For a lot of freelancers like myself, traveling out of the country and getting a visa can be quite daunting as our work situation is far from that of the normal ones. For one, we are not formally employed with a company. A lot of freelancers fear getting offloaded or getting their visa application denied because of their employment status.

Just recently, I got my application approved for a multiple entry Japan Tourist Visa. I will be sharing the details as to what documents I submitted and what the process is. 

My situation:
I applied as a female solo traveler. I have traveled to Japan once last year on a single entry tourist visa when I was still employed. I am currently working as a tour guide and freelancer doing social media marketing work and virtual assistant work for remote clients for less than 6 months. I have no ITR, since I haven't changed my tax employment status yet in BIR. I have good travel history, with a total of 11 out-of-country travels.

Documents that I submitted:

  • Passport - Should be valid for at least six months from the dates of travel, and should have two more pages left. 
  • Tourist visa application form - This can be downloaded and printed out from the Japan embassy website, or you can get a copy at a Japan-accredited travel agency. It can be computerized or handwritten; it really does not matter. If it's the latter, your handwriting should be legible and there should be no erasures. Take note that it should be in size A4.
  • Schedule of stay/ itinerary - This can also be downloaded from the Japan embassy website.
  • Japan visa photo 2 copies - Applicant should be in formal attire, and with a white background. Photos should be in the prescribed size.
  • Bank certificate - This should be valid for 3 months. There is no required amount to have in your bank account, but based on other blogs, the "safe" amount is Php10k per day.
  • Explanation letter for having no ITR - ITR is required, but since I don't have one, I made an explanation letter as to why I do not have an ITR. 
  • COE from my remote clients - As a freelancer, I have multiple clients so I requested for COE's from them indicating the date that I started doing consultancy work with them, my tasks and responsibilities, and my compensation.
  • Form for multiple entry - This can also be downloaded from the Japan embassy website. 
  • Explanation letter as to why I need multiple entries - This is not required but I think it increased my chances of being approved.
I went to Discovery Tours in Makati to have my application processed, paid the processing fee of Php800 and I was advised to call after three business days. When I called, I was told that my passport is ready for pick up. I went there and voila! Five years multiple entry granted! 

Notes:

  • Application form should be printed in A4 size paper. Same applies to ALL other forms that you have control over.
  • PSA birth certificate is REQUIRED if it’s your FIRST TIME applying for a Japan visa. Otherwise, you may not submit one.
  • Processing fee depends on which Japan-accredited agency you will submit your documents to. For a complete list of Japan-accredited agencies, you can check out their website.
  • You will not be interviewed at the agency. Approval of your visa will solely be based on the documents that you submitted.
There you go. I hope that was helpful if you are planning to apply for a multiple entry Japan Tourist Visa, especially if you are a freelancer. For more tips on Japan Tourist Visa application, you can check out my other post here.