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Get Your Japan Business Visa From the Comfort of Your Office

We handle document review, VFS submission, and follow-up end-to-end – so your team can focus on the trip, not the paperwork.

Visa Validity
Up to 10 Years
Maximum Stay
15 / 30 / 90 Days
Entry
Single / Multiple
Upload Documents Talk to a Visa Expert
Documentation support starts within 24 hours
Travellers
1
Government Visa Fee INR 500 per application (from 1 July 2026)
₹500
Estimated Government Fee Total
₹500

Government fee only; VFS charges a service fee in addition. For BTW’s visa service fees, please call us at 9403460643 – our team will confirm the exact quote for your case.

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Quick Facts

Japan Business Visa at a Glance

Visa Type
Short-Term Business Visa
Sho-tan Bijinesu Visa
Visa Fees
INR 500
single or multiple entry, from 1 July 2026 · VFS service fee extra
Visa Validity
Multiple entry: 1, 3, 5 or 10 years
single entry: 3 months
Maximum Stay
15, 30 or 90 days per visit
period of stay is set on the visa
Processing Time
Varies by case
BTW advises the current expected time
Required Documents
12 core documents
View full checklist below →

Japan Business Visa Overview

Last verified: 17 October 2026, against the Embassy of Japan in India visa page. The seal and invitation-letter notes follow MOFA’s visa information. Fees and procedures can change; confirm with us before you apply.

Quick answer: do Indians need a visa for a business trip to Japan?

Yes. Indian passport holders need a Short-Term Business Visa before travelling to Japan for business; there is no visa on arrival. Applications are made through VFS Global, and whether a centre accepts walk-ins or needs a pre-booked appointment depends on the centre. From 1 July 2026 the Embassy lists a visa fee of INR 500 for Indian nationals, plus the VFS service fee. Processing time varies, so BTW advises the current expected time. JAPAN eVISA is for tourism only.

Japan stands as the world’s third-largest economy and a powerhouse of technological innovation, manufacturing excellence, and global trade. From the bustling corporate headquarters of Marunouchi in Tokyo to the industrial heartland of Nagoya and the entrepreneurial energy of Osaka, Japan offers unparalleled opportunities for international business. Whether you are attending high-level board meetings with a Japanese conglomerate, negotiating a supply chain partnership, visiting a manufacturing facility, or exploring one of the country’s many world-class trade shows, understanding Japan’s visa framework is the essential first step for any corporate traveller.

Japan’s immigration system is governed by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, administered by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISAJ) under the Ministry of Justice. For short-term business visitors from India, the primary pathway is the Short-Term Business Visa (Sho-tan Bijinesu Visa), which permits a defined range of professional activities without requiring a separate work permit. Unlike some countries, Japan requires Indian nationals to obtain this visa in advance of travel – there is no visa-on-arrival or visa-exempt entry for Indian passport holders.

Japan’s visa application process has distinct features that set it apart from other destinations. The system places significant emphasis on the role of the host company in Japan, often requiring a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a detailed letter of guarantee from the inviting entity. The invitation letter should follow the official format (a company seal is no longer required; a signature is enough), and the application form follows a specific format mandated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These Japan-specific requirements demand careful preparation and attention to detail.

Where and How to Apply

The Embassy of Japan in India and the Consulates General of Japan in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru handle visas for Indian nationals. Applications are made through VFS Global. Walk-in or appointment rules depend on your VFS centre: some accept walk-ins and others need a pre-booked slot, so check the current status in our Japan visa walk-in rules for India. Applications are accepted from 3 months before the travel date. The visa fee for Indian nationals is INR 500 (single or multiple entry) from 1 July 2026, plus the VFS service fee. The ISAJ oversees immigration policy and COE issuance through regional immigration bureaus in Japan.

JAPAN eVISA is for tourism only. JAPAN eVISA started in India on 1 April 2024, but it covers short-term tourism only. A business trip needs a short-term business visa, applied for through VFS. See the Embassy of Japan in India visa page for details.

This guide covers everything corporate travellers and their administrative teams need to know about obtaining a Japan business visa – from eligibility criteria and required documentation to the step-by-step application process and post-arrival compliance. For hands-on support with your Japan corporate visa application, explore our corporate visa services or contact our Japan visa specialists directly.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for a Japan business visa depends on the nature of your intended activities, the strength of your invitation from a Japanese entity, and your ability to demonstrate genuine business purpose. Japanese consular officers evaluate applications based on the purpose of the visit, the applicant’s ties to their home country, and the reliability of the host organisation in Japan.

