Japan Visa Guide For UK Citizens

Good news for UK travelers: British citizen passport holders can visit Japan without a visa for up to 90 days. Simply arrive at the airport and immigration will stamp your passport with permission to stay. However, if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need the appropriate visa before traveling.

This guide covers visa-free entry, work visa requirements, popular visa types for UK citizens, the application process, and practical concerns like costs and language requirements.Exchange rate used: £1 = ¥202.17 (as of October 22, 2025) According to live currency data, this rate was verified on October 22, 2025.

From the UK to Japan: The Basics

According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK, British citizens do NOT need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free entry covers tourism, visiting friends/family, attending business meetings (without payment), and short-term activities.

Who Qualifies

Eligible: Standard British citizen passport holders only

NOT eligible: According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK, British Overseas Citizen, British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, or Convention Travel Document holders must apply for visas at the Japanese Embassy before traveling.

What You Can and Cannot Do

Permitted activities:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Business meetings (unpaid)
• Short-term conferences or amateur sports

Prohibited:

• Any paid work (even temporary/freelance)
• Full-time study
• Staying beyond 90 days without authorization

According to UK government travel advice, working illegally results in arrest, detention, fines, deportation, and potential permanent bans.

Extension Possibility

According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK, UK citizens can potentially extend for an additional 90 days (180 days total) by applying at an Immigration Bureau in Japan. Extensions are not automatic—immigration officials decide based on your circumstances.

Comparing the Countries: What is Life Like?

Culture

Communication: Japanese communication is indirect and context-dependent. People avoid saying “no” directly. British communication is more direct though polite. Understanding “kuuki wo yomu” (reading the air)—sensing unspoken expectations—is crucial in Japan.

Social harmony: Japan emphasizes “wa” (group harmony). The saying “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down” reflects this. The UK values individual expression and diverse viewpoints more highly.

Punctuality: Both cultures value timeliness, but Japan takes it further. Trains arrive within seconds of schedule. Being 5 minutes late requires an apology. The UK allows more flexibility.

Hierarchy: Japan uses complex respect systems based on age, position, and status, including different language levels (keigo) and bowing customs. The UK is generally more egalitarian.

Work Style

Hours: Japanese law sets 40 hours weekly, but many employees work significant unpaid overtime (“saabisu zangyo”). About 1 in 10 Japanese employees work 80+ hours overtime monthly. UK workers typically leave when work finishes.

Overtime culture: Staying late shows dedication in Japan, even without actual work. There’s pressure to stay if managers remain. The UK prioritizes completing tasks during normal hours.

Job loyalty: Japan traditionally practiced “lifetime employment.” Frequently changing jobs can be viewed negatively. UK job mobility is normal—changing companies every few years for advancement is accepted.

Recent reforms: The 2019 Work Style Reform Law caps overtime at 45 hours monthly (360 yearly) with penalties for violations.

Salary and Cost of Living

Note on salary data: According to the Office for National Statistics, as of early 2025, the average UK salary is approximately £37,000 annually. According to multiple sources, Japan’s average annual salary is approximately ¥6,192,000 (£30,630).

Housing costs (monthly rent):

Food costs:

According to Expatistan cost of living comparison, Tokyo is approximately 51% cheaper than London overall. Your purchasing power is greater in Tokyo despite lower nominal salaries.

UK Citizens in Japan

What Visas Are Popular?

Popular Visa Types – Quick Comparison:

Working Holiday Visa Details

According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK:

Common Roles

English Teaching: Most common profession for UK citizens. Options include:

• Private language schools (¥250,000-300,000/£1,237-1,484 monthly)
• Public schools ALT programs (¥280,000-300,000/£1,385-1,484 monthly)
• Universities (¥350,000-500,000+/£1,731-2,473+ monthly)

IT and Software Engineering: High demand, especially in software development, web development, and cybersecurity. Salaries: ¥4,000,000-10,000,000 (£19,784-49,460) annually. Many positions don’t require Japanese.

Finance and Business: Opportunities in international banks, consulting firms, and trading companies. Salaries often exceed ¥6,000,000 (£29,676) annually.

