Real COE Processing Times in 2026 (Based on Actual Applicant Data)

For foreigners planning to work, study, or live in Japan, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is one of the most important steps in the visa process.

Many applicants ask the same question:

“How long does a COE take in Japan?”

To help answer this, we reviewed recent applicant timelines shared by foreigners applying through different immigration offices in Japan. The results give a realistic picture of current COE processing times in 2025–2026.

COE Processing Times (Completed Cases)

The following cases include applications where the COE has already been issued.

Application Office	Application Date	COE Received	Visa Type	Processing Time
Tokyo Immigration	29-Sep-25	10-Jan-26	Dependent	103 days
Tokyo Immigration	21-Dec-25	8-Jan-26	Humanities	18 days
Tokyo Immigration	13-Jan-26	17-Feb-26	Dependent	35 days
Tokyo Immigration	19-Dec-25	13-Jan-26	HSP 1-B	25 days
Osaka	9-Jan-26	6-Feb-26	Student + Dependent	28 days
Yokohama	24-Sep-25	6-Jan-26	Dependent	104 days
Yokohama	10-Oct-25	10-Jan-26	Dependent	92 days

Average Processing Time

From these cases:

• Average COE processing time: about 2 months

• Fastest case: 18 days

• Longest completed case: 104 days

COE Applications Still Waiting

Some applicants are still waiting for their COE approval.

Below are the current waiting periods based on March 2026.

Application Office	Application Date	COE Status	Visa Type	Current Waiting Time
Tokyo Immigration	Apr 2025	Waiting	Business Manager	~10 months
Tokyo Immigration	22-Aug-25	Waiting	Skilled Labor	~6.5 months
Tokyo Immigration	16-May-25	Waiting	Spouse / Dependent of PR	~9.5 months
Tokyo Immigration	28-Jan-26	Pending	Engineer / Humanities	~5 weeks
Tokyo Immigration	5-Nov-25	Waiting	Engineer / Humanities	~4 months
Tokyo Immigration	30-Sep-25	Waiting	Engineer (Startup)	~5 months
Yokohama	5-Dec-25	Waiting	Dependent (newborn)	~3 months
Osaka	12-Jan-26	Waiting	Spouse of Japanese National	~7 weeks

What This Data Suggests

1. Dependent visas often take longer

Family visas such as Dependent or Spouse visas frequently take 2–4 months or longer because immigration reviews:

• financial capability

• tax documents

• relationship proof

• residence status of the sponsor

2. Work visas can be faster

Some Engineer / Humanities visas were approved in 3–5 weeks.

This usually depends on:

• the company's credibility

• complete documentation

• the applicant’s qualifications

3. Highly Skilled Professional visas are often prioritized

The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is designed to attract global talent, and processing can sometimes be completed within 3–4 weeks.

4. Business Manager visas may take longer

Applications for Business Manager visas can take several months because immigration carefully reviews:

• business plans

• office contracts

• company registration documents

• investment proof

Why COE Processing May Be Slow in Early 2026

Immigration offices in Japan experience heavy workloads between December and March due to:

• international student applications

• language school intake

• April employment visas

• dependent family visas

During this period, longer processing times are common.

Important Advice for Applicants

If you are planning to apply for a Japan visa:

• Prepare documents carefully before submission

• Submit your application well before your planned travel date

• Respond quickly if immigration requests additional documents

Incomplete applications are one of the most common reasons for delays.

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Need Professional Support for a Japan Visa?

If you are planning to apply for a:

• Business Manager Visa

• Engineer / Humanities Visa

• Highly Skilled Professional Visa

• Dependent Visa

• Spouse Visa

Professional support from an Administrative Scrivener (行政書士) can help ensure the application is prepared correctly and reduce the risk of delays.