Who Can Apply

Eligible Corporate Travellers

  • Employees travelling on behalf of their employer for business meetings, negotiations, or partnerships
  • Company directors and executives attending meetings with Japanese parent companies or subsidiaries
  • Business owners exploring the Japanese market, attending trade shows, or visiting suppliers
  • Engineers and technical staff conducting factory inspections or equipment commissioning
  • Consultants and advisors providing pre-contracted services to Japanese clients
  • Representatives attending conferences, exhibitions, and industry-specific events
  • Academics and researchers visiting Japanese institutions for collaborative projects

Genuine Business Visitor Requirements

  • You must have a genuine intention to visit Japan for a permitted business activity
  • You must have an invitation or guarantee from a registered Japanese entity
  • You must intend to leave Japan at the end of your permitted stay
  • You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Japan
  • You must not intend to engage in paid work or commercial activities
  • You must demonstrate strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family)

Visa-Required vs Visa-Exempt Nationalities

Japan categorises countries into two groups for visitor entry purposes:

Visa-Required Nationalities (Must Apply in Advance)

Citizens of countries including India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, and most African and South American nations must apply for a visa before travelling to Japan. Indian passport holders always require advance visa clearance for any type of visit, whether business, tourist, or transit. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals.

Visa-Exempt Nationalities

Citizens of countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, most EU member states, South Korea, and Singapore do not need a visa for short business visits to Japan (typically up to 90 days). They must present a valid passport and may be asked to demonstrate the purpose of their visit at the port of entry.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

While not always mandatory for short-term business visits under 90 days, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the host company in Japan significantly strengthens the application. The COE is obtained through the regional immigration bureau in Japan by the inviting company, which can take 1–3 months. For frequent visitors and those seeking multiple-entry visas, a COE is strongly recommended. Without a COE, the applicant must provide a detailed letter of guarantee and invitation from the Japanese host instead.

Required Documents

Document preparation is the most critical phase of your Japan business visa application. Japanese consular officers pay close attention to the completeness, authenticity, and internal consistency of all submitted materials. The invitation letter and guarantee documents from the Japanese host should follow the official formats and be signed; a company seal is no longer required.

Document Requirements & Specifications
Valid Passport Must be valid for the whole trip and have enough blank pages for the visa. If you hold an old passport with previous travel stamps (especially Japan, Schengen, US, UK), include it alongside the current passport. BTW confirms the current passport-validity requirement for your case.
Japan Visa Application Form Complete the standardised Japanese visa application form (specific format issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan). The form must be filled out in English or Japanese, printed on A4-size paper, and signed by the applicant. This form is available from the Embassy of Japan website or VFS application centres.
Photograph One recent colour photograph: 45mm (height) × 45mm (width), taken against a plain white background, within the last 6 months. Full face with neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses. Printed on matte or semi-gloss photo paper. Digital or scanned photos are not accepted.
Invitation Letter from Japanese Company A formal invitation letter on the Japanese company’s letterhead, written in English or Japanese, and signed by the host (a company seal is no longer required). Must include: the applicant’s full name and passport number, purpose of visit, detailed itinerary, dates of visit, confirmation of the business relationship, and who will bear the expenses during the stay in Japan.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Guarantee Documents Either a valid COE issued by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency through the host company, OR a Letter of Guarantee from a Japanese individual or organisation, signed (a seal is no longer required), along with supporting documents from the guarantor (certificate of registered matters, tax payment certificate, or employment certificate).
Company Covering Letter A letter from your Indian employer on company letterhead confirming your employment, designation, salary, the purpose of the Japan trip, the business activities and companies to be visited, which meetings or events you will attend, confirmation that the company sponsors your travel, and the expected date of your return to duty.
Bank Statements Recent personal bank statements, printed on bank letterhead with official stamps, showing sufficient funds to cover Japan expenses. Salary credits and regular transaction history demonstrate financial stability. BTW confirms the statement period required for your case.
Employment Verification A letter from your employer’s HR department confirming your employment status, designation, date of joining, salary, and approved leave for the Japan travel. For business owners, include company registration documents, GST certificates, and business profile.
Business Registration Documents Company PAN card, GST registration certificate, Certificate of Incorporation (for companies), Partnership Deed (for partnerships), or sole proprietorship documentation. These establish the legitimacy of your business and your role within it.
Flight Itinerary A confirmed or tentative round-trip flight reservation showing your departure and return dates. The itinerary must align with the dates stated on your application form and invitation letter.
Hotel Reservation Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your Japan stay, or proof of accommodation arranged by the host company. If the host company is providing accommodation, a confirmation letter is required.
Previous Travel History Copies of previous visa stamps and visa vignettes (Japan, Schengen, US, UK, Canada, Australia) demonstrating a pattern of compliance with international immigration rules. Previous Japan visas are particularly relevant for multiple-entry applications.

