Japan's Designated Activities (Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation) status allows foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries to reside in Japan for up to one year for sightseeing, recreation, and similar leisure activities. Introduced in 2015 as part of Japan's tourism revitalization strategy, this is the closest equivalent to a retirement visa that Japan offers. It targets financially independent individuals aged 18 and over who hold substantial savings (minimum JPY 30 million) and wish to experience an extended stay without working. Despite the high financial threshold, only approximately 214 people held this status as of the most recent available data.
The initial period is 6 months, which may be extended once for an additional 6 months at a regional immigration office before the current period expires. The same documentation (bank statements, insurance, itinerary) must be submitted for the extension. The maximum total stay is 1 year with no further extensions possible. After the 1-year maximum, the holder must leave Japan and cannot simply reapply for continuous residence. This status does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.
Only the applicant's spouse may accompany under Notification No. 41. Children, parents, and other family members are not eligible under any circumstances. The spouse must hold a passport from a visa-exempt country. If the spouse travels together with the primary applicant on the same itinerary, combined savings of JPY 30,000,000 are sufficient. If the spouse enters separately or has a different itinerary, each must demonstrate JPY 30,000,000 individually (JPY 60,000,000 combined). The spouse must enter Japan after the primary applicant has obtained their status of residence.
Holders residing for less than 1 year without establishing a domicile are generally classified as non-residents and taxed only on Japan-sourced income. Those who establish a domicile or reside for 1 year or more may be classified as residents, though as non-permanent residents (5 years or less aggregate stay in the preceding 10 years) they are taxed only on Japan-sourced income and foreign income remitted to Japan.
There are two pathways. From overseas, the applicant submits the visa application directly to the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Visa applications are typically processed within approximately 5 working days. From within Japan, the applicant enters on a short-term stay (tourist visa or visa waiver) and applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at a regional immigration office, which may take 1-3 months to process. Once approved, the applicant can change their status without leaving Japan. The COE is valid for 3 months from issuance. Upon entering Japan, the holder receives a Residence Card at major international airports and must register at the municipal office within 14 days.
As of July 2026, visa issuance fees have increased significantly (the first increase since 1978) to approximately JPY 15,000 for single-entry or JPY 30,000 for multiple-entry visas, applicable to applications submitted on or after 1 July 2026. Residence status extension and change of status fees are also set to rise following an Immigration Control Act amendment enacted on 29 May 2026, which raised the statutory fee caps; the new tiered amounts will be set by Cabinet Order.