Japan Visa for Italian Citizens 2025: All Options for Long Stays | Complete Guide

Dreaming of visiting Japan for an extended period? Whether you want to explore its ancient cities, work remotely among temples and skyscrapers, or experience a work-holiday, there are several visa options that let Italian citizens stay in the Land of the Rising Sun well beyond the standard 90 days. In this complete guide, we’ll explain all the available alternatives, with requirements, advantages and limitations of each.

Tourist Visa: The classic option (Up to 90 days)

How it works

Italian citizens benefit from a visa-exemption agreement with Japan that allows tourist stays of up to 90 days without needing to apply for any visa in advance. This applies to trips for tourism, visiting relatives or acquaintances, or unpaid professional reasons (conferences, business meetings, etc.).

The 180-day annual rule

It’s important to know that there’s an overall limit: you can stay in Japan for a maximum of 180 days in a calendar year (i.e. 90+90 days). After the first 90-day period, you’ll need to leave the country and can return for another 90 days, always within the annual limit.

The “Visa Run”: How to extend your stay

Many travellers resort to the so-called “visa run” to extend their stay. This practice involves temporarily leaving Japan (for example visiting South Korea, Taiwan or Hong Kong for a few days) and then returning to get a new 90-day stamp.

Warning: While technically possible, this practice is tolerated only if used occasionally. Repeated visa runs over short periods can raise suspicion with immigration officials, who may deny entry or reduce the days granted. Use this strategy sparingly and only if you have a valid reason for an extended stay.

Pros and Cons

PROS

• No bureaucracy or costs
• Immediate entry on arrival
• Total flexibility

CONS

• Limited to 90 days per entry
• You can't work or carry out paid activities
• The visa run isn't a reliable long-term solution

Digital Nomad Visa: Working remotely in Japan

What it is and how to get it

A few years ago Japan introduced the digital nomad visa, designed for professionals and remote workers who want to live in the country while working for foreign employers or clients.

Main requirements

To get this visa you must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum annual income: At least 10 million yen (around €60,000 at today’s exchange rate) proven through tax returns or work contracts
• Remote work: You must work for companies or clients outside Japan
• Health insurance: Insurance coverage  valid for the whole duration of your stay
• Valid passport: With an expiry date no earlier than the duration of the visa requested

Duration and renewal

The digital nomad visa lasts 6 months and is currently not renewable. At the end, you’ll have to leave the country for at least 6 months before you can apply for this visa category again.

How to apply

The application must be submitted at:

• The Japanese Embassy in Rome
• The Japanese Consulate General in Milan
• The Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your country of legal residence (if you’re abroad with a valid residence/work permit)

Many Italians already in Asia, for example in South Korea or Thailand, can apply at the local Japanese representative offices by presenting documents proving legal residence in that country.

You’ll need to provide complete documentation proving your income, the nature of your remote work and your health insurance.

Pros and Cons

PROS

• Possibility of living in Japan for 6 continuous months
• Freedom to explore the country while working
• Legal status for long-term rentals

CONS

• High income requirement
• Not directly renewable
• Bureaucratic costs and waiting times for approval

Working Holiday Visa: The 2025 news

The Italy-Japan Agreement

Big news for young Italians: since September 2025  the bilateral working holiday agreement between Italy and Japan has been ratified. This visa is a unique opportunity to experience authentic culture while working in the country.

read also Trip to Japan 2025: Itineraries and Useful Info

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Working Holiday Visa you must:

• Age: Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application
• Main purpose: The trip must be primarily motivated by holiday and cultural discovery, not work
• Financial resources: Show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself initially (generally at least €3,000)
• Insurance: Have valid health insurance  and travel insurance
• Criminal record: Have no criminal record
• First time: Never have previously obtained a Working Holiday Visa for Japan

Visa Features

• Duration: Up to 12 months
• Work: You can work to fund your stay (with some limitations on type and hours)
• Study: Possibility of attending Japanese language courses or other educational activities
• Single entry: Valid for a single entry, but once you’re in, you can stay for the whole period

How to Apply

The application must be submitted at:

• The Japanese Embassy in Rome
• The Japanese Consulate General in Milan
• The Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your country of legal residence (if you’re abroad with a valid residence/work permit)

Many Italians already in Asia, for example in South Korea or Thailand, can apply at the local Japanese representative offices by presenting documents proving legal residence in that country.

