Obtaining a medical stay vis: KOKUJI No. 25)
Understanding the Medical Stay Visa (KOKUJI 25) in Japan
Medical Stay Visa The Medical Stay Visa (25th category) is designed for individuals who need to stay in Japan for over 90 days to receive medical treatment, including hospitalization. This visa allows for continuous medical care before and after hospitalization specifically for the illness or injury that necessitated the hospitalization. It is not applicable for those staying in family homes or hotels and only receiving outpatient treatment.
Requirements for the Medical Stay Visa
- The applicant must plan to stay in Japan for more than 90 days.
- The purpose of the stay is to receive hospital treatment (including childbirth).
- Medical care before and after hospitalization must be directly related to the condition that required hospitalization.
- Care for unrelated conditions or diseases post-discharge is not covered under this visa.
- Eligibility is determined individually, based on a physician’s diagnosis.
Caregivers and Companions The visa also extends to caregivers (companions) accompanying the patient. These caregivers are not necessarily required to be relatives of the applicant, but their relationship and the presence or absence of remuneration are regulated. Neither patients nor their caregivers are permitted to work in Japan during their stay.
Important Considerations for Medical Stay Visa Holders
- Visa holders cannot enroll in Japan’s health insurance system, as stated in the Health Insurance Law.
- All hospitalization and treatment costs must be fully covered by the visa holder without any insurance assistance.
Duration of Stay The permitted duration of stay under this visa is determined by the treatment plan:
- If the expected treatment period is within six months, as per the doctor’s diagnosis, the visa is granted for “six months.”
- If the treatment is expected to exceed six months and the authorities deem it unnecessary to review the case every six months, a “one-year” visa may be issued.
Subsequent renewals of the visa require regular submissions of the doctor’s diagnosis, treatment plans, hospital admission certificates, and proof of financial ability to cover living expenses.
Continental offers expert advice on obtaining the Medical Stay Visa, ensuring that applicants understand and meet all requirements for a successful application. Whether to consult Continental, a distinguished firm on the East Coast of Japan, is a crucial decision for those seeking medical treatment in Japan.
Professional
Masakazu Murai
Immigration consultant, Financial advisor
He has 18 years experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley. He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
He currently supports many foreign entrepreneurs in Japan, taking advantage of the experience of an investment banker. He is the best expert of Business VISA in Japan.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
MBA in Entrepreneurship
