Japan Visa Guide for Filipinos 2025
- Kem Lim

- Nov 3, 2022
- 11 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Quick Facts:
Processing Period:
As of April 7, 2025 Visa applications processing period is 8-10 working days. However, please be aware that the processing period may be extended if the consulate requires additional time to thoroughly review the applicant's application and documents.
Application Line up:
Effective April 7, 2025, all Japan visa applications require an appointment with JVAC. Each appointment slot can accommodate up to 5 applicants. To secure your slot, please inform us at least 3 months prior to your departure so we can check availability.
Tourist Visa Fee
Single/Multiple Entry: PHP 2,500 (Approval of Multiple entry is not guaranteed)
Long term stay: Additional PHP 1,150
Document Requirements
All applicants are required to submit the following documents:
FIRST TIME JAPAN VISA APPLICANT (Employee)
Original Passport
Must be signed
Valid for at least 6 months prior to departure
Must contain at least 2 empty pages
Remove the passport case before submitting to our office
Two (2) pieces of Photo
45mm x 35mm colored picture
must be on white background
Should be studio quality
Facing forward, and non-smiling with no teeth showing
Passport Biopage (copy)
Must be colored
Japan Visa Application Form
Form must be typed written
If the applicant is supported by parents/relative/company, must indicate the details of the guarantor on page 2 of the application form.
If the applicant is minor (under 13 years old), originally signed by both parents/guardians.
Page 2 must be hand signed using blue or black ballpen only
Certificate of Employment
Must have company details; address, email address, & telephone number.
Must have employee's details; date started, position, and compensation.
Photocopy is Acceptable but we recommend to submit original copy of your COE
Photocopy of Identification Card (If applicable)
Company ID
PRC ID
IBP ID
Bank Certificate (Original)
Must submit the Personal Bank Certificate with Average daily balance (ADB) for 6 months.
Bank Statement (Original)
Applicants who do not have an Average Daily Balance (ADB) for 6 months indicated in their Bank Certificate must submit a six (6) months transaction history for the same account number associated with the submitted Bank Certificate.
Income Tax Return ITR 2316 (Photocopy)
Must have complete four (4) signatures; employee and employer.
If No ITR, submit an Original Affidavit of Non-Filing of ITR
Updated PSA Birth Certificate (Original)
Birth Certificate that is issued within one year from the date of application is acceptable.
For Applicant with Late Registration of Birth, must submit an Original Baptismal Certificate and Original School Record Form 137 (Elementary or High School) issued within 3 months and indicate contact number and address if possible.
For Applicant with unreadable PSA Birth Certificate, must submit a copy of Local Birth Certificate issued from the Local Civil Registry.
For Applicant with no record of Birth Certificate in PSA, must submit a copy of birth certificate issued from the local civil registry and a Certificate of No record issued from PSA.
Must submit the PSA Authorization Letter
Updated PSA Marriage Certificate (Original)
If applicable
For Non-Filipino Citizen
submit Photocopy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) valid at least 3 months prior to departure.
Additional Documents (Individual Attachment)
FIRST TIME JAPAN VISA APPLICANT (Businessman)
Original Passport
Must be signed
Valid for at least 6 months prior to departure
Must contain at least 2 empty pages
Remove the passport case before submitting to our office
Two (2) pieces of Photo
45mm x 35mm colored picture
must be on white background
Should be studio quality
Facing forward, and non-smiling with no teeth showing
Passport Biopage (copy)
Must be colored
Japan Visa Application Form
Form must be typed written.
If the applicant is supported by parents/relative/company, must indicate the details of the guarantor on page 2 of the application form.
If the applicant is minor (under 13 years old), originally signed by both parents/guardians.
Page 2 must be hand signed using blue or black ballpen only
Company documents (Photocopy)
DTI (if Sole Proprietor)
SEC and GIS (if Corporation)
Mayor's Permit
applicant's who are unable to provide the Mayor's Permit, must submit an explanation letter detailing the reasons for its unavailability.
Photocopy of Identification Card (If applicable)
Company ID
PRC ID
IBP ID
Bank Certificate (Original)
Must submit the Personal Bank Certificate with Average daily balance (ADB) for 6 months.
Bank Statement (Original)
Applicants who do not have an Average Daily Balance (ADB) for 6 months indicated in their Bank Certificate must submit a six (6) months transaction history for the same account number associated with the submitted Bank Certificate.
Income Tax Return 1701 (Photocopy)
Must have signature of applicant and received stamp from BIR
Must submit a copy of Service invoice or Email confirmation receipt from Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Must submit all 4 pages.
If No ITR, submit an Original Affidavit of Non-Filing of ITR
Updated PSA Birth Certificate (Original)
Birth Certificate that is issued within one year from the date of application is acceptable.
For Applicant with Late Registration of Birth, must submit an original Baptismal Certificate and Original Form 137 from School.
For Applicant with unreadable PSA Birth Certificate, must submit a copy of Local Birth Certificate issued from the Local Civil Registry.
Must submit the PSA Authorization Letter
Updated PSA Marriage Certificate (Original)
If applicable
For Non-Filipino Citizen
submit Photocopy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) valid at least 3 months prior to departure.
