre for your jurisdiction, acting for the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi or the Consulates-General in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. The Embassy or Consulate may call you in for an interview or ask for more documents. Submitted documents are not returned — only your passport comes back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Japan business visa online through the eVISA system?
No. Through 2025-2026, Japan's eVISA for residents of India — issued via a MOFA-accredited agency — covers single-entry tourism only. A business visit still needs a paper application through the VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centre, on behalf of the Embassy or Consulate of Japan.
How long can I stay, and can I get a multiple-entry visa?
Each visit allows up to 90 days. A single-entry visa is usually valid about 3 months from issue. A multiple-entry business visa can run 1, 3, 5 or 10 years, with each stay set at 15, 30 or 90 days — the length depends on your profile and travel history.
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. The decision rests solely with the Embassy or Consulate of Japan. What we give you is a frank read on your case and an application built as strong and complete as it can be. Over the last 2-3 years our applications have had a 97% success rate, but no consultant can guarantee an outcome.