How to get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Japan

If you are planning to move to Japan for work, study, or a long-term stay, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility Japan (COE) before applying for your visa.

In this guide, we explain what a certificate of eligibility in Japan is, who needs it, how to apply for one from the UK, and what to do after it’s issued.

You’ll also find out how a Wise Account can help you manage your finances when relocating to Japan.

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What is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Japan Visas?

A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document issued by the Ministry of Justice in Japan confirming that you meet the requirements for a specific long-term visa category.¹

The Certificate of Eligibility document alone is not enough to travel to Japan. It supports your visa application and facilitates your immigration process when applying at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the UK.

Purpose of the Japan Certificate of Eligibility

The main purpose of the Japan Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is to validate that you qualify for the visa category you are applying for before you submit your application in the UK.

You cannot apply for a Certificate of Eligibility yourself. Instead, a sponsor in Japan must submit the application on your behalf to the regional immigration office.

Once you get your Japan Certificate of Eligibility document, you can then proceed with your visa application

Who needs a Japan COE for long-term stays?

You will need a Certificate of Eligibility Japan (COE )if you plan to stay in Japan for more than 90 days for work, study, training, cultural activities, or as a dependant or spouse of a Japanese national.²

The only exception is for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship students, who do not need a COE for their Japan visa application.

Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility Japan from the UK

If you’re travelling to Japan from the UK for work or a long-term stay, your sponsor in Japan must first apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before you can apply for your visa.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Japan and what to prepare at each stage.

Understanding your sponsor’s role in Japan

Your sponsor in Japan is responsible for preparing and submitting your COE application to the regional immigration office. This person acts as the official point of contact with immigration authorities and provides the required supporting documents for your visa category.

Depending on your situation, this could be your employer, educational institution, or a family member residing in Japan.

Steps your sponsor takes at the immigration office

Your sponsor should prepare the required documents and submit the Certificate of Eligibility application to the regional immigration office in Japan in person.

Then, Immigration authorities will review the reason why you want to move to Japan, the supporting documents, and your sponsor’s data before deciding whether to issue the COE.

It’s important to note that the Immigration Services Agency or the regional immigration office will not accept COE submissions by mail. Your sponsor needs to make it either in person or apply for a digital COE.

The electronic Certificate of Eligibility (Digital COE)

As of 17 March 2023, you can request the Japan Certificate of Eligibility electronically and receive it by email. ³ Once your digital COE is approved, your sponsor will receive it and should forward it to you so you can use it when applying for your Japan visa.

Documents needed for a Japan Certificate of Eligibility application

The documents you need for a Japan Certificate of Eligibility application depend on the reason for your stay, such as work, study, or dependent status.

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency asks you to submit your application form and documents according to your status of residence.⁴

Essential documents

The essential documents you need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility Japan are:

• A completed COE application form
• A copy of your passport
• A recent 4cm × 3cm photo with a white background
• A return envelope with your sponsor’s address on it for the paper-based applications

Financial support documentation

Your Financial support document depends on your status of residence and is one of the most important requirements you need to submit to secure your Japan COE.

To show your financial stability as a student, worker, or dependant, you need to show documents such as a bank statement, employment contract, proof of income, scholarship confirmation, or financial guarantees from your sponsor.

The whole purpose of it is to prove that you have a reliable source of income, sufficient savings, or a financial guarantee to cover your living expenses for the period you plan to stay in Japan.

Proof of valid UK immigration status

If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you need to verify your immigration status. This could be either your UK eVisa and share code or a valid UK entry clearance or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in your passport.⁵

Your Japan visa application may be declined without a valid UK immigration status.

However, note that you need these documents when you apply for your visa and not for the COE application in Japan.

Certificate of Eligibility Japan processing time and validity

Japan COE processing times depend on your status of residence and the immigration office handling your application.

Typical timeline for COE issuance

On average, a Japan Certificate of Eligibility takes around 1 to 3 months to be issued, depending on the reason for your stay and the office workload.

If the regional immigration office handling your application requests additional documents, the process may take longer. So it’s best to begin the process early, especially if your visit is time-sensitive.

How long is the Japan Certificate of Eligibility valid for?

Your Japan Certificate of Eligibility is valid for 3 months after the date of issue.

So you must enter Japan within 3 months of receiving your Certificate of Eligibility document, even if your visa has a longer validity period.

If you do not enter Japan within this timeframe, the Certificate of Eligibility will expire, and you may need to restart the application process.

How to apply for your Japan Visa in the UK after getting the COE

When you get your Certificate of Eligibility approval, the next step is to submit your visa application at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the UK.

Step-by-step application process

Here is how to apply for a Japan visa from the UK step by step:

Step 1: Download and complete the visa application form from the official Japanese Embassy website.⁶

Step 2: Print your supporting documents, including your Certificate of Eligibility.

Step 3: Book and attend an appointment at the Japanese Embassy in London or the general Consulate in Edinburgh. Note that if you are not a resident in the UK, you must book an appointment at the Embassy of Japan in London.⁷

Step 4: Submit your application in person and provide any additional documents if requested.

Step 5: Collect your passport once your visa has been approved.

Documents needed

Here are all the documents you need to have with you to apply for a Japan visa in the UK:

• A completed visa application form
• A recent passport-sized photo glued to the form, not stapled
• Your valid passport
• Your original Certificate of Eligibility
• Proof of valid UK immigration status if you are not a British or Irish citizen.

The Japanese Embassy in London currently needs either the original COE or a high-quality print of the digital version, and photos must be physically attached to the form.

Always check the latest Embassy guidance before submitting your application, as requirements can change.

Visa processing time for COE holders

When you apply for a Japan visa in the UK with a valid Certificate of Eligibility, processing generally takes around 3 to 7 working days.

Your Japan Visa application process may take longer during busy periods or if they request additional documents. So you'd better not book non-refundable tickets until your visa has been issued and returned with your passport.

Is the Certificate of Eligibility for Japan free of charge?

Yes, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency issues the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for free. However, once you apply for your visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the UK, you need to pay a visa fee depending on your nationality.

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That’s everything you need to know about the certificate of eligibility. Make sure you check for any updates to the process or the requirements ahead of applying.
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FAQs about the Japan Certificate of Eligibility

Can I travel to Japan with just the Certificate of Eligibility?

No. A Certificate of Eligibility is not a visa. If you intend to stay more than 90 days in Japan you must apply for a long-term visa.

What is the difference between a Japan COE and a Japan visa?

A Japan COE document shows that you meet the requirements for a specific long-term visa category. However, you still apply for a Japan visa to be able to enter the country.

Can I apply for the Certificate of Eligibility without a sponsor?

No, you can’t. You must have a sponsor in Japan to submit the Certificate of Eligibility application on your behalf to the Immigration Services Agency.

Sources used:

1. uk.emb-japan.go.jp - official embassy info for Certificate of Eligibility Japan for UK
2. us.emb-japan.go.jp - Visa (COE holders)
3. moj.go.jp - electronic Certificates of Eligibility
4. moj.go.jp - application details
5. Uk.emb-japan - checklist for visa application
6. mofa.go.jp - visa application form to enter Japan
7. edinburgh.uk.emb-japan.go.jp – embassy appointments

Sources last checked on date: 13 February 2026