Additional Documents (Individual Attachment)
APPLICANTS WITH PREVIOUS JAPAN VISA
Original Passport
Must be signed
Valid for at least 6 months prior to departure
Must contain at least 2 empty pages
Remove the passport case before submitting to our office
Old Passport (Original)
Must submit their old passport if it contains a previously issued Japan visa.
Unused Japan visa will still be considered a first-time Japan visa applicant.
Passport Biopage (copy)
Must be colored
Old Japan Visa
Colored copy of used Japan Visa
Two (2) pieces of Photo
45mm x 35mm colored picture
must be on white background
Should be studio quality
Facing forward, and non-smiling with no teeth showing
Japan Visa Application Form
Form must be typed written.
If the applicant is supported by parents/relative/company, must indicate the details of the guarantor on page 2 of the application form.
If the applicant is minor (under 13 years old), originally signed by both parents/guardians.
Page 2 must be hand signed using blue or black ballpen only
Proof of Employment
Certificate of Employment
Proof of Business (Photocopy)
DTI (if Sole Proprietor)
SEC and GIS (if Corporation)
Mayor's/Business Permit
Photocopy of Identification Card (If applicable)
Company ID
PRC ID
IBP ID
Bank Certificate (Original)
Must submit the Personal Bank Certificate with Average daily balance (ADB) for 6 months.
Bank Statement (Original)
Applicants who do not have an Average Daily Balance (ADB) for 6 months indicated in their Bank Certificate must submit a six (6) months transaction history for the same account number associated with the submitted Bank Certificate.
Income Tax Return ITR 2316 (Photocopy)
Must have complete four (4) signatures; employee and employer.
If No ITR, submit an Original Affidavit of Non-Filing of ITR
Income Tax Return 1701 (Photocopy)
Must have signature of applicant and received stamp from BIR.
Must submit a copy of Service invoice or Email confirmation receipt from Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Must submit all 4 pages
If No ITR, submit an Original Affidavit of Non-Filing of ITR.
PSA Birth Certificate (Photocopy)
Birth Certificate that is issued within one year from the date of application is acceptable.
PSA Marriage Certificate (Photocopy)
If applicable
For Non-Filipino Citizen
submit Photocopy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) valid at least 3 months prior to departure.
Additional Documents (Individual Attachment)
FOR STUDENTS
Original Passport
Must be signed
Valid for at least 6 months prior to departure
Must contain at least 2 empty pages
Remove the passport case before submitting to our office
Two (2) pieces of Photo
45mm x 35mm colored picture
must be on white background
Should be studio quality
Facing forward, and non-smiling with no teeth showing
Passport Biopage (copy)
Must be colored
Old Japan Visa (if Applicable)
Colored copy of used Japan Visa
Japan Visa Application Form
Form must be typed written.
If the applicant is supported by parents/relative/company, must indicate the details of the guarantor on page 2 of the application form.
If the applicant is minor (under 13 years old), originally signed by both parents/guardians.
Page 2 must be hand signed using blue or black ballpen only
School ID (Photocopy)
Certificate of Enrollment (Original)
Updated PSA Birth Certificate (Original)
First time applicant must submit an Original Updated PSA Birth Certificate.
Birth Certificate that is issued within one year from the date of application is acceptable.
Guarantee Letter pdf
Letter of guarantee must be originally signed by the guarantor beside their name.
Additional Documents (Individual Attachment)
FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Original Passport
Must be signed
Valid for at least 6 months prior to departure
Must contain at least 2 empty pages
Remove the passport case before submitting to our office
Old Passport (Original)
Must submit their old passport if it contains a previously issued Japan visa.
Unused Japan visa will still be considered a first-time Japan visa applicant.
Two (2) pieces of Photo
45mm x 35mm colored picture
must be on white background
Should be studio quality
Facing forward, and non-smiling with no teeth showing
Passport Biopage (copy)
Must be colored
Old Japan Visa (if Applicable)
Colored copy of used Japan Visa
Japan Visa Application Form
Form must be typed written.
If the applicant is supported by parents/relative/company, must indicate the details of the guarantor on page 2 of the application form.
Page 2 must be hand signed using blue or black ballpen only
Certificate of Employment
Must have company details; address, email address, & telephone number.
Must have employee's details; date started, position, and compensation.
Photocopy is Acceptable but we recommend to submit original copy of your COE
Proof of Business (Photocopy)
DTI (if Sole Proprietor)
SEC and GIS (if Corporation)
Mayor's/Business Permit
Senior ID (Photocopy)
Original Bank Certificate (if self support)
Must have Average daily balance (ADB) for 6 months indicated.
Original Bank Statement (If self-support)
Applicants who do not have an Average Daily Balance (ADB) for 6 months indicated in their Bank Certificate must submit a six (6) months transaction history for the same account number associated with the submitted Bank Certificate.
Updated PSA Birth Certificate (Original)
First time applicant must submit an Original Updated PSA Birth Certificate.
Birth Certificate that is issued within one year from the date of application is acceptable.
