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Residence of Japanese citizens
All information about Japanese citizens' stay in Germany and visa applications from Japan.
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What are the entry requirements for Japanese citizens in Germany?
How Japanese people can obtain a residence permit in Germany
Agreements between Japan and Germany on visa law
Details on the business start-up by Japanese people in Germany
1. Visa-free entry for Japanese citizens
1.1 Stay up to 90 days
1.2 No work during visa-free stay
2. Apply for a visa at the embassy in Tokyo
3. Residence permit for Japanese nationals in Berlin
4. Easier business start-up for Japanese citizens
5. FAQ Japanese people in Germany
6. Conclusion
1. Visa-free entry for Japanese citizens
Due to the political and cultural ties between Germany and Japan, Japanese citizens enjoy special privileges when applying for residence permits. This is evident not only in the possibility of visa-free entry to Germany (see the visa list of the Federal Foreign Office), but also in the simplified residency procedure: Unlike other nationals who can enter visa-free, Japanese citizens may apply for their residence permit directly at the relevant immigration office in Germany immediately after arrival. For other nationalities, however, an application for a corresponding visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country is required before entry. The legal basis for this special regulation is Section 41 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV).
Japanese nationals can enter Germany without a visa, provided they meet the general requirements of the Schengen Borders Code (see Article 6 of the Schengen Borders Code, EU Regulation 2016/399). This primarily includes possession of a valid passport, which must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Furthermore, upon entry, persons from Japan must be able to prove the purpose of their stay and demonstrate their financial independence for the duration of their stay. For example, for business trips, a letter of invitation from the host company and a hotel booking are required.
1.1 Stay up to 90 days
Japanese nationals may stay in Germany for up to 90 days within any 180-day period after visa-free entry, according to Section 41 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV). The EU Commission provides the "Schengen Calculator" to accurately calculate this 90-day period. If the stay is to be extended beyond 90 days, an application for a residence permit must be submitted to the relevant immigration authority during the visa-free period. In this case, the so-called "legal fiction" applies, according to Section 81 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). This allows legal residence in Germany until the immigration authority has decided on the application. A certificate of legal fiction can be issued until a final decision is reached. Detailed information on this can be found in our VISAGUARD guide on applying for a certificate of legal fiction .
1.2 No work during visa-free stay
Visa-free entry for Japanese citizens is generally only permitted if they do not engage in gainful employment in Germany. Therefore, for any form of employment – regardless of origin from a privileged state like Japan – either a corresponding visa or a residence permit is required (see Section 4a Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act). An exception is the so-called " deemed non-employment " provision according to Section 30 of the German Employment Ordinance. This allows Japanese citizens to engage in certain activities without a separate permit during their visa-free stay, although the scope of these activities is strictly limited. Frequently used permit-free activities include business trips or participation in trade fairs. However, it should be noted that using these exceptions involves risks: exceeding the permitted activity constitutes illegal employment, which can be punished with severe penalties . The independent VISAGUARD experts are happy to assist you in individually assessing whether your activity as a Japanese citizen in Germany requires a work permit.
2. Apply for a visa at the embassy in Tokyo.
If you are a Japanese citizen and intend to work full-time in Germany, it is generally recommended that you apply for a visa at the German Embassy in Tokyo before entering the country (see the website of the German Embassy in Japan). The embassy provides an overview of the required documents for the visa application on its website.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can book an appointment for your visa application via the RK Visa System. After successful review and issuance of the visa by the embassy in Tokyo, nothing stands in the way of your entry into Germany and the commencement of employment. Detailed information on the application process can be found in our VISAGUARD Visa Application Guide .
3. Residence permit for Japanese nationals in Berlin
If you are already residing in Germany and wish to apply for a residence permit as a Japanese citizen, you must contact your local immigration office . In Berlin, for example, residence permits for Japanese nationals are issued by the State Office for Immigration (LEA) . The State Office for Immigration provides specific information for Japanese citizens on its website . If you, as a Japanese national, wish to apply for a residence permit pursuant to Section 26 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) at the Berlin Immigration Office, you must submit the following documents:
Valid passport
Employment contract
Rental agreement including details of the living space
Proof of monthly rent (e.g. bank statement)#
Proof of your health insurance
The collected documents must then be submitted via the LEA contact form . The immigration office will then schedule an appointment for you. Booking an appointment is no longer possible in Berlin (see the VISAGUARD blog post on the abolition of the appointment system in Berlin ).
4. Easier business start-up for Japanese citizens
Due to international treaties between Germany and Japan, Japanese citizens enjoy various privileges in Germany, primarily concerning business start-ups . These privileges for Japanese citizens in Germany stem mainly from the Treaty on Commerce and Navigation of July 20, 1927 (RGBl. II p. 1087). This bilateral treaty, for example, obligates German authorities to give special consideration to the applicant's personal circumstances when granting residence permits (the so-called "benevolent consideration clause"). Furthermore, social security agreements exist between Germany and Japan that allow pension insurance contributions paid in Japan to be credited towards a permanent residence permit in Germany under certain conditions. This is particularly beneficial for Japanese entrepreneurs, as they are generally required to demonstrate adequate retirement provisions from the age of 45 onwards if they wish to establish a business in Germany (§ 21 para. 3 of the German Residence Act). For details regarding a visa for starting a business from Japan in Germany , one of our specialized and independent VISAGUARD lawyers will be happy to advise you .
5. FAQ Japanese people in Germany
Are Japanese nationals affected by the new ETIAS regulations?
Yes, since Japanese nationals can enter visa-free, they will be subject to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from mid-2025.
Which German embassies are responsible for Japanese citizens?
For Japanese nationals, the primary contact is with the foreign missions in Japan, in particular the German embassy in Tokyo.
How long does a visa application process take from Japan?
Visa procedures in Japan are relatively quick. Most Japanese visa applications can be completed within 2-4 months if our VISAGUARD tips for accelerating visa processes are followed .
What is the success rate for visa applications from Japan?
Due to the various privileges granted to foreigners from Japan, the success rate for visa applications is over 90% if the requirements are met.
Are Japanese citizens allowed to enter Germany without a visa?
Yes, Japanese citizens are permitted to enter Germany without a visa according to § 41 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) and stay for up to 90 days. However, employment is not permitted during this stay, unless it falls under an exception according to § 30 of the German Employment Ordinance (BeschV).
Can Japanese citizens apply for a residence permit after entering Germany?
Yes, Japanese citizens may apply for their residence permit directly at the relevant immigration authority in Germany without having to apply for a national visa beforehand (§ 41 AufenthV).
What rules apply to the establishment of a company by Japanese nationals in Germany?
Japanese citizens benefit from special international regulations, in particular the 1927 Treaty on Commerce and Navigation. Authorities are required to review their applications favorably, and Japanese entrepreneurs can more easily apply for a residence permit to start a business (§ 21 AufenthG).
6. Conclusion
On this page you have learned about the special visa and residence regulations that apply to Japanese citizens in Germany. Japanese citizens are citizens of so-called "Best Friends" countries and, as such, can enter Germany without a visa, apply for a residence permit (§ 41 AufenthV), and work without possessing a formally recognized qualification (§ 26 para. 1 BeschV).
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Priority check (best friends nationals)
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] BeckOK AuslR/Klaus, 29th Ed. April 1, 2021, BeschV § 26
[2] Offer/Mävers, Commentary on the Employment Ordinance, 2nd ed. 2022, § 26