Visiting Relatives or Friends in Japan — Step-by-Step Visa Process

The Japan Visiting Relatives or Friends Visa is a short-term stay visa that allows Nepali citizens to visit their relatives or friends in Japan for up to 90 days. This visa is mainly intended for family reunions, social visits, or attending family functions and ceremonies. The visa process is straightforward if the required documents are genuine, properly translated, and correctly formatted as per the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu and VFS Japan Visa Application Centre (Chhaya Center, Thamel) guidelines.

The first step for Nepali applicants is to decide whether the visit falls under Visiting Relatives (for family members like parents, siblings, or cousins) or Visiting Friends (for non-family acquaintances). Once confirmed, the applicant must prepare all necessary documents, including a valid passport, visa application form, recent photo (45×35 mm), relationship proof (such as birth or marriage certificate), and financial evidence like a 6-month bank statement, balance certificate, and income certificate. If the applicant is employed, an employment letter and leave approvalare also mandatory.

Meanwhile, the inviter in Japan — whether a family member or friend — plays a key role in the process. They must prepare and send the following official documents to Nepal:

• Invitation Letter (Shouteisho): stating the purpose, duration, and relationship between the inviter and applicant.

• Letter of Guarantee: confirming responsibility for the applicant’s stay, accommodation, and expenses (if applicable).

• Residence Certificate (Juminhyo): proving the inviter’s current address and family structure.

• Income or Tax Payment Certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho): issued by the city office to prove financial stability.

• Copy of Residence Card or My Number Card (for foreigners or Japanese nationals).

• Proof of Relationship/Friendship: marriage or birth certificate for relatives, or chat history, photos, and communication evidence for friends.

After all documents are ready, the applicant must submit them to the VFS Japan Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu, along with the VFS service charge (NPR 2,083). The Embassy of Japan usually processes the visa within 5 to 7 working days, though complex cases may take longer (up to 2–3 weeks). Once approved, a Single Entry Visavalid for 90 days is issued, allowing the applicant to enter Japan within three months from the date of issue.

Upon arrival in Japan, immigration officers may inquire about your purpose of visit, inviter’s details, and return plans. Carrying your invitation letter, guarantee letter, return ticket, and financial proof helps ensure smooth entry. The visa holder must adhere to Japanese immigration laws and leave before the visa expires, as overstaying can affect future applications.

For accurate document preparation, translation, and embassy compliance, Yatra for Fun Pvt. Ltd., based in Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu, offers professional visa assistance. The agency provides end-to-end support, including invitation drafting, relationship verification, financial review, and application tracking. With over 70 international visa categories handled, Yatra for Fun is recognized as one of Nepal’s most trusted travel and visa support companies.

Contact Yatra for Fun Pvt. Ltd. for Japan Visa Support:
Office Address: Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu, Nepal
Call / WhatsApp / Viber: +977 9802348957 or +977 9708072951
Website: www.yatraforfun.com
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM