In general, it's not possible to extend a short-term stay (短期滞在) visa. However, there are exceptional circumstances where an extension is permitted. Let's explore these exceptions and under what circumstances an extension for a short-term stay is possible.
Types of Short-Term Stay Visas
- Tourist Visa
- Visit Visa (for acquaintances)
- Visit Visa (for family)
- Short-Term Business Visa
Duration of Short-Term Stay Visas
Except for visa-exempt countries, when you apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country and receive the visa to enter Japan, the maximum period you can stay in Japan on a short-term stay visa is 90 days. In principle, staying in Japan beyond the period for which you received your visa is not allowed.
Visa-Exempt Countries
As of September 30, 2023, Japan has implemented visa exemption measures for 70 countries and regions. Visa-exempt countries and regions are those where obtaining a visa is not required when entering Japan for purposes such as business, conferences, tourism, visiting family or acquaintances, etc. However, if you engage in activities for which you receive compensation in Japan or stay beyond the period for short-term stays designated for each country, you would need to obtain a visa.
Extending (Renewing) Short-Term Stay Visas
As mentioned at the beginning, short-term stay visas cannot be extended in principle. However, there are exceptions where extensions are permitted. For example:
When a foreign national wishes to continue activities related to the "short-term stay" residency status due to truly unavoidable humanitarian reasons and other compelling circumstances.
Examples of Truly Unavoidable Humanitarian Reasons
- Cases where unforeseen illness or hospitalization necessitates advanced medical treatment in Japan.
- Situations where a person who came to Japan to look after their grandchild is compelled to continue care.
- When flights or ships for return to one's home country are not available, making it physically impossible to return.
The term "physically impossible to return" also applies to situations resulting from the spread of COVID-19. If you have such circumstances, there's a possibility to extend (renew) a short-term stay visa, so please feel free to contact us if you'd like to request immigration assistance.
However, for cases where one is compelled to continue caring for their grandchild, if you cannot reasonably explain who was providing care before coming to Japan for a short-term stay and who will take care of the grandchild after the next period of stay, the possibility of an extension remains low.
For more information, please feel free to contact us! We look forward to hearing from you.
