How to Apply for Multiple Visas in Japan for Filipinos

A Sneak Peek into Multiple Visa Applications

There’s no single one-size-fits-all visa application when it comes to Japan. Different types of visas serve different purposes, and depending on your personal needs or career goals, you might require more than one visa type to fully experience what Japan has to offer. While applying for a visa sounds complicated, Japan has made notable improvements in simplifying the process for Filipino citizens. Over the past few years, the system has become more transparent, and the chances of securing a visa have increased.

Tip: Whether you’re planning to work, study, or visit Japan frequently, applying for a multiple-entry visa is a highly recommended option. With a multiple-entry visa, you can avoid the hassle of constantly reapplying for a new visa every time you plan to visit.

Step-by-Step Application for Multiple Visas

Let’s start with an overview of the different visa types you may need to apply for, followed by how you can combine these to match your goals. Applying for a tourist visa alone won’t be enough if you’re looking to work or study, so let’s break down each type first.

1. Tourist Visa (Single or Multiple-Entry)

This is the most common type of visa for Filipino citizens traveling to Japan. Whether you're visiting friends, family, or going on vacation, a tourist visa allows you to enter the country for short-term stays. However, if you’re planning on making multiple trips in a year, a multiple-entry visa would be ideal. As of recent changes, Filipinos are eligible for multiple-entry tourist visas for up to five years, allowing for visits of up to 30 days at a time.

Requirements:

• A completed visa application form
• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Recent passport-sized photos
• A detailed itinerary
• Proof of financial capacity (bank certificate, etc.)
• A letter of guarantee if applicable (from sponsors)

2. Working Visa

If your goal is to work in Japan, a tourist visa will not suffice. Filipinos aiming to work in Japan need to apply for a working visa under categories such as Specialist in Humanities, Engineer, or Skilled Labor, among others.

Key documents include:

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the employer in Japan
• Employment contract or letter of appointment
• Proof of relevant qualifications (diplomas, certificates)

3. Student Visa

Want to study at a Japanese university or language school? You’ll need a student visa, which is typically issued for long-term stays. Filipino students can now apply for visas valid for up to 1-2 years depending on the course.

4. Spouse or Family Visa

If you're married to a Japanese national or have a family member living in Japan, you can apply for a spouse visa. This visa category also offers the benefit of applying for long-term residence.

5. Transit Visa

For Filipinos who are stopping over in Japan en route to another destination, a transit visa is required for short layovers. While not technically a multiple-entry visa, it’s important to consider if your travel plans include frequent transits through Japan.

Why You Might Need Multiple Visas

Different objectives require different visas, and sometimes your plan might include more than one activity in Japan. If you're a student who plans to also work part-time, a student visa with a part-time work permit is essential. If you're a frequent traveler visiting for both leisure and business, a combination of multiple-entry tourist visas and business visas is ideal.

How to Combine Visas

• Tourist + Work Visa: For those who want to experience the culture first before securing a job.
• Student + Work Visa: For students who also want part-time employment while studying.
• Spouse + Long-term Stay Visa: For those seeking long-term residence with their family.

The Application Process

1. Research and Choose the Right Visa
   Before applying, make sure you understand the requirements for each visa type. For multiple-entry visas, the requirements are stricter but manageable, with proof of sufficient financial capacity, a valid passport, and a clear reason for frequent travel to Japan.

2. Gather Required Documents
   Make sure all your documents are complete, including bank certificates, employment contracts, COE, or school acceptance letters.

3. Submit Your Application to a Japanese Embassy or Consulate
   This is the easiest part if you’ve done your homework. Filipino citizens can apply for multiple-entry tourist visas by submitting their documents directly to any Japanese consulate in the Philippines. Processing usually takes around 7-10 days.

4. Wait for Visa Issuance
   Visa issuance times vary depending on the type of visa and your specific circumstances. A multiple-entry visa may take longer than a standard single-entry visa.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Submitting Incomplete Documents: This is the number one cause of rejection. Double-check that you have every document before submission.
2. Incorrect or Outdated Information: Ensure that your passport has enough validity, and all the data in your application matches your other documents.
3. Not Applying for the Right Visa Type: This is crucial, as applying for a tourist visa when your intention is to work or study will lead to rejection.

Conclusion: Should You Apply for Multiple Visas?

For many Filipino citizens, Japan offers a multitude of opportunities ranging from leisure, education, career growth, and long-term residence. Applying for multiple visas ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without the hassle of reapplying for a new visa each time. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or plan to stay long-term, understanding how to apply for the right combination of visas is essential to making your Japan dream a reality.

Key Takeaways:

• Applying for multiple visas is a smart choice if you plan to engage in different activities (work, study, etc.) in Japan.
• Ensure all required documents are complete and correct.
• Multiple-entry tourist visas allow for more flexibility, particularly for frequent travelers.
• The process for Filipino citizens is now more streamlined, but careful planning is necessary for successful visa approval.