05.07 · Japan — visa & stay in Germany

Japan –
Visa for
Germany.

Japanese citizens can travel to Germany visa-free for short stays (tourism, business) for up to 90 days (Schengen regulation). For longer-term stays (study, work, research, training) is a national visa (type D) required. The recognition of Japanese university degrees is usually unproblematic. Depending on the purpose, knowledge of German is required – often B1/B2.

90 daysvisa-free short stay
approximately 8-12 weeksProcessing time (national visa)
Embassy TokyoConsulate General Osaka

Visa types at a glance

Visa exemption for short stays – National visa for long stays

Japan is one of the few non-European countries whose citizens can enter the Schengen area without a visa (max. 90 days within 180 days). A national visa is required for stays longer than 90 days.

01 Visa types

Schengen visa-free vs. National visa (Type D)

PurposeVisa required?Max. length of staySpecial feature
Tourism, business trip, visiting familyNo (visa-free)90 days within 180 daysNo employment permitted
Study, work, training, researchYes (national visa type D)over 90 days (usually 1 year)Allows the requested activity
Job search (job search visa)Yes (national visa)6 monthsFor graduates only; no prior job confirmation required
Even if a visa is not required for short stays, Japanese citizens must meet the usual entry requirements upon entry (valid passport, sufficient financial resources, return ticket). Longer stays (e.g. studying) require a visa to be applied for in advance.

Study in Germany

Study visa – university entrance with a Japanese high school diploma, language skills, financing

Japanese applicants are very welcome in Germany. The Japanese Abitur (Kotogakko) is usually recognized as a university entrance qualification - a preparatory course is often not required.

02 Study

Abitur, language C1, financing, no APS

  • University entrance: The Japanese Kotogakko (degree after 12 years) is often recognized in Germany as a general university entrance qualification. A preparatory college is usually not necessary. The exact recognition is checked by the respective university or uni-assist.
  • Language certificate: For German-language degree programs C1 (TestDaF 4×4, DSH-2, Goethe-C1). For English-language master's programs, IELTS (6.5) / TOEFL (90) is sufficient. Japanese language schools often offer preparatory courses.
  • Financing: Blocked account with €934 per month (€11,208 per year) – can be opened through Japanese banks (e.g. MUFG, SMBC as contractual partners of Fintiba/Expatrio) or directly through German providers.
  • No APS exam required – Japan is not one of the countries with GSP obligation. This makes the visa process easier.
Many Japanese students choose English-taught master's programs. Knowledge of German is still very useful for everyday life - universities often offer free German courses.

Work & EU Blue Card

Work visa for engineers, IT, researchers, Japanese-German joint ventures

German companies with a connection to Japan (automotive, mechanical engineering, IT) often look for Japanese skilled workers. The recognition of Japanese university degrees is usually straightforward.

03 Work visa

Job offer, recognition, language level B1/B2

  • Engineers (mechanical, electrical, automotive): Very good chances. Recognition of the Japanese diploma is usually problem-free (anabin H+). Language level B2 is recommended; English is often the working language in international teams.
  • IT specialists: Also possible without a formal university degree with 3+ years of experience and a salary ≥ €45,000. B1 sufficient.
  • EU Blue Card: Minimum salary €48,300 (€43,759 for shortage occupations). Accelerated processing, no priority review – ideal for academics from Japan.
  • Economy/Trade with Japan: Language combination Japanese/German/English is a huge advantage. Many companies are looking for bridge builders.
Even if the working language is English, employers recommend knowledge of German at B1-B2 level for integration into the team. The immigration authorities do not require a formal language test if the job can be carried out in English.

Research & Science

Visa for doctoral students, postdocs and visiting scientists – Japan-Germany research collaborations

Scientific exchange between Japan and Germany is intensive (e.g. Max Planck, Fraunhofer, DAAD). A research visa can be issued quickly and unbureaucratically.

04 Research

Hosting agreement, financing (scholarship), language skills

  • Hosting Agreement / Hosting Agreement: The main requirement is approval from a German research institution.
  • Financing: Scholarship (e.g. JSPS, DAAD, own employer) or salary. Blocked account not required if sufficient financing is proven.
  • Language: English is often sufficient for pure research activities. Knowledge of German is an advantage, but not mandatory.
  • Advantage for Japanese: Since Japan is a safe country of origin, visa applications are usually processed quickly (4-8 weeks).
The DAAD and the Humboldt Foundation have special programs for Japanese scientists. Use the funding for your stay.

Training & dual studies

Training visa for Japanese – dual training as a career option

Dual training is little known in Japan, but is gaining increasing interest. The prerequisite is a training contract with a German company.

05 Training

Training contract, language level B1, approval from the Federal Agency

  • Training position: A binding training contract with a German company is required.
  • Language certificate: Usually B1 (Goethe B1, telc B1). B2 is required for training with customer contact or care.
  • Approval of the Federal Employment Agency: Check whether the position cannot be filled by a German/EU citizen. Often omitted in shortage occupations.
  • Age: In practice, under 35 years of age – the younger, the better.
Apprenticeships in the technical field (mechatronics, IT, electronics) are particularly attractive and promising for Japanese people. Apply through the AHK Japan (German-Japanese Chamber of Commerce).

Frequently Asked Questions (Japanese Citizens)

FAQ – specifically for applicants from Japan

The most common uncertainties and practical tips.

06 FAQ

Concrete answers for Japan

  • Do I need a visa for a language course in Germany? – Yes, if the language course lasts longer than 90 days. Short language trips (<90 days) are visa-free.
  • Can I apply for a national visa in Germany during the visa-free period? – No. The national visa must be applied for at the German embassy in Tokyo or Osaka before entry. Within Germany, the residence permit can only be extended if you already have a national visa.
  • Are Japanese professional qualifications automatically recognized? – Generally yes, if the university is state-recognized. The anabin database provides information. For engineers, proof of certification from the Chamber of Engineers may be necessary, but this is usually not a problem.
  • Which German exams are available in Japan? – Goethe-Institut Tokyo (also Osaka) offers exams from A1 to C2. telc exams are possible through selected language schools. The waiting time for exam appointments is approximately 2-3 months.
  • Can my family come with me? – Yes, spouses and minor children can receive a visa as part of family reunification. A1 language certificate for your spouse is required, unless you have an EU Blue Card (then the requirement does not apply).

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Editorial transparency

As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.