Applying for a Japan Visa from Nepal: VFS Global, COE, and JPETS
Applying for a Japan Visa from Nepal:
VFS Global, COE, and JPETS
If you are in Nepal and have received a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), you still need to apply for a Japanese entry visa before traveling to Japan. In Nepal, most visa applicants must book an appointment and submit their documents through VFS Global.
What you can learn from this page
You still need to apply for a Japanese entry visa before traveling to Japan.
Most applicants must book and submit their visa application through VFS Global.
Student visa seasons may make VFS appointments crowded, so early preparation is important.
JPETS is a separate TB screening system. Details are explained in a separate guide.
1. After receiving a COE, you still need to apply for a Japanese visa
In many medium- to long-term stay cases, the first step is to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan. After the COE is issued, the applicant in Nepal normally applies for a Japanese entry visa before traveling to Japan.
A COE is an important document showing that the planned activity in Japan has been examined in advance. However, the COE itself is not the same as a visa and does not allow the applicant to enter Japan without completing the visa process.
After receiving a COE, the applicant should prepare the visa application form, photo, passport, COE, and any additional documents required for submission through VFS Global.
2. In Nepal, Japan visa applications are generally submitted through VFS Global
The Embassy of Japan in Nepal has outsourced visa application and inquiry services to VFS Global Services Nepal Private Ltd.
As a general rule, the Embassy does not accept visa applications directly from individual applicants, except for Diplomatic and Official visas. Applicants are requested to book an appointment through the VFS Global website and submit their application at the designated time.
Please check the official Visa Information page of the Embassy of Japan in Nepal for the latest guidance.
- Obtain the COE in Japan, if your case requires one.
- Book an appointment through the VFS Global website.
- Prepare the visa application form, photo, passport, COE, and required documents.
- Submit your visa application to VFS Global on the reserved date.
- After review, receive your passport with the visa if approved.
- Confirm your travel schedule and prepare to enter Japan.
3. VFS appointments may become crowded during student visa seasons
According to the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, the number of student visa applications tends to increase significantly from March to April and from September to November. During these periods, VFS appointment slots may become very crowded.
Applicants should check the appointment situation early, especially if their school start date, employment start date, flight schedule, or COE validity period is approaching.
The Embassy has warned about third parties claiming to act as VFS Global and offering priority appointments or visa acquisition services in exchange for high fees. Please rely on official information when checking appointments and procedures.
4. A COE does not mean the visa process is only a formality
Even when a COE has been issued, the visa application process should not be treated as a mere formality. Missing documents, inconsistent information, or unclear travel purpose may cause delays or further checks.
It is useful to review the application from four perspectives: the applicant, the accepting organization or family member in Japan, the submitted documents, and possible examination points.
Check the passport, photo, COE, application form, and travel schedule.
Confirm the employer, school, spouse, relative, or other accepting party in Japan.
Review the COE, visa application form, supporting documents, and JPETS certificate if applicable.
Purpose, timing, consistency of documents, and past application history may be checked.
5. JPETS is a separate TB screening system
Nepalese nationals may be subject to Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (JPETS), depending on their status of residence and timing of application.
JPETS is separate from Nepal’s VFS Global submission procedure. If JPETS applies, the applicant must undergo TB screening at a designated Panel Clinic and submit a TB Clearance Certificate when applying for a COE or visa.
Target countries, target applicants, designated Panel Clinics, submission timing, and validity period are explained in our separate article: Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (JPETS): Who Needs a TB Clearance Certificate?
We support COE and visa-related preparation for applicants from Nepal
Tommy’s Legal Service supports applicants from Nepal, companies, schools, and family members in Japan with COE applications, document checks, visa preparation, and JPETS applicability review.
If you are unsure about the visa process after receiving a COE, VFS appointment timing, or whether JPETS applies to your case, please contact us before submitting your application.
