Summary of how foreigners can obtain a "Volunteer Visa" to stay in Japan

update date 2024/05/15

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Foreign women staying in Japan on a volunteer visa

Good news for British nationals who would like to stay in Japan for a short period of time as a volunteer rather than working on a work visa. Did you know that there is a special visa called "British Volunteer Visa" that British nationals can obtain to engage in volunteer activities in Japan?

In this issue, we will provide a detailed overview of this British volunteer visa, how to obtain it, and the types of volunteer work you can engage in using the visa.

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Can foreigners stay in Japan on a volunteer visa?

The British Volunteer Visa is one of the specified activity visas, and is issued to British nationals for volunteer activities in the field of welfare to be performed by a specific organization, such as a government or NPO, for a period of one year or less. This visa allows British nationals to stay in Japan and engage in volunteer activities according to certain conditions.

Unlike other work visas, the British Volunteer Visa is only for British nationals and other nationalities are not eligible to apply. If you are a British national and wish to volunteer in Japan, please consider applying for a British volunteer visa.

Application Requirements and How to Obtain a British Volunteer Visa

The following is a summary of the requirements for applying for a British volunteer visa and how to obtain one. Make sure you meet the application requirements, and then proceed with the application process with the necessary documents.

【 Application Requirements 】

Be a British citizen residing in the United Kingdom
Must plan to work as a volunteer in Japan for one year at an approved specified organization. Specified organizations include national or public organizations, NGOs, Red Cross, social welfare organizations, non-profit organizations, and public service providers.
Not receiving a salary Receiving a small allowance and being provided with accommodations are permitted.
Not accompanied by children.
Not be accompanied by a spouse unless the spouse also holds a volunteer visa.
Possess a valid passport and sufficient funds to purchase airline tickets
Have sufficient funds for living expenses during their stay in Japan
Must plan to leave Japan before the visa expires
Good health

The British Volunteer Visa is unique in that it can only be applied for by British nationals who meet all of the above requirements, so the requirements for obtaining it are somewhat strict, and it is only valid for one year from the date of issuance.

How to apply

Submit a copy of each of the following documents to the appropriate Japanese government consulate in the UK

Valid British passport
Sample visa application form
1 passport size photo (35mm x 45mm) taken within the last 6 months
Letter of confirmation from a specific agency in Japan regarding your volunteer plan
Brochure of the specific organization for which you plan to volunteer, including the organization's name, address, representative's name, and a brief description of the organization
Documents outlining volunteer activities
A summary of the terms and conditions with the specific organization for which you plan to volunteer (if a small amount of compensation is given by the organization, the amount must be stated)
Proof that you have already purchased a ticket to/from Japan
certificate of account balance
Schedule of activities in Japan after completion of volunteer activities

Please refer to the website of the Embassy of Japan in the UK for details and examples of application forms.

Reference:Visa: Volunteer Visa｜Embassy of Japan in the United Kingdom

What kind of volunteer work can British volunteers do in Japan?

Here are some Japanese volunteer groups that you can engage in using your British volunteer visa. There are groups working in various fields such as welfare, environmental protection, disaster relief, and so on. We encourage you to find a volunteer group that matches your interests and concerns and get involved.

Aid for Japan

Aid for Japan is a volunteer organization that runs a long-term program to support children who were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011 and have lost their families. We provide ongoing activities such as educational support and psychological care for the orphans of the earthquake and tsunami. We recommend this program to those who want to help bring smiles back to the children's faces.

Year of establishment: 2011
Website: Aid For Japan

Volunteers for peace (VFP)

VFP is an international volunteer organization with over 3000 volunteer service projects in more than 100 countries. In Japan, VFP organizes a number of projects focusing on environmental protection, agricultural assistance, addressing social issues, and disaster relief and reconstruction assistance. It is an attractive opportunity to work while interacting with the local community.

Year of establishment: 1982
Website:Volunteers For Peace Volunteers For Peace

World Unite

World Unite is an organization that provides volunteer work in agriculture, tourist areas, and child care facilities. We provide accommodations for volunteer participants and welcome applications from people with no work experience, making us a good choice for first-time volunteers. The reason for the popularity of this program is that it allows volunteers to engage in volunteer activities while experiencing the nature and culture of Japan.

Year of establishment: 2005
Website:World Unite!

Hands on Tokyo

Hands on Tokyo is a locally based volunteer organization that operates in and around Tokyo, offering a variety of programs to support the local community. Their activities are unique to the Tokyo community and include social events with the elderly and children, providing meals to the disadvantaged, and support for the visually impaired.

Year of establishment: 2006
Website:Hands On Tokyo - Hands On Tokyo

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summary

The British Volunteer Visa is a special visa for British nationals to engage in volunteer activities in Japan. It is possible to obtain this visa if you meet the application requirements and have all the necessary documents, but please note that the situation may change due to the effects of the new coronavirus infection.

The British Volunteer Visa allows British nationals to volunteer in various fields such as welfare and environmental protection while experiencing the beautiful nature and warm people of Japan. If you are a British citizen who would like to explore Japanese culture, why not give it a try? It is sure to be a wonderful experience.