For up-to-date information and details on the necessary documents, check the Italian Ministry of Labour  website.

Pros and Cons

PROS

• Generous 12-month duration
• Ability to work legally
• Deep cultural experience with flexibility between work and travel

CONS

• Available only once in a lifetime and not renewable or convertible into other visas
• Age limit (18-30) with limited annual spots
• Requires initial funds

Designated Activities Visa: Specialised long stays

What the Designated Activities Visa is

The Designated Activities visa is a special category covering various types of stays not included in the other categories. It includes paid internships, specific cultural activities, extended tourism and special programmes.

Main Types

Some of the activities covered by this visa include:

• Long Stay (Extended Tourism): A special visa for long tourist stays aimed at people with substantial financial means (savings exceeding 30 million yen, around €170,000)
• Paid internships: For those who have found a Japanese company willing to offer an internship
• Cultural activities: Cultural or artistic exchange programmes
• Research: Specific research projects not covered by standard academic visas
• Working holiday (second option): In certain specific cases

Duration

Duration varies from 3 months to 1 year depending on the type of activity and the agreement with the sponsor in Japan. In some cases it can be renewed.

Special note for tourist Long Stay: This visa has an initial duration of 6 months, extendable up to 1 year total by applying for an extension at the regional immigration office before the first 6 months expire.

Requirements and procedure

Requirements vary significantly depending on the specific type of activity.

For tourist Long Stay (wealthy individuals):

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Financial requirement: Personal savings (or combined with spouse) exceeding 30 million yen
• Private medical insurance: Must cover death, injury and illness during the stay 
• Accompanying spouse: The spouse can accompany you with the same visa (they must live together and travel together in Japan)
• Important note: Children cannot accompany you with this visa

For other categories (internships, research, etc.):

• Sponsor in Japan: An organisation or company supporting your application
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Your sponsor must obtain this certificate from the Japanese immigration office
• Specific documentation: Contracts, invitation letters, detailed programmes
• Health insurance: Coverage for the whole duration

Application Procedure

For tourist Long Stay:

1. Gather the documentation: bank statements from the last 6 months showing savings exceeding 30 million yen
2. Get private medical insurance valid for Japan 
3. You can apply for the visa directly at the Embassy/Consulate OR have a Certificate of Eligibility requested through a proxy in Japan
4. Submit your visa application with all the documentation
5. Once in Japan, you can apply for the extension from 6 months to 1 year at the regional immigration office

Warning: A residential address in Japan is required (hotel, Airbnb or private housing). Within 14 days of entering the country, you must go to the local Ward Office to register your residence and get the residence certificate (Juminhyo).

For other categories:

1. The sponsor in Japan applies for the Certificate of Eligibility at the local immigration office
2. Once approved, the COE is sent to you
3. You submit your visa application at the Embassy/Consulate with the COE
4. After approval, you enter Japan and convert the visa

Pros and Cons

PROS

• Longer duration than the tourist visa
• Ability to work (for paid internships)
• Can be renewed in some cases

CONS

• Complex bureaucratic procedures and long waiting times (2-3 months for the COE)
• Strict requirements: You need a sponsor in Japan or need to prove substantial financial means
• Limited to specific pre-approved activities

Renewing Visas in Japan

How the Renewal Process Works

If you’re already in Japan with a valid visa and want to extend your stay, you’ll need to apply for renewal at the immigration office for the area where you live. It’s important to know that not all visas are renewable: for example, the digital nomad visa and the working holiday visa cannot be renewed, while the Designated Activities visa can be, under certain circumstances.