Seal No Longer Required on Japanese Host Documents

Japanese host documents used to carry a company seal (hanko/inkan). MOFA’s visa information now states that a company or personal seal on the Letter of Guarantee and the Invitation Letter is no longer required; a signature is enough. Tell your Japanese host so they do not wait to courier sealed originals, and check your VFS centre’s latest checklist.

Application Process

The Japan business visa application follows a structured process. Unlike some countries, Japan does not require biometrics at the time of application. Applications are accepted from 3 months before your travel date. Because processing time varies, start early to allow for document preparation from your Japanese host and COE processing (if required); BTW will advise the current expected processing time.

Phase 1: Prepare

Steps 1–4

  1. Coordinate with Your Japanese Host

    Contact your Japanese business partner or host company to initiate the invitation process. They must prepare the signed invitation letter (a company seal is no longer required), and if applicable, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at the regional immigration bureau in Japan. This COE process takes 1–3 months, so plan well in advance.

  2. Download and Complete the Application Form

    Obtain the standardised Japanese visa application form from the Embassy of Japan website or VFS application centre. Fill it out completely in English or Japanese, print on A4-size paper, and sign. Ensure all information matches your passport and supporting documents exactly.

  3. Compile Supporting Documents

    Gather all required documents as outlined in the Required Documents section. Ensure every document is current, authentic, and organised. Prepare both originals and photocopies as specified by the embassy or consulate where you are applying.

  4. Prepare Your Photograph

    Obtain one recent 45mm × 45mm colour photograph meeting Japan’s specifications. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months against a white background, printed on photo paper. Attach it to the application form using a glue stick (do not staple).

Phase 2: Apply

Steps 5–6

  1. Submit Your Application through VFS Global

    Submit your complete application package through VFS Global. Whether your centre accepts walk-ins or needs a pre-booked appointment depends on the VFS centre that covers your state, so check the current status in our Japan visa walk-in rules for India and on the VFS page before you go. Business applications are made through VFS; JAPAN eVISA is for tourism only.

  2. Pay the Visa Fee

    Pay the visa fee as instructed by VFS. From 1 July 2026 the fee for Indian nationals is INR 500, for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas. VFS charges a service fee in addition.

Phase 3: Decision & collection

Steps 7–8

  1. Wait for Processing

    Processing time can vary significantly. BTW will advise the current expected time for your application. You can ask VFS or your BTW contact for status updates.

  2. Collect Passport with Visa

    Once the visa is approved, collect your passport from the submission centre or receive it via courier. The visa sticker (vignette) will be affixed in your passport with the validity dates, permitted duration of stay, and number of entries. Verify all details immediately upon receipt.

BTW Corporate Advantage

Our dedicated Japan visa team manages the entire application process for corporate clients – from coordinating with Japanese host companies and obtaining COEs to completing the application form and submitting through VFS. Learn more about our corporate visa assistance or get in touch for a tailored proposal.

Processing Time & Visa Validity

Understanding processing timelines and visa validity is essential for corporate travel planning to Japan. Visa processing time can vary significantly, and the COE process (if required) demands further advance planning.

Processing Time

Visa Processing

Varies by case. The Embassy of Japan in India states that processing time can vary significantly. BTW will advise the current expected processing time when you send your documents, so avoid non-refundable travel bookings until the visa is issued.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

1–3 months for the host company in Japan to obtain the COE from the regional immigration bureau. The processing time varies by region and complexity of the application. Tokyo-area immigration bureaus may take longer due to higher application volumes. Apply for the COE well in advance.

