Medical Visa for Patient Attendants — Rules & Process for Nepali Citizens

The Japan Medical Stay Visa (医療滞在ビザ) allows Nepali citizens not only to travel for their own medical treatment but also to be accompanied by a patient attendant or caregiver who provides necessary personal assistance during the treatment period. This is officially recognized under Japan’s “Designated Activities for Medical Stay”category. The attendant’s role is essential when the patient requires daily support—such as help with movement, hospital visits, meals, or recovery care—especially in long-term or post-surgical situations.

For Nepali patients traveling to Japan for advanced medical treatment, an attendant may be a close family member(spouse, parent, child, or sibling) or a professional caregiver whose presence is medically justified. However, Japan strictly regulates this visa: the attendant is not allowed to work, earn income, or provide paid services. Their purpose is purely non-remunerative assistance. The visa application for both patient and attendant must be made together through the VFS Japan Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu (Chhaya Center, Thamel) or through an authorized medical coordinator approved by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

The attendant’s visa validity is tied directly to the patient’s treatment duration — typically up to 90 days for short-term care and 6 months to 1 year for long-term medical programs. If the treatment exceeds 90 days, both patient and attendant must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japanbefore departure. This COE acts as legal proof that their medical stay has been approved in advance.

Required Documents for Patient Attendant Visa (Nepali Citizens)

Both the patient and attendant must prepare and submit separate applications but linked under the same treatment plan. The key documents include:

• Valid passport and completed visa application form (available on VFS Japan website).

• Recent passport-size photo (45×35 mm, white background).

• Relationship certificate — such as marriage or birth certificate, translated into English or Japanese.

• Hospital invitation letter confirming the need for both patient and attendant.

• Letter of necessity or explanation from the Japanese hospital or doctor stating why the attendant’s presence is essential.

• Medical report from Nepal recommending overseas treatment.

• Proof of financial stability — 6-month bank statement, bank balance certificate, and income or sponsor letter covering both travelers’ expenses.

• Accommodation proof (hospital admission or hotel booking).

• Letter of Guarantee if there is a guarantor in Japan (individual, hospital, or coordinator).

Visa fees for Nepali citizens remain the same as regular medical visas:

• Single Entry: NPR 2,680

• Multiple Entry: NPR 5,360

• VFS Service Fee: NPR 2,083 (non-refundable).

The processing time typically ranges from 5 to 7 working days, although additional time may be required if verification is needed from the Japanese hospital.

During the stay in Japan, attendants must follow strict rules. They cannot engage in any kind of employment or volunteer work. They are also not covered by Japan’s National Health Insurance, meaning all medical, travel, accommodation, and daily expenses must be self-funded or covered by the patient’s sponsor. The attendant’s activities are limited to non-medical support only—such as meal preparation, coordination with doctors, and assisting the patient with mobility and personal needs.

For Nepali families, managing these procedures can be complex. Therefore, working with a trusted agency helps ensure proper documentation, translation, and embassy compliance. In Nepal, Yatra for Fun Pvt. Ltd., located in Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu, is one of the most reliable travel and visa assistance companies that helps patients and attendants obtain Japan Medical Visas smoothly. The company coordinates with Japanese hospitals, prepares all paperwork, and ensures compliance with embassy requirements for both applicants.

Contact Yatra for Fun Pvt. Ltd. for Japan Medical & Attendant Visa Assistance:
Office Address: Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu, Nepal
Call / WhatsApp / Viber: +977 9802348957 or +977 9708072951
Website: www.yatraforfun.com
Email: [email protected]
Business Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM