JR Pass for Japanese citizens
Special eligibility rules for Japanese nationals living abroad
Read before you order
Japanese citizens have specific requirements to be eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. You must have resided outside Japan for at least 10 consecutive years and obtain proper documentation from the Japanese Embassy before purchasing your pass.
How to obtain the residency certificate
Japanese citizens need a certificate from the Japanese Embassy verifying that they have resided outside Japan for at least 10 consecutive years.
This certificate must be issued BEFORE you order your JR Pass and must be a maximum of 6 months old when you exchange your voucher.
Read official MOFA document (Japanese)Key requirements
10+ years of continuous residence outside Japan
Certificate must be issued BEFORE ordering the pass
Certificate valid for 6 months from issue date
Children 12+ need individual or family certificates
Original documents required - no photocopies
Required documents
Japanese citizens living abroad must bring one of the following documents to Japan along with their passport.
Certificate of Overseas Residence
在留証明書This document is issued by the Japanese Embassy or legation in your country of residence. It must be issued BEFORE you order your JR Pass and within 6 months of your planned exchange date in Japan.
Copy of Overseas Residential Registration
在留届の写しA copy issued by the Japanese Embassy or legation in your country. The registration must show a date of acceptance at least 10 years earlier to prove continuous overseas residence.
Permanent Resident Card
永住カードUSA, Canada, Brazil onlyOnly applicable for residents of the USA, Canada, or Brazil. This card is issued by the government in your country and must show a record of residence exceeding 10 years.
Ready to order your JR Pass?
Once you have your embassy certificate, you're ready to order.