Designated Activities (Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation)

Japan's Designated Activities (Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation) status allows foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries to reside in Japan for up to one year for sightseeing, recreation, and similar leisure activities. Introduced in 2015 as part of Japan's tourism revitalization strategy, this is the closest equivalent to a retirement visa that Japan offers. It targets financially independent individuals aged 18 and over who hold substantial savings (minimum JPY 30 million) and wish to experience an extended stay without working. Despite the high financial threshold, only approximately 214 people held this status as of the most recent available data.

• National of one of Japan's approximately 74 visa-exempt countries and regions (expanded in 2025 with Paraguay, Peru, and Montenegro)
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Personal savings of at least JPY 30,000,000 (approximately USD 200,000) in bank deposits
• Bank deposit certificate and 6 months of bank transaction history showing the required balance
• Private overseas travel or medical insurance covering death, injury, and illness for the entire stay
• Travel itinerary for planned activities in Japan
• No employment of any kind is permitted

• Application form and valid passport (valid for duration of stay)
• Recent photograph (4cm x 3cm, taken within 3 months)
• Bank deposit certificate and 6 months of bank transaction history showing JPY 30,000,000 or more
• Proof of enrollment in overseas medical/travel insurance with policy terms
• Travel itinerary for planned activities (using the Ministry of Foreign Affairs format)
• Marriage certificate (if spouse is accompanying)

The initial period is 6 months, which may be extended once for an additional 6 months at a regional immigration office before the current period expires. The same documentation (bank statements, insurance, itinerary) must be submitted for the extension. The maximum total stay is 1 year with no further extensions possible. After the 1-year maximum, the holder must leave Japan and cannot simply reapply for continuous residence. This status does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

Only the applicant's spouse may accompany under Notification No. 41. Children, parents, and other family members are not eligible under any circumstances. The spouse must hold a passport from a visa-exempt country. If the spouse travels together with the primary applicant on the same itinerary, combined savings of JPY 30,000,000 are sufficient. If the spouse enters separately or has a different itinerary, each must demonstrate JPY 30,000,000 individually (JPY 60,000,000 combined). The spouse must enter Japan after the primary applicant has obtained their status of residence.

Holders residing for less than 1 year without establishing a domicile are generally classified as non-residents and taxed only on Japan-sourced income. Those who establish a domicile or reside for 1 year or more may be classified as residents, though as non-permanent residents (5 years or less aggregate stay in the preceding 10 years) they are taxed only on Japan-sourced income and foreign income remitted to Japan.

There are two pathways. From overseas, the applicant submits the visa application directly to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Visa applications are typically processed within approximately 5 working days. From within Japan, the applicant enters on a short-term stay (tourist visa or visa waiver) and applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at a regional immigration office, which may take 1-3 months to process. Once approved, the applicant can change their status without leaving Japan. The COE is valid for 3 months from issuance. Upon entering Japan, the holder receives a Residence Card at major international airports and must register at the municipal office within 14 days.

As of April 2026, visa issuance fees have increased significantly (the first increase since 1978) to approximately JPY 15,000 for single-entry or JPY 30,000 for multiple-entry visas. Residence status extension fees are also expected to increase following a pending Immigration Control Act amendment.

• Only nationals of visa-exempt countries are eligible, excluding citizens of many countries including China (mainland), Russia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and most of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East
• Only cash deposits count toward the savings requirement -- real estate, stocks, and other assets are not accepted
• Temporarily borrowing money to inflate the account balance is not accepted, as authorities review the 6-month transaction history for unusual patterns
• The holder may not work in any capacity
• Holders are not eligible for Japan's National Health Insurance system and must maintain private insurance
• Overstaying results in potential deportation and a re-entry ban of at least 5 years