Visa Categories and Procedures
The Japanese Visas are broadly divided into two major groups i.e., Short Term Stay Visa and Long Term Stay Visa.

There are in all seven categories of visas to enter into Japan, which includes two short-term stay visas and five work or long – stay visas. Working visas are issued under fourteen residence statuses. In certain cases no visa is required for landing permission.

Work and Long-term Stays
Visa is issued for a stay period of more than 90 days. This mainly refers to 5 categories i.e., diplomatic visa, official visa, working visa, general visa and specified visa. Applicants entering Japan after acquiring a work visa in Japan. Applicants with long-term stay visa may or may not be permitted to work.

When applying for a visa for work/ long-term stays, it is advisable to apply in Japan beforehand for a Certificate of Eligibility. If an applicant submits a visa application to an embassy or consulate together with a Certificate of Eligibility, he or she will be able to obtain a visa in a shorter time as compared to applicants not having such certificate.

No Visa required for Landing Permission
(a) Permission for Landing at Port of Call
Applications for such special landing permission are made not by the passenger wishing to enter Japan himself or herself but by the captain of their airplane or ship or by the carrier (Transportation Company) operating the flight or voyage.
Special dispensation, called a shore pass, may be granted to passengers aboard an airplane or ship that is proceeding to another destination visa Japan and who wish to enter Japan temporarily for shopping or rest. A shore pass permits such passengers to enter Japan as long as they remain in the vicinity of their port of call (in principle, the municipality in which the port of call is located) and for a period of less than 72 hours.