Philippines to Japan business visa
What Filipinos need for a Japan business visa, for meetings, conferences, and cultural exchange trips. The visa itself is free for Philippine nationals, JVAC charges a ₱520 service fee, and processing takes about 5 working days.
- Visa
- Japan Business Visa (Short-Term Stay)
- Fee
- Free
- Processing time
- About 5 working days (standard Visa Center processing)
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Signed, with at least one blank page for the visa
- Passport Bio Page Copy — Photocopy of your passport’s identification page
- Visa Application Form — Official Visa Center form with your facial photo (4.5×3.5cm) attached
- Employment Certificate — From your employer, stating your position, how long you’ve worked there, and your income. If you’re self-employed, your DTI or SEC Certificate of Business Registration instead
- Travel Order or Dispatch Letter — From your employer, stating the purpose and length of your trip
- Invitation Letter — From the Japan-based company or organization, describing the concrete purpose and background of your visit in detail
- Itinerary in Japan — Day-by-day schedule prepared by your inviter in Japan, including accommodation details
- Inviter’s Company Profile — Your host company’s registry copy (Tokibo-Tohon), brochure, or latest quarterly report
- Proof of Business Activity — Meeting agenda, contract drafts, or conference materials tied to the purpose of your visit
- Income Tax Return (BIR Form) — Photocopy of your latest BIR income tax return
- Bank Certificate — Needed only if you’re personally covering your own travel costs
- Guarantee Letter — Needed only if your Japan-based guarantor is covering your travel costs instead of you
How to apply
- Get your invitation and itinerary from Japan — Your host company or organization in Japan prepares the invitation letter, a detailed itinerary, and company documents. Start early, because this is the slowest part.
- Book a JVAC appointment — Schedule at visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/jpn.
- Complete the visa application form — Fill out the official form in English. Your name and passport details must match your passport exactly.
- Gather your supporting documents — Employment certificate or business registration, travel order, bank certificate or guarantee letter (whichever applies), and income tax return.
- Submit at JVAC — Bring originals and photocopies, all in A4 size and unstapled. Pay the PHP 520 service charge. Standard processing is at least 5 working days.
- Collect your passport — Go back to JVAC, or use the courier service, when you’re notified.
Common questions
- Do I need a visa fee for a Japan business trip as a Filipino?
- No. The visa fee is waived for Philippine nationals applying for a Temporary Visitor visa of up to 90 days, which covers business trips. You still pay the PHP 520 JVAC service charge.
- Who prepares the invitation letter for a Japan business visa?
- Your host company or organization in Japan prepares it. It has to describe the purpose and background of your visit in detail. Vague descriptions aren’t accepted.
- Can I self-fund my own business trip to Japan?
- Yes. If you’re covering your own costs, submit a bank certificate instead of a guarantee letter from your Japan-based host.
- How long can I stay in Japan on a business visa?
- Up to 90 days, the same limit as the Temporary Visitor category. You cannot receive payment from a Japan-based source or engage in paid work.