Visa Validity and Duration of Stay

Visa Type Validity Period of Stay
Single-Entry Business Visa 3 months from date of issue One visit; period of stay set on the visa
Multiple-Entry Business Visa 1, 3, 5 or 10 years from date of issue 15, 30 or 90 days per visit

Multiple-Entry Visa Requirements

Multiple-entry visas are not automatically granted. Eligibility is category-based; for example, regular employees with more than three business trips to Japan in the last three years. The Embassy lists all categories in its multiple-visa document (PDF), so we link to it rather than repeat every category here. BTW can confirm whether you or your team qualify.

A visa does not guarantee entry. Final admission to Japan is decided by immigration officers at the port of entry.

Frequent corporate travellers to Japan may qualify for a multiple-entry visa (1, 3, 5 or 10 years), which removes the need for repeated applications. Speak with our team to determine the best visa duration for your travel profile.

Common Reasons for Delays & Application Tips

Incomplete or inconsistent applications create most avoidable delays. The issues we see most often:

Common Issues

  • Missing supporting documents
  • Incorrect information on the application form
  • Inconsistent travel dates between documents
  • An unclear purpose of travel
  • An incomplete invitation from the Japanese host
  • Documents that do not clearly show the business purpose

Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Keep the purpose clear: say why you are travelling and what business you will do
  • Stay consistent: the form, invitation letter, covering letter and itinerary should tell the same story
  • Prepare early: meeting dates, exhibitions and conferences are fixed, so start well ahead
  • Check current requirements: fees and procedures change; confirm before you apply

Applying to Attend a Trade Fair or Exhibition

Japan hosts large international exhibitions across manufacturing, automotive, electronics, technology, healthcare and food. If your trip is to attend or exhibit at one, your application should explain the event, your business role and the reason for attending. Supporting documents such as event registration, an invitation letter or exhibitor information can be useful. See the major business events in Japan for dates and venues.

Permitted Business Activities

The Japan Short-Term Business Visa permits a specific range of professional activities. Understanding exactly what you can and cannot do is critical – engaging in activities outside the permitted scope can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and long-term immigration consequences in Japan.

Activities You CAN Undertake

Meetings & Negotiations

  • Attending business meetings with Japanese companies, partners, or suppliers
  • Negotiating and signing business contracts and agreements
  • Participating in board meetings or shareholder meetings at Japanese subsidiaries
  • Conducting sales presentations and product demonstrations
  • Discussing pricing, terms, and commercial arrangements with Japanese counterparts

Trade & Professional Activities

  • Attending trade fairs, exhibitions, and industry conferences (as an observer or exhibitor)
  • Conducting factory tours and production facility inspections
  • Carrying out market research and competitive analysis
  • Visiting Japanese offices, warehouses, or R&D centres
  • Attending after-sales service training at Japanese manufacturing plants
  • Participating in technical seminars and industry workshops

Activities That Are NOT Permitted

Under no circumstances may you undertake the following on a Short-Term Business Visa:

  • Taking up paid or unpaid employment with a Japanese company
  • Engaging in commercial activities such as selling goods or services within Japan
  • Running or operating a business entity in Japan
  • Providing paid technical services or consulting (beyond pre-contracted advisory)
  • Undertaking activities for remuneration that would otherwise require a work visa
  • Studying at a Japanese educational institution
  • Engaging in religious activities or missionary work as a primary purpose

Japan takes immigration violations extremely seriously. Engaging in unauthorised activities can result in immediate detention, deportation, and a multi-year ban from re-entering Japan.

Corporate Travel Information

Beyond the visa itself, successful corporate travel to Japan requires awareness of business customs, practical logistics, and the unique cultural nuances that define Japanese professional interactions. Below is essential guidance for corporate travellers heading to Japan.