Requirements for Work

Documents

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): Most critical document. Your employer applies for it in Japan. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan Immigration Services Agency, processing takes 1-3 months. You cannot apply yourself from the UK.

Personal documents needed:

• Valid passport (original, blank pages)
• Visa application form (completed, signed)
• Passport photograph (45mm × 35mm, recent, white background)
• CoE (original or clear copy)
• Educational certificates (degree, transcripts)
• Employment contract stating position, salary, duties
• Proof of work experience (reference letters)

Processing: According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK, standard applications with CoE take 5 working days at the embassy. Japan eVISA takes approximately 2 weeks.

Qualifications

General requirements: Most professional visas require a bachelor’s degree relevant to your field OR 10+ years of relevant work experience.

English teaching exception: Bachelor’s degree in any subject, or TEFL/TESOL certification.

Highly Skilled Professional Points System:

Minimum score: 70 points (grants 5-year visa, fast-track to permanent residence in 3 years)

Salary requirements: Most work visas require approximately ¥200,000 (£989) monthly minimum.

Perks as a UK National

Short-Term Visa Free Stay

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 90-day automatic entry (potentially extendable to 180 days). One of the most generous arrangements Japan offers. Only 68 countries have visa exemption, and many allow shorter stays.

English In Demand

Native English speakers have significant advantages:

• Over 30,000 public schools employ ALTs
• Thousands of private language schools
• International companies need English speakers
• Native speakers typically earn 15-25% more than non-natives in equivalent roles

Working Holiday: Up to 2 Years

According to the Embassy of Japan in the UK and UK government announcement, as of December 2024, UK citizens can apply twice in their lifetime—either two consecutive years or two separate one-year periods. The 6,000 annual quota (up from 1,000) makes this highly accessible.

Digital Nomad

According to the Japan Times and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, introduced April 2024. Requirements:

• Annual income: ¥10,000,000 (£49,460) from overseas sources
• Private health insurance: ¥10,000,000 (£49,460) coverage
• Valid for 6 months (non-renewable, must wait 6 months to reapply)
• Can bring spouse and children
• No Japanese income tax on overseas earnings

Applying from the United Kingdom

General Process

Step 1: Determine your visa type

Step 2: Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (your sponsor in Japan applies—takes 1-3 months)

Step 3: Book appointment at Embassy of Japan in London (101-104 Piccadilly) or Consulate-General in Edinburgh

• Appointment booking: https://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/
• Visa hotline: 0844-986-4968 (24/7, English)
• Appointments: Book up to 3 weeks in advance online

Step 4: Prepare all required documents

Step 5: Attend appointment and submit application

Step 6: Wait for processing (5 working days with CoE)

Step 7: Collect passport with visa

How Much Time?

Complete timeline examples:

Work visa with CoE: 3-4 months total

• CoE processing: 8-12 weeks
• CoE mailed to UK: 1-2 weeks
• Embassy visa processing: 1 week
• Total: 16+ weeks

Working Holiday: 1 month total

• Prepare documents: 1-2 weeks
• Submit and process: 1 week
• Total: 4 weeks

Digital Nomad (eVISA): 3 weeks total

• Prepare documents: 1 week
• eVISA processing: 2 weeks
• Total: 3 weeks

Concerns

Cost Coming from the UK

Flights: £450-1,300 economy return (£250-400 more for premium economy)

Shipping: £150-400 for small shipments; £2,000-6,000 for full household move

Moving-in costs: 4-6 months’ rent upfront (deposit, key money, agency fee, first month). For ¥100,000 (£495) monthly apartment: ¥400,000-600,000 (£1,979-2,968)

Total initial costs:

• Budget: £2,500-4,000
• Mid-range: £4,500-7,000
• Comfortable: £8,000-12,000+

Plus £2,000-3,000 safety cushion for first month’s living expenses.