Photocopy of Birth Certificate, if with previous Japan visa.
Updated PSA Marriage Certificate (Original)
Photocopy of Marriage Certificate, if with previous Japan visa.
For Non-Filipino Citizen
submit Photocopy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) valid at least 3 months prior to departure.
Additional Documents (Individual Attachment)
Letter of Guarantee, if dependent
Must be signed beside the guarantor's name
Attach the guarantor's document according to its status
FOR OFW
Original Passport
Must be signed
Valid for at least 6 months prior to departure
Must contain at least 2 empty pages
Remove the passport case before submitting to our office
Two (2) pieces of Photo
45mm x 35mm colored picture
must be on white background
Should be studio quality
Facing forward, and non-smiling with no teeth showing
Passport Biopage (copy)
Must be colored
Old Japan Visa (if Applicable)
Colored copy of used Japan Visa
Japan Visa Application Form
Form must be typed written.
If the applicant is minor (under 13 years old), originally signed by both parents/guardians.
Page 2 must be hand signed using blue or black ballpen only
Certificate if Employment/Contract
Must have company details; address, email address, & telephone number and compensation is needed.
Must have employee's details; date started, position, and compensation.
Photocopy is Acceptable but we recommend to submit original copy of your COE
Residence ID (Photocopy)
Bank Certificate (Original)
Must submit the Personal Bank Certificate with Average daily balance (ADB) for 6 months.
Bank Statement (Original)
Applicants who do not have an Average Daily Balance (ADB)for 6 months indicated in their Bank Certificate must submit a six (6) months transaction history for the same account number associated with the submitted Bank Certificate.
Income Tax Return (Photocopy)
If ITR is not available, must submit an original notarized affidavit of No ITR or a letter of explanation addressed to Japan Embassy.
Updated PSA Birth Certificate (Original)
Birth Certificate that is issued within one year from the date of application is acceptable.
For Applicant with Late Registration of Birth, must submit an original Baptismal Certificate and Original Form 137 from School. Failed to provide the said documents must provide an explanation letter addressed to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
For Applicant with unreadable PSA Birth Certificate, must submit a copy of Local Birth Certificate issued from the Local Civil Registry.
Must submit the PSA Authorization Letter
Updated PSA Marriage Certificate (Original)
If applicable
Additional Documents (Individual Attachment)
Where To Submit?
Visa Receiving
International Journeys Visa Office
Ground floor Z-Square Mall, 886 Banawe Street, Brgy. Manresa, Quezon City, Philippines
Visa Officer: Fendly Kim Puyo - 0962 354 6279
How do I pay for my visa application?
Pay in our office or deposit to any of the following:
Account name: International Journeys Inc.
Banco De Oro (BDO) 00353-022-7417
Philippines Business Bank (PBB) 001-00005238-4
Send copy of deposit slip to visa@ijourneys.com.ph for us to verify your payment.
How do I claim my passport?
Passport Delivery via Ride-Hailing Services: For passports being delivered via Grab, Lalamove, or Joyride, please ensure that the name of the applicant or passport holder is indicated to avoid any inconvenience or wrong delivery. Additionally, kindly inform the officer-in-charge before booking to secure the passport properly and avoid any damage.
Passport Return via LBC Courier: If you wish to have your passport returned to your office via LBC Courier, there will be a minimum charge of PHP 400.00, subject to change depending on the location. Please send the complete address to the visa officer or via email with the subject line: "Complete Information of [Name of Travel Agency]"
Frequently Asked Questions:
How soon should I apply for Japan visa?
We encourage you to apply within 3 months before your trip.
Can I appeal if my visa is denied?
The Japan Embassy does not accept appeal for refused visa.
When can I re-apply if my visa is denied?
You may re-apply after 6 months from the date of denial.
Important reminders before you submit your application
Attach a letter of explanation for documents that cannot be submitted.
Family should apply at the same time and provide proof of relationship: These must be original PSA documents.
Apply for visa prior to purchasing your airline tickets and travel services since visa issuance is subject for approval of the consul in charge.
Applying through a designated travel agent does not guarantee the issuance of visa.
Inform your HR Officer/Contractor/Bank that someone will call or email from the Japan Embassy to validate the documents you provided.
Useful Links & Downloadable Forms
(sample) Form Sample Guide
(sample) Itinerary Sample Guide
Guarantee Letter - use this if you are guaranteeing one person
Guarantee Letter with List of Visa Applicants Form - add this if guarantor is guaranteeing multiple persons
International Journeys summarized the above Japan visa application guide and no part may be copied or reproduced without prior written consent.
Visa Conditions:
Visa approval is not guaranteed and is still under the final discretion of the consul.
Processing time indicated is based on average application time. It is not guaranteed and may be delayed if additional documents are required by the embassy.
Do not purchase your tickets before your visas are issued and approved. International Journeys will not be liable for any unused travel products in the case of visa denial or if the release of visa has been delayed.
International Journeys will not accept visa application with departure date scheduled within 3 weeks from the date of submission.
Any request for early release and pulling out/cancellation of application is not permitted once the documents are submitted to the Japan Embassy.




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