Are you thinking about inviting your family or friends from overseas to Japan? Or perhaps planning to meet with international business partners here?
It’s completely normal to feel unsure at first — many people hesitate, wondering “The process seems complicated…” or “What if my application gets rejected?”
Especially in 2025, there are several important updates to be aware of, such as the introduction of the eVISA (electronic visa) and stricter regulations.
But the good news is, a short-term visa isn’t as difficult as it may seem once you understand the key points.
Let’s go through the process together, so your loved ones can visit Japan smoothly and with peace of mind.
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What is a “Short-Term Stay Visa”? What can you do with it?
First, let’s take a moment to understand the basics of this visa.
As the name suggests, a “short-term stay” allows you to stay in Japan for a limited period of up to 90 days.
This visa is mainly used for the following three purposes:
Tourism / Leisure: Traveling, visiting hot springs, or participating in amateur sports activities.
Visiting Relatives or Friends: Meeting family members living in Japan, attending weddings or funerals, or catching up with friends.
Short-Term Business: Attending meetings, business negotiations, contract signings, market research, or after-sales services.
Now, here’s the most important rule to keep in mind: you are not allowed to engage in any income-generating activities (work) while on a short-term stay visa.
Even if it’s just for a few days, working in a factory or at a construction site is strictly prohibited by law.
If this rule is misunderstood or overlooked, it could even result in being denied entry to Japan, so it’s very important to be aware of it.
In fact, even if no payment is involved, an activity may still be considered “work” depending on its nature, and could therefore be treated as a violation. If you’re unsure whether your situation falls into this category, it’s best not to make assumptions — please feel free to consult with us in advance.
Three Key Documents You’ll Need for Your Application — and Tips on How to Prepare Them
If you are from a country that is not visa-exempt (such as the United States, South Korea, or Taiwan), you will need to go through a screening process at a Japanese embassy or consulate before traveling to Japan.
In this process, the documents prepared by the host in Japan (the inviting party) are especially important.
From a professional perspective, here are some key points you should pay close attention to:
1.Letter of Invitation (Why you are inviting them to Japan)
This is one of the most critical documents in the screening process. Simply stating “for tourism purposes” may not be sufficient.
Especially when inviting a friend or acquaintance, we recommend attaching an additional document that clearly explains the background of your relationship — including how you met, your current relationship, and the reason for this particular visit.
Providing this kind of detailed context can make a significant difference in how your application is evaluated.
When and where you first met
How you have stayed in touch (e.g., call history, messages, photos, etc.)
Why it is necessary for them to visit Japan at this particular time
By clearly and thoughtfully providing this information, you can help the immigration officer feel confident that the relationship is genuine.
2.. Letter of Guarantee
This document is a formal pledge that the guarantor will take responsibility for ensuring that the applicant complies with Japanese laws during their stay, and will cover expenses such as living costs and return travel if necessary.
The person acting as a guarantor is generally required to demonstrate a certain level of financial stability, typically through documents such as a tax certificate or proof of income.
3.Schedule of Stay
This document should clearly outline the applicant’s itinerary from arrival to departure, including where they will stay and where they plan to go, in chronological order.
If the schedule contains too many “TBD” items or includes unrealistic travel times, it may raise concerns such as the possibility of unauthorized work.
Be sure to prepare a practical and realistic plan.
Things to Watch Out for When Applying for a JAPAN eVISA
Recently, the “JAPAN eVISA,” which allows you to apply online, has been expanding. However, there has also been a noticeable increase in issues occurring at airports.
There’s one important point you should definitely keep in mind:
Screenshots are NOT accepted!
At the airport check-in counter and during immigration inspection, you are required to present your eVISA “Visa Issuance Notice.”
However, it must be displayed in real time on your smartphone screen.
Presenting a screenshot
Showing a PDF file
Presenting a printed copy
All of these are considered invalid.
This is because you need to show the screen with a live timer running, which confirms that the eVISA is being displayed in real time.
Since connection issues with airport Wi-Fi are quite common, we strongly recommend preparing in advance — such as enabling mobile roaming or arranging a pocket Wi-Fi device.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can a Short-Term Stay Be Extended or Changed?
Finally, we’d like to answer some of the questions we are most frequently asked by our clients.
I’d like to stay longer — can I extend my stay
In principle, extensions of a short-term stay are not permitted.
However, in exceptional circumstances — such as illness or other unavoidable reasons — an extension may be granted.
If you think your situation might qualify, we recommend consulting with an immigration specialist in advance.
I found a job in Japan — can I switch to a work visa while staying here？
Please understand that, in principle, this is quite difficult.
The general rule is to leave Japan and go through the proper procedures again before re-entering.
Attempting to force a change of status may raise concerns that you entered Japan under false pretenses, which could negatively affect future applications.
The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to stay in Japan for up to six months and work remotely. If you are considering a longer stay or wish to work while living in Japan, this visa may be a more suitable option for you.
Summary
In this article, we’ve covered everything from the basics of a short-term stay visa to the latest points you should be aware of.
Let’s take a quick look back at the key takeaways.
Permitted Activities: Tourism, visiting relatives or friends, and short-term business. Employment is strictly prohibited.
Document Preparation: Your Letter of Invitation should include a clear and detailed story behind the visit.
eVISA: Screenshots are not accepted at the airport. Be sure to show the official screen by logging in in real time.
Following the Rules: Extensions or changes are generally not permitted. Being honest and accurate in your application is the best way forward.
Visa applications are delicate procedures where even a single document can affect the outcome.
If you find yourself wondering, “What about my situation?” or “I’m not confident in preparing the documents,” we encourage you to reach out to us.
At Megumi Immigration Law Office, we are committed to supporting you with care, so that your loved ones can arrive in Japan safely and with a smile.
Your first consultation is free, so please feel free to contact us anytime. We’ll be here to support you every step of the way as you take this important next step.
Overview: This resource provides the official definition of the “Short-Term Stay” status of residence, as well as the latest list of countries and regions eligible for visa exemption.
Overview: This official resource provides access to the eVISA application portal and includes important instructions on how to properly display the “Visa Issuance Notice.”
Profile Megumi Suzuki is a certified administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi). After graduating from universities in Japan and Shanghai, she worked as an international flight attendant for approximately 12 years.
Through her encounters with passengers from many different countries, she came to understand the dreams and aspirations of people who hope to study, work, and build their lives in Japan. Today, as an administrative scrivener, she focuses on supporting foreign nationals with immigration matters, including visa and residence status applications.
With the motto, “Supporting you even after you step off the plane,” she provides careful, personalized support while valuing each client’s past, present, and future.
Please feel free to reach out, even if it’s something small that makes you wonder, “Is this something I can really ask about?”