Sending Money Home

Recommended: Wise

• Fee: 0.4-0.7% (typically £16-30)
• Exchange rate: Mid-market (no markup)
• Speed: 64% arrive under 20 seconds, 95% within 24 hours
• Example: ¥500,000 (£2,473) costs £18 vs. £135+ at traditional banks

Other options: XE, OFX (good for large transfers), TorFX

Avoid: Traditional banks (7-10% total cost)

Language Requirements

For visas: Japanese NOT required for most visas (Working Holiday, Engineer/Specialist, English teaching, Student, Digital Nomad)

For jobs:

• English teaching: Zero Japanese required
• IT/tech at international companies: Often no Japanese required
• Traditional Japanese companies: N2-N1 required

JLPT levels:

• N5: Beginner (150-200 study hours)
• N4: Elementary (300-400 hours)
• N3: Intermediate/conversational (450-600 hours)
• N2: Business level (800-1,000 hours)
• N1: Near-native (1,500-2,200 hours)

Survival: Many UK citizens live comfortably with minimal Japanese in international areas using translation apps and English-speaking services.

Cultural Differences Between the UK and Japan

See “Comparing the Countries: Culture” section for detailed information on communication styles, social harmony, public behavior, respect systems, and punctuality standards.

Helpful Resources

Embassy of Japan in the UK

London Embassy:

• Address: 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT
• Phone: 020 7465 6565 (Mon-Fri, 9:30-18:00)
• Website: https://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
• Visa hotline: 0844-986-4968 (24/7, English)

Edinburgh Consulate-General:

• Jurisdiction: Scotland and Northern England
• Phone: 0131 225 4777
• Website: https://www.edinburgh.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
• Email: visa@ed.mofa.go.jp

Confirming Social Security Matters

UK-Japan Social Security Agreement prevents double contributions. Certificate of Coverage available for temporary workers (up to 5 years).

HMRC National Insurance:

• UK: 0300 200 3500
• Overseas: +44 191 203 7010

International Pension Centre:

• UK: 0800 731 0175
• Overseas: 0191 218 3600

Note: UK State Pension NOT uprated (increased annually) while living in Japan

MOFA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan:

• Website: https://www.mofa.go.jp/
• Visa information: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

Immigration Services Agency:

• Website: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/
• English helpline: 0570-013904 (Mon-Fri, 8:30-17:15 JST)

FAQ

Q. Can I work in Japan on the 90-day visa-free stay?

A. No. Any paid work is strictly prohibited. Working illegally results in arrest, deportation, and bans from re-entering Japan.

Q. How long does it take to get a Japanese work visa from the UK?

A. According to official sources, 3-4 months total: 8-12 weeks for CoE processing in Japan, 1-2 weeks for mailing, 5 working days for embassy visa processing.

Q. Do I need to speak Japanese to work in Japan?

A. Not for English teaching or many IT/tech positions at international companies. Traditional Japanese companies typically require N2 level Japanese.

Q. How much money should I bring to Japan initially?

A. Budget £2,000-3,000 for first month expenses, plus £2,000-3,000+ for housing moving-in costs if renting.

Conclusion

Japan offers UK citizens remarkable opportunities with significant advantages: 90-day visa-free entry, access to the Working Holiday programme (now up to 2 years), and high demand for English speakers.

Key points:

• No visa needed for tourism up to 90 days
• Working Holiday now allows two participations (6,000 annual quota)
• Tokyo living costs are approximately 51% cheaper than London
• Japanese not required for many positions
• Total process takes 3-4 months for work visas

Next steps:

1. Determine your visa type
2. Review specific requirements
3. Contact Japanese Embassy for questions
4. Connect with your sponsor in Japan for CoE
5. Prepare documents in advance
6. Book embassy appointment early
7. Only book travel after receiving visa

Thousands of UK citizens have successfully made this journey. The visa process is straightforward when you understand the requirements. This guide provides the roadmap—now take the first step.

頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai)—Good luck!

Disclaimer: Immigration laws change periodically. Always verify through official channels (Embassy of Japan, MOFA, Immigration Services Agency). For complex cases, consult qualified immigration lawyers.

Last updated: October 2025

Exchange rate: £1 = ¥202.17 (as of October 22, 2025) – verified using current exchange rate data