Japan Business Etiquette

Professional Culture

  • Punctuality is paramount – arrive 5–10 minutes early for all meetings. Being late is considered disrespectful
  • Business card exchange (meishi koukan) is a formal ritual – present and receive cards with both hands, read carefully, and never write on them
  • Use formal titles and the suffix “-san” until invited to use first names
  • Bowing is the traditional greeting; a handshake is acceptable when offered by your Japanese counterpart
  • Decision-making in Japanese companies often follows the “nemawashi” process (consensus-building before meetings), so outcomes may be pre-determined
  • Business dress is formal – dark suits, white shirts, and conservative ties for men; conservative professional attire for women

Major Business Hubs

  • Tokyo – Japan’s primary business hub, home to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Marunouchi financial district, and headquarters of most major corporations. Key areas: Marunouchi, Otemachi, Shinjuku, and Shibuya
  • Osaka – The commercial capital of the Kansai region, known for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and the Sakai-Senbawa industrial zone
  • Nagoya – The automotive and manufacturing hub, anchored by Toyota, Denso, and a vast supplier network in the Chubu region
  • Yokohama – Major port city and home to a growing tech and innovation sector
  • Fukuoka – Emerging startup hub with growing international business connections

Key Business Events in Japan

Technology & IT

  • Tokyo Game Show (September, Chiba)
  • CEATEC (October, Chiba)
  • Japan IT Week (Spring/Autumn, Tokyo Big Sight)
  • Interop Tokyo (June)

Food & Beverage

  • Foodex Japan (March, Tokyo Big Sight)
  • Japan International Food & Beverage Expo
  • SIAL Japan (varies)

Automotive & Manufacturing

  • Tokyo Motor Show / Japan Mobility Show
  • Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF)
  • International Robot Exhibition (iREX)
  • Japan Manufacturing Exhibition

Practical Travel Considerations

Document Checklist for Japan Travel

  • Valid passport with Japan visa vignette
  • Printed copy of the visa application confirmation
  • Invitation letter from the Japanese host company (signed)
  • Certificate of Eligibility (if applicable)
  • Company covering letter from your Indian employer
  • Hotel reservation or accommodation confirmation
  • Return flight ticket
  • Emergency contact details for your Japanese host
  • Digital copies of all documents stored securely in the cloud

BTW Visa Services supports 7,200+ corporate clients across all visa services. Our team understands the nuances of Japanese consular requirements, including the invitation and guarantee letter formats and COE coordination, and ensures your application is thorough, compliant, and optimised for approval. Explore our full range of corporate visa services or contact us today to get started.

For Companies & HR Teams

A Japan business visa depends on documents from two sides: your company in India and your host in Japan. Agreeing early who provides what is the simplest way to avoid delays, especially for group travel or repeat trips.

From Your Company in India

  • Covering letter on company letterhead: employee, designation, purpose of the trip, the business activities and companies to be visited, who sponsors the travel, and the expected return-to-duty date
  • Employment verification from HR
  • Business registration documents (PAN, GST certificate, certificate of incorporation or equivalent)
  • Financial documents showing the trip can be funded

From Your Host in Japan

  • Invitation letter on company letterhead, signed, stating purpose, dates, itinerary and who bears the expenses
  • Certificate of Eligibility or guarantee documents, where applicable
  • A named contact whose details you can carry as your emergency contact in Japan

Groups and frequent travellers. Collect all travellers’ documents together so dates, purpose and sponsor details match across the group. If your team travels to Japan regularly, ask us whether a multiple-entry visa is worth applying for; eligibility is category-based (see the validity table).

For Japan, our team reviews your documents against the host’s paperwork, coordinates the signed invitation, confirms which VFS centre covers you and whether an appointment is needed, and submits the application. Talk to our Japan visa team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a Short-Term Business Visa (Sho-tan Bijinesu Visa) before travelling to Japan for business purposes. Japan does not offer visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Indian nationals. Applications are made through VFS Global. Whether your centre accepts walk-ins or needs a pre-booked appointment depends on the VFS centre that covers your state; see our Japan visa walk-in rules for India for the current status. JAPAN eVISA is for short-term tourism only, so business visits go through VFS.

A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document issued by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency through the host company in Japan. It pre-validates the purpose of your visit and streamlines the visa process. While not always mandatory for short-term business visits under 90 days, having a COE significantly strengthens the application and is required for stays exceeding 90 days. Your Japanese host must apply for the COE at the regional immigration office in Japan, which typically takes 1–3 months.