Renewal Procedure

To apply for a visa renewal you’ll need to:

1. Go to the relevant immigration office for your area of residence before your current visa expires
2. Submit the required documentation (varies depending on visa type — see below)
3. Fill in the extension application forms provided by the office
4. Wait for a response, which can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks up to a month depending on the complexity of the application and the time of year
5. Receive notification at home with the outcome of your application
6. Pay the renewal fee of ¥6,000 per person (around €35-40)

The Revenue Stamp

Payment of the renewal fee is made by buying a revenue stamp, purchased directly at the immigration office. This stamp is applied to your passport once the renewal is approved.

Renewing the 90-Day Tourist Visa

The standard 90-day tourist visa (visa exemption) is technically renewable for another 90 days, but Italy is excluded from this possibility under official regulations. This extension is reserved only for certain specific nationalities.

However, there are some special situations:

• Variability between offices: Some immigration offices, especially smaller ones or those in peripheral areas, may be less informed about the specific restrictions for each nationality. In rare cases, some Italian travellers have managed to get a renewal, but it always depends on the official you’re dealing with and there’s no guarantee
• Documented emergencies: In the event of proven emergencies (for example, if you or a family member are hospitalised and can’t travel), it’s possible to request a humanitarian extension of your stay by presenting medical documentation
• Don’t rely on this option: Given the uncertainty and risk of refusal, don’t plan your trip counting on a tourist visa renewal. It’s always better to consider the visa run or other legal alternatives

Important: Attempting to get a renewal you’re not entitled to could create problems with immigration. Proceed with caution and only in case of real need.

Documentation for the Tourist Long Stay Visa

If you have a Designated Activities - Long Stay visa (extended tourism), to apply for the extension from 6 months to 1 year you’ll need to submit:

• Updated bank statements showing you still meet the financial requirements (30 million yen)
• Detailed travel plan for the requested extension period
• Valid health insurance covering the whole duration of the extended stay
• Residence certificate (Juminhyo) obtained from the local Ward Office
• Passport with a still-valid visa

Important Renewal Tips

• Start the process early: Don’t wait until the last moment. It’s advisable to submit your application at least 1-2 months before expiry
• Keep meeting all requirements: Make sure you continue to meet all the financial and documentary requirements for your visa type
• Be ready to explain: Officials may ask you for details about the reason for the extension
• Keep your receipts: Keep track of all documents submitted and payment receipts

Which Visa Should You Choose?

The choice of visa depends on your goals and situation:

• Short tourist trip (1-3 months): Standard tourist visa exemption
• Digital nomad with high income: Digital nomad visa
• Young person aged 18-30 who wants to work: Working Holiday Visa
• Internship or specific activity with a sponsor: Designated Activities Visa
• Retiree or wealthy individual (€170,000+ savings): Designated Activities Visa - Long Stay

Combining Different Options

Some travellers plan strategically: they start with 90 tourist days, leave for a short visa run, come back for another 90 days, and then in the following months apply for a working holiday or digital nomad visa. This strategy requires careful planning and compliance with regulations.

Practical Tips

Documents That Are Always Useful

Regardless of the visa, always carry with you:

• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel booking or invitation letter
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement)
• Travel insurance 

Behaviour at Immigration

• Always be honest about the purpose of your trip
• Never mention any intention to work if you’re entering as a tourist
• Be ready to answer questions about your plans
• Keep a courteous and respectful attitude

Official Resources

For up-to-date information, check:

• Japanese Embassy in Rome: www.it.emb-japan.go.jp 
• Consulate General in Milan: www.milano.it.emb-japan.go.jp 
• Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mofa.go.jp 

Conclusion

Japan now offers more opportunities than ever for Italian citizens who want to extend their stay. From the classic tourist visa to the new working holiday, through the digital nomad visa, the options are varied and suited to different profiles.

The key is to plan ahead, carefully prepare your documentation and choose the option best suited to your needs. With the right preparation, your dream of living in Japan for months can become reality.

Sayonara and safe travels! 🇯🇵✈️