Affluent individuals seeking to stay in Japan beyond the 90-day tourist limit now have a viable option: the Designated Activities Visa (aka Notification No. 40), introduced by Japan’s Ministry of Justice. This visa allows stays of up to one year purely for sightseeing and leisure—not business or employment. This guide explains its purpose, eligibility, benefits, and application process.
I. What is the Designated Activities Visa?
Notification No. 40 is part of the “Designated Activities” residence status—used by the Japanese government to create targeted, flexible visa options without overhauling existing immigration law.
This visa specifically allows wealthy tourists to reside in Japan up to one year for recreational purposes. It aims to support Japan’s inbound tourism strategy while ensuring that applicants can financially support themselves without engaging in work.
II. Key Benefits of Designated Activities Visa
- Extended Stay: Six-month stay, extendable once to a full year.
- Spouse Eligibility: Spouses may apply under Notification No. 41.
- Zairyu Card (Residence Card): Grants access to services like resident registration, health insurance, and banking.
- National Health Insurance (NHI): Eligible after registering as a resident.
- Special Re-Entry Permit: Visa holders can exit and re-enter Japan without a full reapplication process, as long as their visa remains valid.
III. Eligibility Criteria for the Designated Activities Visa
Visa-Waiver Nationality
Applicants must hold a passport from a visa-exempt country (e.g., US, EU, Australia, Singapore).
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Financial Requirement
- Must have at least ¥30 million (approx. USD 200,000) in liquid assets (e.g., savings, cash).
- Assets must be verifiable and held for at least six months before application.
- Non-liquid assets like real estate or stocks do not count.
Private Health Insurance
Applicants must show proof of comprehensive private insurance, covering injury, illness, and death. National Health Insurance is optional but recommended after registration.
IV. Spouse Visa (Notification No. 41)
Spouses of No. 40 visa holders can apply under Notification No. 41, provided they:
- Hold a visa-waiver passport.
- Reside together in Japan.
- Apply with the principal applicant or prove sufficient combined finances.
Financial Notes:
- Couples applying together need to show ¥30 million combined.
- If applying separately or not cohabiting, they may need to show ¥60 million total.
Dependents Not Allowed:
This visa category does not permit children or other dependents. It is intended strictly for tourism and leisure—not for family relocation.
What You Can and Can’t Do
Permitted Activities
- Sightseeing and domestic travel
- Staying in hotels, resorts, or rental homes
- Visiting friends and family
- Taking short courses (non-degree, recreational only)
Prohibited Activities
- No work—full-time, part-time, remote, or freelance.
- No business setup or management.
- No medical tourism or long-term care.
- No volunteer work that substitutes for employment.
V. Application Process & Timelines
- Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Submit to a Japanese immigration office or through a legal representative.
- Processing time: ~1 to 3 months (average: 43 days).
- Requires documentation of assets, itinerary, housing, and insurance.
- Submit to a Japanese immigration office or through a legal representative.
- Step 2: Visa Application
- Once COE is issued, apply at your nearest Japanese consulate or embassy.
- Processing time: usually within a week.
- Once COE is issued, apply at your nearest Japanese consulate or embassy.
- Step 3: Entry to Japan
- On arrival, immigration will issue your Zairyu Card.
- Register your address within 14 days at your local ward or city office.
- You can now enroll in National Health Insurance (optional but advised).
- On arrival, immigration will issue your Zairyu Card.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Inadequate financial proof: Funds must be liquid and held long enough.
- Insurance gaps: Coverage must meet Japan’s standards.
- Incomplete or vague itinerary: Submit a well-documented “Schedule of Stay.”
- Improper dependents: Children or non-spousal relatives are not eligible.
- Work violations: Even minimal paid work can jeopardize your visa.
Visa Duration & Extension
- Initial grant: 6 months
- Extension: Additional 6 months (must apply during your stay)
- Maximum duration: 1 year total
- Extensions depend on continued compliance and financial stability.
VI. Settling In: Practicalities of Your Long Stay
Once in Japan, long-stay visa holders will need to address several essential aspects of daily life and legal status.
A. Your Official Status: Residence Card and Resident Registration
Upon arrival and completion of immigration procedures, you will receive a Residence Card (Zairyu Card)—a key form of ID for foreign residents. Within 14 days, you must register your address at your local municipal office (city or ward hall), completing your resident registration (jumin tōroku). This step integrates you into local systems and enables access to public services, marking you as a resident rather than a tourist.
B. Managing Finances: Opening a Bank Account
Long-stay visa holders with a Residence Card can generally open a Japanese bank account, although some banks may require six months of residency first. Required documents often include your Residence Card, passport, and sometimes a personal seal (inkan). Some banks accept signatures instead. Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank) is considered more foreigner-friendly. Having a local account reduces reliance on international cards and cuts down on transaction or exchange fees.
C. Healthcare Access: National Health Insurance (NHI)
Though private insurance is required for the visa, once you’ve registered as a resident, you can enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI)—available to anyone staying over three months. NHI typically reduces your share of most medical costs to 30%, making it a valuable supplement to private insurance, especially for routine care or minor issues. It enhances healthcare access beyond emergency coverage.
D. Travel Flexibility: Re-entry Permits
If you plan to travel abroad during your stay, Japan’s Special Re-entry Permit system allows you to leave and return within one year, as long as your visa and Residence Card remain valid. Since the visa’s maximum duration is one year, this system provides a convenient way to travel without jeopardizing your residency status or reapplying.
