① Eligible Individuals and Permitted Activities
Eligible Individuals
The Religious Activities Visa is intended for individuals who:
- Belong to a foreign religious organization, and
- Are officially dispatched as religious workers.
Typical examples include:
- Missionaries
- Pastors / Ministers
- Priests
- Monks
- Bishops
- Imams
- Rabbis
These individuals must hold a recognized religious role and be officially appointed or dispatched by their organization.
Permitted Activities
Activities recognized under this visa include:
- Missionary work and evangelism
- Conducting religious rites (services, ceremonies, Mass, memorials, etc.)
- Providing spiritual education and guidance
- Managing or assisting in religious activities at a church, temple, mosque, or similar facility
- Producing religious publications related to the organization’s mission
Activities Not Covered
The following activities do not qualify for a Religious Activities Visa:
- Participation as a general believer only
- Conducting non-religious administrative or custodial work as the main duty
- Paid activities unrelated to religion (e.g., language teaching or business activities) unless separate permission is obtained
- Training-only activities or theological study without performing religious duties
② General Application Process
When inviting a religious worker from overseas, the process generally follows three stages:
Step 1 — Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan
The Japanese receiving religious organization submits the COE application to the regional Immigration Services Bureau.
This is the most important step, as the COE confirms eligibility for the Religious Activities Visa.
Step 2 — Visa Application at Embassy/Consulate Abroad
Once the COE is issued, the religious worker submits it along with the required documents to a Japanese embassy or consulate in their country.
Step 3 — Visa Issuance and Entry into Japan
After the visa is issued, the individual enters Japan.
Upon arrival:
- A residence card is issued at the port of entry.
- The individual registers their address at the local city office within 14 days.
③ Documents Required for the Application
Below is a consolidated list of documents typically required for the COE application.
Documents fall into basic documents, dispatching organization documents, and receiving organization documents.
📌 Basic Required Documents
- COE Application Form
- Passport-sized photograph
- Return envelope (if required by the submitting bureau)
📌 Documents from the Dispatching Organization (Foreign Religious Body)
1. Dispatch or Recommendation Letter
This must indicate:
- The identity and position of the religious worker
- The dispatch period
- The religious duties expected in Japan
- Details of compensation or financial support
2. Organizational Overview
This typically includes:
- The denomination or tradition
- The organization’s history
- Leadership structure
- Description of overseas religious activities
3. Proof of Religious Qualifications
Examples:
- Ordination certificate
- Proof of training, ministry experience, or membership
- Documentation showing the applicant’s religious status
📌 Documents from the Receiving Organization in Japan
1. Organizational Information
This may include:
- Religious corporation registration documents (if applicable)
- Organizational bylaws or rules
- List of officers
- Description of religious facilities
- Photos or proof of actual religious operations
2. Activity Plan in Japan
A detailed plan describing:
- The religious duties the applicant will perform
- Expected ceremonies, services, or teaching activities
- Weekly or monthly schedules
- The location of activities
3. Financial Support Evidence
Showing how the applicant will sustain their life in Japan:
- Salary or stipend provided by the receiving organization
- Financial support from the foreign headquarters
- Provision of housing or living arrangements
④ Requirements for the Dispatching Organization (Foreign Side)
The foreign religious body must:
- Be a legitimate religious organization with established activities
- Clearly authorize the dispatch of the religious worker
- Provide documentation proving the applicant’s religious status
- Demonstrate ability to financially support the worker if needed
- Maintain actual religious activities outside Japan (not just nominal presence)
⑤ Requirements for the Receiving Organization (Japan Side)
The Japanese religious organization must:
- Have a legitimate religious activity base (church, temple, mission center, etc.)
- Provide a clear and specific description of the religious worker’s duties
- Demonstrate stable organizational operations
- Provide or ensure financial support adequate for living in Japan
- Submit an activity plan consistent with recognized religious activities
