Quick answer
To engage in religious activities in Japan, you must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence [1]. This certificate, when presented with your visa application, facilitates prompt visa issuance [2]. The procedure is based on Article 7-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act [3]. You can apply if you are a foreign national intending to enter Japan for activities other than short-term stay [4]. Submit your application well in advance of your planned entry [5]. The applicant or an authorized agent can submit [6][7][8]. Required documents vary by status of residence [9]; for religious activities, you must select the appropriate status [10]. Submit to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over your intended residence or the accepting organization [11][12]. Mail submissions are not accepted [13]. Reception hours are weekdays from 9:00 a.m. [14]. For consultations, contact the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or the Foreign Residents Information Center [15]. Online applications are available [16][17]. There is no fee [18]. The activities must meet the screening criteria [19][20]. Certificates can be received by email [21][22]. If you have a paper certificate and cancel entry, you must return it [23][24]. Pre-entry tuberculosis screening is scheduled to launch in 2025 [25][26][27]. For religious activities, examples include monks, bishops, and missionaries [31].
Key facts
| Visa validity | Not specified[1] |
| Application fee | No fee required[18] |
| Application method | Online or in person[16] |
| Visa category | Religious activities is a work visa category in Japan.[32] |
| Eligible activities | Activities such as religious work, teaching, and other professional services are covered under work visas.[32] |
| Examples of work visa holders | Examples include physicians, engineers, teachers, and other professionals.[32] |
| Source | Information is based on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.[32] |
Am I eligible?
Work visa
- Applicant must be engaged in activities that fall under the work visa categories, such as religious activities.
- Applicant must meet the specific requirements for the relevant work visa category.
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
Applicants must qualify under a specific visa category such as professor, artist, engineer, business manager, student, dependent, etc.
Most long-term visas require a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Each visa category has its own requirements, such as educational background, work experience, or sponsorship.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Status of Residence before entering Japan [1]
- 2
Submit the application to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over your intended residence or accepting organization [11][12]
- 3
Wait for the certificate to be issued; it can be received by email [21]
- 4
Present the certificate when applying for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate [2]
Frequently asked questions
What is the Religious Activities visa?
It is a work visa category in Japan for individuals engaged in religious activities.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
## Standard Processing Period 1 to 3 months ## Method of Appeal None
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Certificate of Eligibility is required before visa application
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Certificate of Eligibility facilitates visa issuance
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
Legal basis for procedure
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Eligibility for Certificate of Eligibility
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
Application period
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Who can submit application
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Agents who can submit on behalf
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
Legal representative as agent
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Required documents depend on status of residence
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Select status of residence
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [12]
Submission destination for applicant
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
Submission destination for agent
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
Submissions by mail not accepted
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [15]
Reception hours
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [16]
Consultation desk
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
Online application available
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [18]
Online procedures details
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [19]
No fee required
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [20]
Screening criteria for activities
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [21]
Criteria for specific statuses
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [22]
Receiving certificate by email
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [23]
Digitalization details
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [24]
Return of paper certificate
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [25]
Documents for returning certificate
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [26]
Tuberculosis screening postponed
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [27]
Tuberculosis screening launch in 2025
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [28]
Tuberculosis screening details
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [29]
Adobe Reader required for PDF
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [30]
Latest version of Adobe Reader
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [31]
Religious activities visa examples
Work or Long-term stay · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [32]
Medical services visa examples
Work or Long-term stay · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [33]
Religious activities visa is a work visa category
Work or Long-term stay · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Japan's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Japan's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.