A Ukrainian woman living and working in Thailand shared how she obtained a work visa to Japan. The process takes about two weeks and requires a set of documents that can be gathered without visiting the embassy.

What documents are needed

The main document is a valid passport with two blank pages and an entry stamp. You will need a work visa and work permit in your current country. From your employer, you will need a certificate confirming employment.

Another mandatory document is a bank statement or bank book proving sufficient income. For example, amounts around 66,000 Baht are considered acceptable.

You need two photos for the visa. The application form and travel itinerary must be printed and filled in two copies for each person. All forms are available on the website of the Japanese representative office.

Documents for relatives

If traveling with children, a husband, or a wife, documents confirming family relationships are required. For a married couple, a legalized copy of the marriage certificate in English is necessary. For children, a birth certificate is required.

Where and how to submit documents

Documents are submitted not at the Japanese Embassy, but at a specialized office located in an office building. You need to go to the fourth floor and find the appropriate office.

There are usually few people, so the submission process takes 10 to 30 minutes. After submission, the documents are checked and you are informed of the result.

Options for receiving your passport with changes

After successful verification, there are two options. You can pick up your passport yourself at the office or have it sent by mail. If you choose postal delivery, you need to pay for the delivery of the passports and the visa itself. For the delivery of two passports and a visa, 1800 Baht was paid.

The visa processing time is about a week. The entire process is quite fast and without complications.

Order of document preparation

Before submission, you need to gather a complete package: a passport with an entry stamp, a work visa and work permit, a certificate from your employer, a bank statement, two photos, a completed application form in duplicate, and a travel itinerary in two copies. If relatives are traveling — add documents about the family. All papers must be in paper form.