Japan e-Visa for UAE Residents
Document Requirements Expats Get Wrong
Japan's e-visa system has made applications more convenient, but convenience hasn't eliminated the document requirements that trip up applicants every day. Here's exactly what you need to ensure your application sails through on the first attempt.
Who Can Apply for Japan e-Visa from the UAE?
You CAN Apply If You:
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa (not a visit visa)
- Are a citizen of eligible countries including India, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam
- Have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Have a UAE residence visa valid for more than 6 months at application time
- Are traveling for tourism purposes only
You CANNOT Apply If You:
- Hold only a tourist or visit visa in the UAE
- Are traveling for business, work, or study purposes
- Have any previous immigration issues with Japan
Required Documents
Passport Copy
- Valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date in Japan
- Clear, high-resolution, color scan
- Free from shadows, glare, or obscured text
- Showing all four edges of the passport page
If your UAE residence visa is stamped in an old passport, you must submit copies of both passports.
UAE Residence Visa Copy
- Valid for more than 6 months at the time of application
- Clearly legible in the scan
- Matched with a copy of your Emirates ID
Proof of Employment
If Employed:
- Certificate of Employment or Salary Certificate
- Must include position, monthly/annual income, and company contact details
- Must be addressed to "The Consul-General of Japan in Dubai"
- Company seal and signature required (including signatory's name and position)
If on Dependent Visa and Working:
- NOC from your UAE visa sponsor
- Passport copy and residence visa copy of your sponsor
- Your employer's Certificate of Employment
If Self-Employed or Golden Visa Holder:
- Trade license copy
- Letter from your Free Zone authority (if applicable)
- Bank statements showing business activity
Bank Statements
- Up-to-date 3-month UAE electronic bank statement
- Your full name as account holder
- Account number and transaction history
- Sufficient balance to support your trip
Travel Itinerary and Bookings
- Confirmed flight tickets (E-ticket, flight information slip, or travel agency voucher)
- Hotel booking confirmation with hotel name, address, contact info, dates, and your name
- Detailed daily itinerary showing where you'll be each day, including accommodation and contact information
Japan verifies that your stated purpose (tourism) matches your movements. A business meeting in your "tourism" itinerary would be grounds for rejection.
Passport Photo
- Recent photo (not older than 6 months)
- White background, clear and high resolution
- Photo must be glued—not stapled—to your application form
The Translation Requirement
This is where many UAE residents encounter unexpected delays. If any supporting documents are in a language other than English or Japanese, you'll need certified translation.
Documents Commonly Requiring Translation:
- Employment letters from companies using Arabic as their official language
- Bank statements from local UAE banks issued in Arabic
- Sponsor documents for dependent visa holders
- Trade licenses issued by Arabic-speaking authorities
Translation Requirements for VFS Submission:
- Accurate to the original document
- Signed and stamped by a qualified translator
- Presented alongside the original documents
This isn't the same as MOJ legal translation required for UAE government submissions—but it needs to be professional, certified translation that can withstand scrutiny.
At OnlineTranslation.ae, we regularly help UAE residents prepare properly certified translations for Japan visa applications. Contact us to discuss your specific documents.
VFS Global Application Details
Location
WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2
Umm Hurair 2, Dubai UAE
Application Hours
- Visa submission: 8:00-12:00 (Mon-Thu), 8:00-11:00 (Fri)
- During Ramadan: 8:00-11:00
- Visa collection: 12:00-15:00 (Mon-Thu), no collection Fridays
Contact
Dubai/Sharjah/Ajman/UAQ/Fujairah/RAK residents:
info.japandxb@vfshelpline.com
Note: Abu Dhabi/Al Ain residents must apply at the Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi.
Common Rejection Reasons
Application Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Can UAE passport holders travel to Japan without a visa?
Yes. As of July 2025, UAE nationals can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. If you hold a UAE passport, you don't need to apply for anything—just book your flight and go.
Who needs to apply for a Japan e-Visa from the UAE?
UAE residents who are citizens of eligible countries (including India, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam), hold a valid UAE residence visa for more than 6 months, and are traveling for tourism purposes only.
Do I need to translate my documents for a Japan visa application?
If any supporting documents are in a language other than English or Japanese, you'll need certified translation. This commonly affects employment letters, bank statements, and trade licenses issued in Arabic.
What is the minimum residence visa validity required?
Your UAE residence visa must be valid for more than 6 months at the time of application—not your travel date. If your visa expires in 5 months and you're applying for a trip in 2 months, you're ineligible.
Where do I apply for a Japan visa in Dubai?
Since August 2024, applications are submitted through VFS Global at WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Dubai. The Japanese Consulate no longer accepts direct applications.
How far in advance should I apply?
Submit your application 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. VFS cannot accept applications if your flight is within 2 weeks, and processing takes at least 1 week (longer during peak seasons).
Need Document Translation for Your Japan Visa?
OnlineTranslation.ae helps UAE residents prepare properly certified translations that meet consulate requirements. Send us your documents for guidance on your specific situation.