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Japan Visa for Nepali Citizens

Complete visa guide for Nepali passport holders — requirements, documents, fees, and application process

Nepalese citizens need a Japan visa for any visit, including tourism — there is no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival. Applications are filed at VFS Global Kathmandu, under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu. Tourist visa: single-entry, short-term stay up to 90 days, processing 5–7 working days after VFS receipt. Nepal is one of Japan's largest student-visa senders in South Asia, and a top Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training source country — each long-term category follows a separate COE route.
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Visa Required
Yes
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eVisa
Not Available
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Processing Time
5–7 working days
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Embassies
1 locations

Requirements for Nepali Citizens

  • Valid Nepalese passport with 2+ blank pages
  • Confirmed flight itinerary
  • Proof of accommodation or invitation letter
  • Bank statements (last 6 months)
  • Employment or student certificate
  • Visa application form with photo (4.5cm × 4.5cm)

Short-term visas for Nepal visitors

Covers tourism, family visits, business and transit stays of up to 90 days — this nationality must obtain a visa before travelling.

Long-term visas for Nepal citizens moving to Japan

Study, work, family reunification, permanent residence and other stays longer than 90 days. These always require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a visa, regardless of visa-free status for tourism.

Where to Apply

🏛️ Embassy & Consulates

Kathmandu

📍 VFS Global / Application Centers

Kathmandu

Japan visa cost for Nepali citizens

ItemAmountNotes
Consular visa fee — single entry~NPR 13,500Paid at VFS in NPR at the embassy rate; 5× worldwide increase from 1 Jul 2026 — confirm the posted local rate
Consular visa fee — multiple entry~NPR 27,000
VFS Global service charge~NPR 2,800Per application, non-refundable
SMS / courier (optional)NPR 400–1,500Add-ons, priced per service

Visa pathways for Nepali applicants

Tourist / short-stay visa — how to apply

File at VFS Global Kathmandu. Typical documents: valid passport (2 blank pages, 6 months validity), MOFA visa form with 4.5×4.5 cm photo, confirmed round-trip flight, hotel bookings for the full stay, last 6 months of bank statements, employment certificate or student certificate, and an invitation/guarantor letter if visiting relatives. Book appointment online, submit in person, collect in 5–7 working days. Visa stamp is valid 3 months from issue; max 90-day stay per entry.

Student visa — Nepal's most common long-term path

Student visa is by far the most popular long-term visa for Nepalese. The Japanese school (language school, vocational, undergrad, grad) files a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) with Japanese immigration (typically 2–3 months). The applicant then brings the COE original to VFS Kathmandu with the admission letter, sponsor's bank statements covering tuition + ¥100,000/month for 1–3 years, tax documents, and JLPT N5+ certificate if the program is in Japanese.

SSW / TITP — Nepal is a top sending country

Nepal is one of Japan's largest sources of Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) and Technical Intern Training (技能実習) applicants. SSW candidates pass a sector-specific skill exam (held in Nepal) + JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2, then a registered Japanese employer files the COE. TITP candidates enter through a supervising organization (監理団体). Both convert their COE to a visa at VFS Kathmandu in 5–7 working days.

Frequently asked questions — Nepali

Do Nepalese citizens need a Japan visa?
Yes, every visit. Nepal is not on the Japan visa-exempt list, and there is no visa on arrival (see Japan visa on arrival guide). Tourism, business, student, and work applications all go through VFS Global Kathmandu before departure.
How much does a Japan tourist visa cost for Nepalese?
Expect roughly NPR 15,800–16,800 total for a single-entry tourist visa — ~NPR 13,500 consular fee + ~NPR 2,800 VFS service charge. Multiple-entry doubles the consular component. Optional add-ons (SMS, courier) cost NPR 400–1,500 each.
Is the Japan visa for Nepal processed through VFS Global?
Yes. All Nepal-based Japan visa applications are intake through VFS Global Kathmandu; the Embassy of Japan does not accept walk-ins. Book the appointment on the VFS website, submit in person, and wait 5–7 working days. The embassy makes the decision; VFS only intakes and returns the passport.

Tips for Nepal Applicants

  • 💡Apply through VFS Global Kathmandu (under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu)
  • 💡Student visa is the most popular visa type for Nepalese
  • 💡JLPT certification (N4+) strengthens your application
  • 💡Specified Skilled Worker exam available in Nepal
  • 💡Allow extra processing time during peak seasons

Other Country Guides

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