Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan

All Topics about Sapporo All Cities in Japan

1. Japanese Visa Application Process

Application process for obtaining a Japanese tourist visa. Requires specific documents and sometimes an interview.

Time Required: The processing time may take up to one month.
Application Fees: There's a non-refundable application fee associated with the process.
Interview Required: Not all applicants are required to attend an interview, but it is a possibility.

Electronic registration system for foreign visitors to Japan. Completed upon arrival at the airport.

Data Collection: Information collected includes passport details and address in Japan.
Temporary Resident Number: A temporary resident number is issued, which may be required for certain transactions in Japan.
Mandatory: All foreign visitors must complete the ETRIC upon arrival.

Certain countries are exempt from obtaining a Japanese visa for short-term stays (up to 90 days).

List of Countries: The list of countries eligible for visa exemptions is provided by the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Duration Limitations: Stays can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Extension of Stay: An extension of stay may be possible, but it requires specific circumstances and an application process.

Working holiday visa for young travelers (18-30 years old) seeking work and travel opportunities in Japan.

Eligibility Criteria: Citizens of specific countries are eligible, with certain income and health requirements.
Length of Stay: Stay can be up to one year, with the possibility of extending for a second year under certain conditions.
Work and Travel Opportunities: Provides opportunities to work in various industries while traveling throughout Japan.

Registration process for foreign residents living in Sapporo. Required to obtain a residence card.

Residence Card: The issued card serves as proof of residency and is required for certain transactions in Japan.
Address Verification: Proof of address, such as a lease agreement or utility bill, must be provided during the registration process.
Periodic Updates: Resident information must be updated when changes to address or other personal details occur.

Renewal process for foreign residents living in Sapporo. Required to maintain legal residency status.

Validity Period: Residence cards must be renewed every three years.
Renewal Process: Renewal can be done at the local city office or by post, with specific documents required.
Expiration Date: It is essential to renew before the expiration date to avoid any legal issues.

Registration process for foreigners staying at guesthouses in Sapporo. Completed by the facility upon check-in.

Mandatory Registration: Foreigners must be registered when staying at a guesthouse for more than three days.
Hotel vs. Guesthouse: Only guesthouses, not hotels, require this registration process.
Information Sharing: The guesthouse shares information with the local city office for record-keeping purposes.

Registration process for hosts offering short-term rentals in Sapporo. Completed through the local city office.

Legal Requirement: The registration is required to operate a legal short-term rental business.
Inspection Process: The property must pass an inspection before being registered for short-term rentals.
Renewal Requirements: The registration must be renewed annually, with specific documents required.

Emergency contact information for foreigners living or visiting Sapporo. Provides crucial assistance during emergencies.

Police and Fire Departments: Includes contact information for police and fire departments in case of emergency.
Hospitals and Clinics: Lists hospitals and clinics that are equipped to handle foreign patients.
Translated Information: Key emergency information is available in multiple languages, including English.

Services for finding lost items by foreigners visiting or living in Sapporo. Operated by local police stations.

Lost Items: Items can range from passports and wallets to personal belongings.
Reporting Lost Items: Lost items should be reported to the local police station as soon as possible.
Recovered Items: Recovered items can be collected at the police station or sent to the owner's address if found.

Process for determining a foreigner's tax residency status in Sapporo. Affects income tax obligations.

Residence Period: A foreigner is considered a tax resident if they spend 183 days or more in Japan within a calendar year.
Tax Obligations: Tax residents are subject to income taxes on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxed on Japanese-sourced income.
Filing Requirements: Tax returns must be filed annually by the specified deadline to avoid penalties.

Application process for foreigners wishing to drive in Sapporo. Requires an International Driver's License.

International Driver's License: An International Driver's License is required to apply for a Japanese driving permit.
Driver's Permit Validity: The driving permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Vehicle Registration: Foreigners may also need to register their vehicle in Sapporo.

Process for foreigners wishing to open a bank account in Sapporo. Requires specific documents and identification.

Required Documents: Documents such as passport, residence card, and proof of address are required.
Identification Verification: The account applicant's identity is verified through various methods, including photo identification.
Minimum Deposit: A minimum deposit may be required to open the account.

Options for mobile phone plans available for foreigners in Sapporo. Some plans offer prepaid and postpaid options.

Prepaid vs. Postpaid: Choose between prepaid, which requires no contract, or postpaid, which bills monthly.
Sim Card Swap: Some providers offer sim card swaps at convenient locations throughout Sapporo.
International Calling and Data: Options for international calling, text messaging, and data usage are available in various plans.

Health insurance options for foreigners living or visiting Sapporo. Covers medical expenses and hospitalization costs.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Plans: Choose between short-term plans, valid for a few days to a year, or long-term plans for extended stays.
Coverage Levels: Coverage levels vary depending on the plan selected, with some offering comprehensive coverage.
Providers and Comparison Sites: Multiple providers offer health insurance plans, with comparison sites available to help choose the best option.