Back to blogs

Japan Visa for Malaysians: 2025 Requirements Guide

Guide

September 15, 2025

Kit Neoh

Quick Answer

Here's the deal: If you're a Malaysian citizen heading to Japan for a short trip (less than 90 days), you probably don't need a visa. This visa exemption works for tourism, short business trips, and visiting friends or family. The one major catch is you need a biometric passport that meets ICAO standards—look for a small chip symbol on the front cover. Most passports issued since 2017 have this.

You will need to apply for a visa if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if you're going to work or study. For these long-term stays, the process usually starts with a sponsor in Japan (like an employer or school) getting a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for you.

Key Facts

Visa-Free Stays: Up to 90 days for tourism, transit, or short business meetings.
Passport Rule: You must have a biometric, ICAO-compliant passport for visa-free entry.
When You Need a Visa: For any stay over 90 days, or for purposes like work or study.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE): This document is required for most long-term visa applications and must be obtained by your sponsor in Japan.
Application Fee: There's generally no fee for Malaysians applying for a long-term visa.
COVID-19 Rules: As of early 2025, Japan has no COVID-19 entry requirements like vaccination proof or PCR tests for travelers from Malaysia.
Processing Time: A visa application takes at least five working days, but can sometimes take months. Apply well in advance.

Applying for a Long-Term Japan Visa: Step-by-Step

If you need a visa for work, study, or a long stay, the process is pretty straightforward. Here’s how it usually works:

Find a Sponsor: First, an employer, school, or family member in Japan must act as your sponsor.
Get the COE: Your sponsor applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf from the immigration authorities in Japan.
Gather Your Docs: Once you have the COE, collect all required documents. This includes your original passport, a copy of your Malaysian IC, photos, the application form, and your travel itinerary.
Book Your Appointment: You have to book an appointment at the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia via email. Check their website for the specific details they require in the email.
Submit in Person: Attend your appointment to submit your application and documents.
Wait for Processing: The embassy will process your application, which takes at least five working days. Plan for potential delays.

Common Scenarios & Exceptions

My passport isn't biometric: If your passport doesn't have the ICAO chip symbol, you'll need to apply for a visa even for a short tourist trip.
What counts as "work"? Any activity you get paid for requires a work visa. Attending unpaid business meetings or conferences is usually fine under the visa exemption.
Visa Validity: A standard single-entry visa is valid for three months from the date of issue. This means you must enter Japan within that window.
Applying Early: You can't apply more than three months before your planned travel date. The sweet spot is applying two to three months in advance.

Visa-Free Entry vs. Long-Term Visa

FAQs

How long can Malaysians stay in Japan without a visa?

Malaysian citizens can stay in Japan for up to 90 consecutive days without a visa for tourism or short business trips.

What kind of passport do I need for visa-free entry to Japan?

You need a Malaysian biometric passport that is compliant with ICAO standards. You can identify it by the small, rectangular chip logo on the front cover.

Do I need a visa to work in Japan?

Yes, you must obtain a work visa before you travel to Japan if you plan to engage in any paid activities.

How much is the Japan visa fee for Malaysians?

For most long-term work or study visas, there is no application fee for Malaysian citizens.

How long does it take to get a Japan visa in Malaysia?

The minimum processing time is five working days, but complex cases can take several months. It's best to apply two to three months before your trip.

Are there any COVID-19 entry requirements for Japan?

No. As of January 14, 2025, Japan does not require vaccination proof, PCR tests, or quarantine for travelers arriving from Malaysia.

What's a good way to handle money in Japan?

Using a multi-currency account or card is a smart move. It allows you to convert Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) to Japanese Yen (JPY) at better rates and lower fees, which is useful for payments and ATM withdrawals.