E. Budgeting Your Stay: Cost of Living
The ¥30 million financial requirement ensures applicants can afford Japan’s cost of living. Average monthly expenses (excluding rent) are around ¥129,583, with city-center rent for a one-bedroom at approximately ¥88,163, totaling ~¥217,746 per month. In Tokyo, average costs can reach ¥318,407. Common expenses include:
- Meal at a local restaurant: ¥1,000
- One-way train/bus fare: ¥220
- Monthly transport pass: ¥8,000
- Gasoline (1 liter): ¥171–176
These are general estimates and vary by city and lifestyle. The savings requirement isn’t arbitrary—it aligns with realistic spending for a comfortable, non-working stay.
F. Finding Your Niche: Ideal Locations for Affluent Residents
Affluent long-stay residents often gravitate toward districts with international amenities. In Tokyo, popular areas include Minato Ward (Azabu, Roppongi, Akasaka, Toranomon) and Shibuya Ward (Daikanyama, Ebisu). These neighborhoods offer luxury housing, embassies, upscale dining, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Although children cannot accompany you on this visa, the presence of international schools reflects an infrastructure suited to global residents.
VII. How This Designated Activities Visa Stacks Up
A. Compared to a Short-Term Tourist Visa
The Long-Stay visa (No. 40) permits up to one year in Japan, compared to 90 days for most tourist visas. It also provides a Residence Card and resident registration, which tourists do not receive. While the savings requirement is higher, the depth of immersion it offers is also greater.
B. Compared to the Digital Nomad Visa
Japan’s new Digital Nomad visa allows remote work for overseas employers for up to six months, based on ¥10 million annual income. It permits dependents (spouse and children). The Long-Stay visa prohibits work entirely, is based on savings, and allows only a spouse to accompany.
C. Compared to the Business Manager Visa
The Business Manager visa supports individuals launching or managing a business in Japan, requiring ~¥5 million in capital, a business plan, and office space. Unlike the Long-Stay visa, it allows work and may lead to permanent residency. The Long-Stay visa is strictly for non-working leisure stays of up to one year.
VIII. Expert Insights and Next Steps
A. Should You Consult an Immigration Specialist?
While self-applying is possible, hiring an immigration lawyer or administrative scrivener (gyōsei shoshi) can help ensure your documents are in order—especially for couples or complex financial situations. Services typically cost around ¥250,000 plus tax. Professional guidance may prevent costly errors and delays.
B. Final Checklist Before Applying
Double-check all visa requirements and ensure documents are complete and up-to-date. Visit the official websites of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) for the latest updates before submitting your application.
Ready to Stay in Japan?
If you’re considering a long-term stay in Japan through this visa or exploring other residency options such as the Startup Visa or Business Manager Visa, we’re here to help.
Our team has supported nearly 50 clients in successfully applying for these programs, and we also offer pre-immigration consultations for those planning to relocate to Japan in the near future.
👉 For more information or personalized support, please contact us below:
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Придивлявся до свіжий набір текстилю для ліжка і натрапив на цей магазин. Взяв собі сатинову постіль – спати дуже комфортно. Хочу розповісти, який там асортимент. Ось що можна знайти: - Бюджетна бязь, сатинова тканина, гіпоалергенний перкаль, натуральний льон, поплін, ранфорс - Напівторні, двоспальні комплекти, великі євро та сімейні набори - Натяжні простирадла - Чохли на подушки 50×70 та 70×70 Позитивні моменти: - Пропозиції на будь-який гаманець (від 800 до 4000+ грн) - Завжди пишуть щільність матеріалу (для бязі 110–145 г/м², для сатину 120–170 г/м²) - Пишуть про сертифікацію OEKO-TEX – це важливо для алергіків - Є сімейні набори з двома підковдрами – зручно для пар Асортимент: - Для економії – бязь чи ранфорс (вистачає на 5–7 років) - Люкс-варіант – сатин чи перкаль (вистачає до 10 років) - Влітку рятує – льон (дарує прохолоду, але потребує прасування) - Для подружжя – сімейні комплекти У статтях пишуть: попередньо заміряйте свій матрац і ковдру до оформлення замовлення, оскільки розміри в різних виробників різняться на 5–10 см. Я зупинився на сатині – комфортний, не збивається. Дружина задоволена. Хто шукає хорошу білизну – зверніть увагу. А ви що обираєте? Напишіть враження
Придивлявся до свіжий набір текстилю для ліжка і натрапив на цей магазин. Взяв собі сатинову постіль – спати дуже комфортно. Хочу розповісти, який там асортимент. Ось що можна знайти: - Бюджетна бязь, сатинова тканина, гіпоалергенний перкаль, натуральний льон, поплін, ранфорс - Напівторні, двоспальні комплекти, великі євро та сімейні набори - Натяжні простирадла - Чохли на подушки 50×70 та 70×70 Позитивні моменти: - Пропозиції на будь-який гаманець (від 800 до 4000+ грн) - Завжди пишуть щільність матеріалу (для бязі 110–145 г/м², для сатину 120–170 г/м²) - Пишуть про сертифікацію OEKO-TEX – це важливо для алергіків - Є сімейні набори з двома підковдрами – зручно для пар Асортимент: - Для економії – бязь чи ранфорс (вистачає на 5–7 років) - Люкс-варіант – сатин чи перкаль (вистачає до 10 років) - Влітку рятує – льон (дарує прохолоду, але потребує прасування) - Для подружжя – сімейні комплекти У статтях пишуть: попередньо заміряйте свій матрац і ковдру до оформлення замовлення, оскільки розміри в різних виробників різняться на 5–10 см. Я зупинився на сатині – комфортний, не збивається. Дружина задоволена. Хто шукає хорошу білизну – зверніть увагу. А ви що обираєте? Напишіть враження
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- Shin Kawamoto
- Shin Kawamoto
- Shin Kawamoto
- Shin Kawamoto
