Mount Fuji with Chureito Pagoda in the foreground

Long-stay / residence for UK citizens travelling to Japan

Stays beyond landing permission need extensions or long-term visas such as permanent residence routes.

For a full UK citizen passport. Other British passport types can follow a different rule.

Last verified:Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (opens in a new tab)Reviewed by Entry Visa Guide editorial team

Key facts

Long-stay / residence for UK citizens travelling to Japan
FactDetail
Who it's forLong-term residents and permanent residents.
Maximum stayExtension or visa-defined.
CostExtension and long-stay visa fees are on the Embassy of Japan visa fees page (opens in a new tab) or charged in Japan for extensions.
Processing timeExtensions are decided by Regional Immigration Bureaus in Japan; apply before your current permission expires.
How to applyRegional Immigration Bureau in Japan.
Official linkUse the authority’s own website. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications. · Japan MFA: long-term visas (opens in a new tab)

Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.

How to apply

  1. Apply to extend before current permission expires.
  2. For permanent residence, meet years-of-residence criteria.
  3. Overstaying risks fines and deportation per GOV.UK.

FAQ

How do I extend beyond 90 days?

GOV.UK describes a further 90-day extension at immigration.

Does permanent residence need a visa first?

You usually hold long-term status before applying for PR.

Sources

Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.