How to Apply for an SSW Visa

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

This certificate is issued by a regional immigration services bureau in Japan after checking in advance whether the activity you will do in Japan matches the residence status. In many cases, the accepting company or an application agent completes the procedure in Japan.

Visa

This is something you apply for at a Japanese embassy or consulate overseas in order to enter Japan. Even with a COE, visa issuance and entry into Japan are not guaranteed.

• Receive the COE information from the company
• Check the Japanese embassy, consulate, or designated application center responsible for your country or region
• Check the required documents, reservation, fee, and pickup method in the application office's guidance
• Prepare your passport, photo, visa application form, COE, and other required documents
• Submit the application according to the instructions of the application office and wait for the result

• I checked the validity period of my passport
• I received the COE information
• I checked the photo size and conditions
• I checked whether the application office requires the original, a copy, or an electronic COE
• I checked the application fee, reservation method, and pickup method
• You are preparing well before your planned travel date

• Required documents and review times differ by country or region
• Even in the same country, the overseas diplomatic mission in charge may differ depending on where you live.
• If you have questions, check with the Japanese embassy or consulate where you apply, the company, or the registered support organization

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Guide
• Guide to Long-term Stay and Work Visas
• Find an overseas diplomatic mission
• Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Immigration Services Agency)