If you are a UAE resident holding a valid UAE residence visa or Emirates ID, you must apply for a Japan visa through VFS Global unless you hold a UAE passport, which allows visa-free entry. The required documents include a valid passport, residence visa copy, Emirates ID, photographs, completed application form, hotel and flight bookings, bank statements and in some cases, invitation letters or a detailed travel itinerary. Since August 2024, direct visa applications at the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai are no longer accepted (except for diplomatic and official cases)
Who Needs to Apply & Where
- Residents in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah with non-UAE passports must apply for a visa through VFS Global in Dubai.
- Residents of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain typically apply through the Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi.
- UAE nationals (passport holders) enjoy visa exemption for short stays (up to 90 days), provided the visit is for tourism, family visits or business meetings.
Required Documents (Standard / Short-Term Visa)
When applying for a tourist or short-term visitor visa, the following documents are generally required:
- Valid Passport
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages.
- Include a photocopy of the passport’s bio page.
- UAE Residence Visa
- Copy and original residence visa.
- Must remain valid beyond your intended return date from Japan.
- Emirates ID
- Copy and original Emirates ID.
- Completed Visa Application Form
- Must be accurately filled out and signed by the applicant.
- Passport-Size Photographs
- Recent photos in the correct size and background format (white background is usually required).
- Flight Reservation / Itinerary
- Round-trip flight booking.
- Hotel booking confirmation or proof of accommodation.
- Bank Statements
- Last three months of bank statements showing sufficient balance to cover the stay.
- Last three months of bank statements showing sufficient balance to cover the stay.
- Detailed Travel Itinerary
- A day-by-day schedule of your travel plans in Japan.
- Additional Supporting Documents
- If visiting relatives: an invitation letter and proof of relationship.
- If for business: an invitation from a Japanese company and details of the meeting.
- For student or long-term visas: Certificate of Eligibility issued in Japan.
Process & Key Rules
- Since 1 August 2024, Japan visa applications in the UAE are handled through VFS Global. The Consulate-General in Dubai does not accept ordinary visa applications directly.
- eVisa services were also reintroduced in September 2024, allowing certain applicants to complete their process online, though most still go through VFS.
Important Conditions
- All documents must be complete, genuine and consistent.
- The UAE residence visa must remain valid throughout your entire trip.
- Passport validity should be at least 6 months with enough blank pages.
- Applicants holding non-ordinary passports (such as refugee travel documents) may be required to submit additional information in advance.
Tips to Avoid Rejection
- Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned travel date.
- Double-check that your names, passport number and visa details match across all documents.
- Keep bank statements consistent; sudden unexplained deposits may cause delays.
- Prepare a realistic travel plan and proof of accommodation for your stay.
For UAE residents, the Japan visa process is clear but requires careful preparation. Standard requirements include a valid passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements and sometimes supporting documents like invitations or itineraries. Since August 2024, applications are handled through VFS Global, with Japan eVisa options for some cases. Ensuring your documents are correct and applying early gives you the best chance of smooth visa approval.