Japan Visa through Germany: How to Apply and What You Need to Know?

Obtaining a Japan visa can be a challenging task, especially for citizens of countries where there is no embassy or consulate of the Land of the Rising Sun. In such cases, applying for a Japan visa through Germany can be an excellent alternative. Most often, the visa is issued through Berlin, as this is where the Embassy of Japan is located. In this article, we will explain in detail how to get a Japan visa in Berlin, what documents are required, who is eligible to apply, and what to pay attention to when planning your trip. Ready? Let’s begin.

Who Can Apply for a Japan Visa through Germany?

You can apply for a Japan visa through Berlin in the following cases:

You are legally residing in Germany (with a residence permit, visa, or as an EU citizen);
You are temporarily in Germany and unable to apply from your home country;
You are a citizen of Ukraine or another country where Japanese embassies are temporarily not accepting applications;
You are applying through an authorized representative or accredited agency in Berlin.

Important! If you are in Germany as a tourist, your chances of getting a visa may be lower, especially if you cannot prove a long-term stay in the country.

Where to Submit Documents?

You can submit your application at:

Embassy of Japan in Berlin (Botschaft von Japan in Deutschland).
Or at one of the Japanese consulates in Germany (e.g., Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, or Munich) — if you are geographically closer to these cities.

However, most applicants apply for the Japan visa in Berlin, especially when the documents are submitted by a non-German citizen.

What Visa Types Are Available?

The Embassy of Japan in Germany issues various visa types, namely:

Tourist visa (temporarily suspended or restricted for some nationals — check in advance);
Business visa;
Student or work visa.

The tourist visa to Japan is most commonly processed through Germany. However, it usually requires special justification if applying from outside your home country.

Required Documents

Passport (valid for at least 6 months);
Completed visa application form (in English or Japanese);
Passport-sized photo (recent);
Flight reservation (if available);
Proof of accommodation in Japan (hotel booking, invitation letter);
Financial documents: bank statements for the last 3 months;
Copy of German visa or proof of legal residence in Germany;
Invitation letter (if travelling for private or business reasons).

If you are applying for a Japan visa through Germany as a Ukrainian citizen or third-country national, it is important to provide documents confirming your temporary or permanent stay in Germany.

Submission Specifics for Ukrainians

Many Ukrainian citizens, temporarily residing in Germany, need to apply for a Japan visa not through Kyiv but through Berlin. The Embassy of Japan in Berlin actively accepts documents from Ukrainian citizens, provided they can confirm their status in Germany (temporary protection, visa, residence permit). It is important that all documents are in English or provided with a certified translation.

You can also apply for a Japan visa in Germany through a sponsor or a Japanese inviting party. In such cases, a properly prepared invitation letter and guarantee letter are essential. Overall, if you are outside your home country and need to apply for a Japan visa, Germany is an excellent solution. Thanks to the well-organized work of Japanese consulates, especially in Berlin, the submission process has become more accessible to foreign nationals, including Ukrainians. With careful preparation and compliance with all requirements, you can easily obtain your Japan visa through Germany and go on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun without unnecessary delays.