Required Bank Balance for Japan Student Visa

2024/12/08

If you are an international student willing to stay in Japan for more than 6 months, you will be required to obtain a student visa. One of the most significant requirements that one has to show is the proof of sufficient financial resources, and this is generally shown through the bank balance certificate.

This article will take you through how much bank balance you need, how to show proof of funds, and other documents you have to prepare in order to apply for your Japanese student visa.

Required Bank Balance for Japanese Student Visa

If you’re an international student planning to study in Japan for more than 6 months, you’ll need to obtain a student visa.

One of the key requirements is providing proof of sufficient financial resources.

Minimum Bank Balance Requirement

In general, you are expected to have at least 1.6 million Japanese yen, which is about $11,000-10,000 in your bank account while applying for a student visa. This amount is believed to be enough to finance one year of tuition and living expenses in Japan.

On the other hand, this amount may vary depending on some factors below.

• School to attend
• Accommodation plans
• How much you’ll need also depends on the city in which you will be residing; Tokyo is generally more expensive.

Citation: 査証（ビザ）と在留資格

Proof of Funds

To show that you can support yourself financially, you will have to provide a bank balance certificate along with your application. The certificate should be as follows.

• issued by the bank within the last 3 months
• in Japanese or English; if not, an official translation shall be provided
• clearly indicating the minimum required balance

Research the cost associated with your school and location; also, add a bit to that for unexpected expenses. It’s best if you have more than the requirement so you can comfortably support your studies and life in Japan.

How to Obtain a Bank Balance Certificate

Prospective international students living abroad need to submit a bank balance certificate as proof of funds when applying for a Japanese student visa.

Here are the steps to obtain this document.

1. Contact your bank and request a bank balance certificate. Specify that it is for a Japanese student visa application.
2. Ensure the certificate is issued within the last 3 months and shows a minimum balance of 1.6 million Japanese yen (approximately $12,000 USD as of 2023). This amount covers tuition and living costs for one year.
3. The certificate should be in English or Japanese. If it is in another language, attach an official translation.
4. Submit the original certificate with your visa application. Keep a copy for your records.

Why Proof of Funds is Required?

Japan wants to be assured that international students will be able to support themselves financially. The bank balance requirement proves that you can pay for your education and living expenses in Japan.

Proof of sufficient funds is required not only for a visa but also for admission to Japanese language schools and universities. It is the responsibility of the schools and universities to check the financial stability of the applicants.

Financial Tips for Obtaining a Student Visa

Consider the following tips with respect to financing your studies in applying for a Japanese student visa:

• You cannot depend on working part-time in Japan to finance your education. That is not the purpose of the student visa; you are there to study. You can work up to 28 hours per week, provided you get permission, but this should be for experience and supplementary income only.
  
• If you are to be financially sponsored by a family member, such as one of your parents, you will have to provide additional documents that prove your relationship with the sponsor and the financial position of the latter. These include a letter of sponsorship, proof of employment, tax returns, etc.
  
• You may use scholarships and financial aid to meet the financial requirement. You should include proof of scholarships or any other aid you will be receiving in your visa application.

The bank balance certificate is just one part of the overall visa application. Carefully review all the requirements and prepare the necessary documents to avoid delays or rejection.

By understanding the financial criteria and preparing the appropriate documentation, you will be one step closer to obtaining your Japanese student visa and beginning your educational journey in Japan.

Other Required Documents for Student Visa Application

Along with the bank balance certificate, you need to submit a few more documents when applying for a Japanese student visa. The actual list might vary depending on a situation and school, but normally includes:

Documents which are always required:

• Valid passport, with at least 6 months of validity and blank pages available in it
• A duly filled and signed application form, which is obtainable from the Japanese embassy/consulate
• Recent passport-style color photographs, meeting specifications of the embassy/consulate
• Letter of Acceptance from your school in Japan
• Certificate of Eligibility, COE, issued by regional immigration bureau in Japan – usually applied for by your school on your behalf

Documents required in some cases:

• Proof of relationship with financial sponsor – such as birth or marriage certificates – if someone else is covering your expenses
• Sponsor’s financial documents, such as bank statements, tax returns, and income certificates
• Academic transcripts, diplomas or degrees from your most recent schools
• Proof of Japanese language proficiency, if applicable (JLPT, EJU, etc.)
• Explanation of your reasons and plans for studying in Japan
• Certificate of enrollment and academic transcripts (if transferring from another school in Japan)

Please note that you need to check the latest and detailed document requirements for your student visa with the school in Japan and also with the Japanese embassy/consulate where you intend to apply.

A well-thought-out application will smooth out the process. If something is not clear or you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the respective embassy/consulate and/or your school for a more detailed explanation.