Japan wants to host more wealthy travelers worldwide from next April, allowing them to stay up to a year in the country, thanks to a new type of visa.
The government has decided to relax the rules on visas as part of its tourism target. Currently, most travelers whether for business or tourism are allowed to enter the country without a visa and stay for a maximum period of 90 days.
Foreign visitors will have a special permit - renewable once - for a stay of up to six months, provided that they come from one of 66 countries and regions with a reciprocal visa exemption with Japan.
However, travelers must be at least 60, provide a certificate from their bank with a balance of 30 million yen (~ € 215,000) or more for a married couple and prove that they have health coverage.
Many countries offer long residence visas to foreigners. Portugal, for example, launched in 2012 a program called "Visa Gold", which requires the recipient to invest in the country, for example in real estate. The Japanese government does not have such requirements.
In government, some suggest that the age should be lowered to age 60.
Seeing these rich tourists from abroad as a factor of economic recovery, the government believes that a prolonged stay in Japan will enable them to discover the great sights that are Tokyo and Kyoto but also the most remote areas. The government says it will give a boost to the local economy.
Foreign tourists flock hungry for long stays already to places like Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture, or Niseko in Hokkaido, or vacation homes, hotels and other establishments are now available.
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