Japan Multiple-entry Visa Application, now easier for Filipinos

It is now easier for Filipinos to get Japan multiple-entry Visa

• The program was implemented to promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Philippines
• Japan will be expanding its list of eligible applications for multiple-entry visas.
• Japan Multiple-entry visas are now extended to a maximum of 10 years.

To further promote the increase in visitors and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, an easier multiple-entry visa application was implemented for Filipinos, which took effect in August 2018.

Japan is finally expanding its list of those eligible for multiple-entry visas for people who will be in Japan for a short-term stay. The applied visa may be used for business and cultural affairs on the first visit, and the following could be used as a tourist or to visit relatives/acquaintances. However, the statement of the Japanese Embassy in Manila also says that the visa does not permit the person “to undertake revenue-generating business operations or activities” while visiting the country.

The multiple-entry visa is extended from the 5-year validity period to a maximum of 10 years.

With this implementation, more jet setters now have more reasons to visit Japan without the hassles of doing all the tiresome requirements.

In a statement sent by the Japanese embassy in Manila, “Based on the ‘Tourism Vision Realization Program 2018’ (Action Program for Realization of Tourism Vision 2018), the relaxation of visa requirements for short-term stay for nationals of the Philippines was decided to promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines.”

Cultural and intellectual figures, as well as government officials, are also covered.

How To Apply For A Visa:

1. Complete your requirements (Philippine passport, birth certificate from PSA, filled-out application form, employment certificate, explanation letter for requesting multiple-entry visa (by applicant and employer), documents to prove kinship, itinerary, and other documents to prove you’re an eligible applicant) and then submit the documents.
2. Pay the processing fee.
3. Wait for your visa.

Here is the official list of requirements and qualifications from Japan embassy:

Japan Multiple Entry Visa for Business Purpose and Cultural or Intellectual Figures

The following is an outline of application procedures for nationals of the Republic of the Philippines who wish to apply for a multiple-entry visa for business purposes and for cultural or intellectual figures (period of stay: 15, 30, or 90 days, visa validity: 1, 3, 5, 10 years ). The visa is for the purpose of business affairs for the first visit, but from the second visit, it is possible to use it as a tourist or visiting relatives/ acquaintances as well. But it is not permitted to perform activities to undertake revenue-generating business operations or activities to receive remuneration.

A. Eligible Applicants

An applicant with Business Purpose

An applicant who applies to one of the following categories and his/her spouse or children

1. A regular employee of a public (government) enterprise
2. An employee of a private company that is listed on the stock exchange (including Japan and third countries)
3. A regular employee of a Japanese-affiliated company that is a member of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and has a management base in Japan
4. A regular employee of a joint venture company, a subsidiary company, or a branch office of a company that is listed on the stock exchange (including Japan and third countries)
5. A regular employee of a private company with constant business transactions with a Japanese company that is listed on the stock exchange
6. A regular employee of a company among the “Top 1,000 Philippine corporations in terms of gross revenue.”
7. A regular employee with a travel record to Japan for business purposes and travel records as a temporary visitor to G7 countries (except Japan) in the last three years
8. A regular employee with more than three travel records to Japan for business purposes in the last three years

Applicants for cultural or intellectual figures etc.

The applicant who applies to one of the following categories and his/her spouse or children

• An artist (Fine Art, Literary Art, Music, Stage Play, Dance etc.) , a specialist in humanities (Literature, Law, Economics etc.), or a scientist (Technology, Medicine etc.) who has relevant accomplishments
• A lawyer, certified public accountant, patent attorney, judicial scrivener, notary, a medical doctor who has a national or international qualification and actually works in the same position.
• An amateur sports player who has relevant accomplishments
• A full-time professor, assistant professor, or lecturer of a university or a college
• A director or higher post of a national or public research institution or a museum
• A Diet member, government official, local assemblyman, local government official

B. REQUIREMENTS

All documents must be original unless otherwise stated.

1. Philippine Passport

• A broken passport is not accepted. Passports must be signed and must have at least two (2) blank visa pages.

2. Visa Application Form

• Available at the Embassy website, at the entrance of the Embassy, or at any of the accredited travel agencies. • Application form should be filled out with all items correctly; if the item is not applicable, please fill in [N/A]. The embassy may not accept applications with blank items, no signatures, or no date on the form; it may deny the application that is filled out incorrectly or with wrong information.

3. Photo

• Specs: 4.5cm x 4.5cm, with white background
• The photo must be taken within 6 months. • Please write the applicant’s name and birthdate on the backside of the photo.
• The photo must be pasted on the application form.

4. Employment Certificate (with applicant’s salary, tenure, and position)

• The owner of a company should submit a copy of the “Certificate of Business Name Registration” issued by the Department of Trade and Industry or the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission

5. Documents to prove the applicant is qualified for one of the categories abovementioned A.1(1) ~ (8), A.2(1) ~ (6).

• If qualified for the abovementioned A.1(7) or (8), current or old passport that shows Japanese and G7 countries’(except Japan) temporary visitor visas as well as entry stamps in the last three years. • If qualified for the abovementioned A.2(2), Copy of ID card(issued by Profession Regulation Commission)

6. Explanation letter for requesting a multiple-entry visa (must be made by applicant)

Please fill in the embassy prescribed form “Reason For Requesting Multiple Entry Visa”, check items that apply, and fill in the reason for the request.

7. A letter of explanation stating the reason for applying for the multiple-entry visa (letter of mission or travel requisition by the employer, etc.) * for business purpose

8. Documents to prove kinship ( birth certificates, marriage certificate, and copy of passport and visa page of the multiple entry visa holder (parent or spouse) )

[NOTICE]

The size of the document for application should be A4 size only. If the document is another size, please submit copy that is already adjusted in A4 size from its original and without staples or pasting pages.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she meets the requirements for the grant of a visa. Submission of any supporting documents not listed above is encouraged (e.g. applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines, urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation)

FAQ:

How long is Japan multiple entry visa?

For visas for short-term stay, there are multiple-entry visas for tourists (maximum visa validity: 5 years) and multiple-entry visas for cultural or intellectual figures (maximum visa validity: 10 years).

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Tokyo, Japan, via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Also see:

• Best Things to do in Fukuoka, Japan
• Fascinating Kyoto: Top 15 Things to Do in This Traditional Japanese City
• Best Hotels in Shirakawa-Go, Japan
• How to get a Japan Visa: Requirements and Tips for Philippine Passport Holders
• Travel Essentials: What to Bring on Your Japan Trip