Japan Certificate of Eligibility (COE) 2026 — Complete Guide
Everything about the 在留資格認定証明書 — what it is, who needs it, how to apply, required documents, timeline, and how to avoid rejection.
One-minute summary
- •A Certificate of Eligibility (COE, 在留資格認定証明書) is a pre-screening document issued by Japan's Immigration Services Agency confirming that you meet the requirements for a specific residence status.
- •It is NOT a visa. After the COE is issued, you still take it to a Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country to obtain the actual visa sticker.
- •Required for most medium- and long-term residence categories — work, study, family, business. NOT needed for short-term tourism, short business visits, or transit under 90 days.
- •The application is normally filed inside Japan by a proxy (your employer, school, family member, or a licensed lawyer / immigration scrivener), not by you from overseas.
- •Processing currently averages 25–170 days depending on visa status; see the monthly MOJ data on our processing-time page.
- •Once issued, a COE is valid for 3 months — you must obtain your visa and enter Japan before that expires.
What does a COE actually look like?
A COE is an A4 certificate issued by Japan's Ministry of Justice. Since 17 March 2023, it can be delivered electronically by email (e-COE) or, traditionally, as a mailed paper document. Both versions contain exactly the same information and are equally accepted at the embassy and at port-of-entry immigration.
Printed on security paper, stamped with the Ministry of Justice seal, and physically mailed to the proxy in Japan who forwards it overseas by international post.
Sample paper COE (Ministry of Justice)
Since March 2023, COE can be delivered as a PDF attached to an email from @ras-immi.moj.go.jp. The applicant receives the email, completes a one-time "receipt registration" via a URL in the message, and then presents the PDF (on phone or printed) at the embassy.
Explore the COE guide
What is a COE
Definition, how the COE differs from a visa, and the three pathways to a residence status.
Open →How to Apply
The 10-step application, who can file as proxy, online vs counter submission.
Open →Application Form & Documents
Documents required for every COE application, plus specific lists for 8 major visa types.
Open →Fees
Immigration Bureau fees (current and upcoming 2026 reform), scrivener ranges, embassy fees, and all other incidentals.
Open →Processing Time (New, Renewal, Change)
Live MOJ monthly statistics for all 36 visa categories, with monthly trend charts.
Open →Rejection Reasons
Thirty common reasons COE applications are refused, grouped by visa type, and how to avoid each one.
Open →FAQ
Fifteen questions and answers covering everything from timing to post-COE visa steps.
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