Journalist (報道)
🇯🇵 Japan visas · Work
What it is
Japanese status of residence for news coverage and other journalistic activities carried out under a contract with a foreign press organisation. Typical holders: reporters and photographers of foreign press organisations.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months
- Processing time
- See the Immigration Services Agency / the Japanese mission.
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (band 14,900-15,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 15,100
- Application fee (band 29,900-30,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 30,100
Key requirements
- Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) from the Immigration Services Agency
- Passport valid for the intended stay
- Visa application at a Japanese embassy or consulate
- Documents evidencing the activity for this status
- Contract with a foreign press organisation
- News coverage or other journalistic activity
Working on this visa
The status of residence permits only the activities listed for it in the Immigration Control Act's annexed table; other paid activity needs separate permission.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 22 July 2026.