Processing time can vary significantly, as the Embassy of Japan in India itself notes. We therefore do not promise a fixed number of days: BTW will advise the current expected processing time when you send your documents. Because the time varies, apply well before your travel date and avoid non-refundable travel bookings until the visa is issued. If a Certificate of Eligibility is needed, add the time the Japanese host needs to obtain it.

From 1 July 2026, the visa fee for Indian nationals is INR 500, for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas. VFS charges a service fee in addition. Fees can change, so BTW confirms the current amount when quoting. Source: Embassy of Japan in India.

No. The Short-Term Business Visa permits activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, factory tours, market research, and contract signing. It does not permit paid employment, commercial activities, or any form of paid work. If you intend to work in Japan, you must apply for the appropriate work visa category (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) through a separate application process.

Japan requires one recent colour photograph measuring 45mm (height) × 45mm (width), taken against a plain white background. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months, show your full face with a neutral expression, and have no glasses (recommended). The photo must be printed on matte or semi-gloss photo paper. Digital photos or scanned images are not accepted.

A single-entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and allows one visit to Japan. A multiple-entry visa can be valid for 1, 3, 5 or 10 years, with a period of stay of 15, 30 or 90 days per visit. Eligibility for a multiple-entry visa is category-based; for example, regular employees with more than three business trips to Japan in the last three years. The Embassy lists all categories in its multiple-visa document (PDF), and BTW can confirm whether you qualify.

No. Japan does not require biometric data (fingerprints or photographs) at the time of visa application submission for Indian nationals. You submit your passport, application form, and supporting documents at the embassy, consulate, or VFS centre. Biometric collection may occur at the port of entry upon arrival in Japan for certain nationalities, but this is separate from the visa application process.

The Japanese visa application form is a specific standardised form issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. It is different from generic visa application forms. The form must be filled out completely in English or Japanese, signed by the applicant, and printed on A4-size paper. The form is available for download from the Embassy of Japan website or can be obtained from VFS application centres.

Applications are accepted from 3 months before your travel date. As processing time varies, apply early and allow time for document preparation. BTW will advise the current expected processing time. If a Certificate of Eligibility is required, start the process well in advance, as the COE itself takes 1–3 months to be issued by Japanese immigration.

In most business visa applications, yes. An invitation from your Japanese host, on company letterhead, is a core document. A company seal is no longer required on the invitation letter or Letter of Guarantee; a signature is enough, according to MOFA. It should explain the purpose of the visit, the dates, who you will meet and who bears the expenses. BTW confirms the exact documents for your case.

Typical causes are missing supporting documents, incorrect information on the application form, inconsistent travel dates, an unclear purpose of travel, an incomplete invitation from the Japanese host, and documents that do not clearly show the business purpose. Keep every document consistent with the others and prepare early.

No. The visa allows you to travel to a Japanese port of entry, but final admission is decided by the immigration officer on arrival. Carry your invitation letter, itinerary and company documents with you.

Explain the event, your business role (visitor or exhibitor) and why you are attending. Supporting documents such as event registration, an invitation letter or exhibitor information can help, alongside your standard business visa documents. BTW can advise what is useful for your event.

It depends on your VFS centre. Some centres accept walk-ins and others need a pre-booked slot, and the rules have changed several times in 2026. Check our Japan visa walk-in rules for India for the city-wise status, and confirm on the VFS Global Japan page before you go. You must apply at the centre that covers the state you live in.

No. JAPAN eVISA has been available in India since 1 April 2024, but it covers short-term tourism only. A business trip needs a short-term business visa, applied for through VFS Global.

Japan hosts numerous major international business events including the Tokyo Game Show (September, Chiba), CEATEC (October, Chiba), Japan IT Week (Spring/Autumn, Tokyo Big Sight), Foodex Japan (March, Tokyo), the Tokyo Motor Show, and the Japan Mobility Show. Additionally, major exhibitions at Tokyo Big Sight, Makuhari Messe, and Osaka INTEX run throughout the year. These events attract thousands of international corporate visitors and are valid purposes for business visa applications.

Tokyo is Japan’s primary business hub, home to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Marunouchi financial district, and corporate headquarters of most major Japanese companies. Osaka is the second-largest business centre, known for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and the Kansai region’s commercial activities. Nagoya is the automotive and manufacturing hub, anchored by Toyota and its supplier network. Yokohama, Kobe, and Fukuoka are also growing business centres with increasing international presence.

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