Summary of how foreigners can obtain a “volunteer visa” and stay in Japan
Introducing how to obtain a "volunteer visa" recommended for foreigners who want to stay in Japan for a short period of time as a volunteer rather than obtaining a work visa and working, and the types of volunteer work that can be done using the visa. To do.
Can I stay in Japan using a volunteer visa?
The volunteer visa is the ``British volunteer visa,'' which is one of the specified activity visas.
Simply put, this is a visa issued to British nationals for volunteer work in the welfare field that is accepted by a specific organization such as the government or an NPO for a period of up to one year. , it will be possible to stay in Japan subject to certain conditions.
Volunteer visa application requirements and how to obtain one
We have summarized the requirements for applying for a volunteer visa and how to obtain one.
[Application requirements]
1 Be a British citizen residing in the UK
2 You are planning to work as a volunteer in Japan for one year at an approved specified organization. Specified
organizations include national or public organizations, NGOs, the Red Cross, social welfare organizations, non-profit organizations, public service providers, etc. .
3 Not receiving a salary
It is permissible to receive a small allowance or to be provided with accommodation.
4 Not accompanied by children
5 Do not bring your spouse with you, unless
your spouse also has a volunteer visa.
6 Have a valid passport and sufficient funds to purchase a ticket
7 Have sufficient funds for living expenses while staying in Japan
8 You plan to leave Japan before your visa expires.
9 Be healthy
Volunteer visas can only be applied for by people who meet all of the above requirements, so the requirements for obtaining them are somewhat strict and are only valid for one year from the date of issuance
[How to apply]
Submit a copy of each of the documents below to the appropriate Japanese government consulate in the UK.
| ・A valid British passport ・Visa application form sample・One passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months 35mm x 45mm ・A confirmation letter regarding your volunteer plan from a specific organization in Japan ・The specific organization you plan to volunteer at A pamphlet (including information such as the organization's name, address, representative name, overview, etc.) - A document that explains the outline of volunteer activities (If applicable, please state the amount)・Proof that you have purchased a flight ticket to/from Japan・Certificate of account balance・Activity schedule in Japan after the volunteer activity ends |
What kind of volunteering is available in Japan?
We will introduce volunteer groups in Japan that you can work with using a volunteer visa.
Aid for Japan
Aid for Japan was founded on March 11, 2011, when many children lost their families in the Great East Japan Earthquake. Aid for Japan runs a long-term program to help orphans affected by the earthquake.
Year of establishment: 2011
Website: www.aidforjapan.co.uk
Volunteers for peace (VFP)
VFP participates in more than 3,000 volunteer service projects in more than 100 countries, with projects in Japan focused on the environment, agriculture, social issues, disaster relief, and recovery.
Year of establishment: 1982
Website: www.vfp.org
World Unite
Year of establishment: 2005
World Unite conducts volunteer activities in areas such as agriculture, tourist spots, and child care facilities. This organization is gaining popularity because it provides accommodation for volunteer participants and also welcomes applications from people with no prior work experience.
Website: www.world-unite.de
Hands on Tokyo
Hands on Tokyo works with local organizations to support local communities. Our programs include socializing with the elderly and children, delivering food to the hungry, and assisting the visually impaired.
Year of establishment: 2006
Website: www.handsontokyo.org
Due to the coronavirus, you may be unable to apply temporarily.
When applying for a volunteer visa, you should be aware of Japan's border measures against the coronavirus.
Due to the "New Measures Related to Strengthening Border Control Measures (19)," the reception and examination of applications for new entry by foreigners was suspended until the end of February 2020.
Currently, restrictions on the movement of vaccination certificate holders have been relaxed, and new entry will be permitted from March 1, 2020 based on "New Measures Related to Strengthening Border Control Measures (27)." Ta. However, all new foreigners are required to obtain a Screening Certificate
Procedure for issuing Screening Certificate
① Apply for a login ID from the Immigrant Health Management System (ERFS)
② Log in to the Immigrant Health Management System (ERFS)
③ Register information from the Immigrant Health Management System (ERFS) and apply for an examination certificate ,to download
Reference: Entry Health Management System (ERFS) https://entry.hco.mhlw.go.jp/
The requirements may change depending on the situation with the coronavirus, so please check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest information.
Reference: Official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs https://www.mofa.go.jp/index.html
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regarding measures to strengthen border measures regarding the new coronavirus infection https://www.mofa.go.jp/ mofaj/ca/fna/page4_005130.html
summary
Although there are some points to be aware of, such as application requirements and the coronavirus situation, volunteer visas may be a way to take the first step to start living in Japan. If you are a foreigner who wants to experience Japan's nature and people and explore Japanese culture, why not apply for a volunteer visa?
