Are you planning to take the JLPT and wondering how you can apply online in Japan? You are in the right place. This blog will be a thorough guide on how to apply for the JLPT if you are planning to take the test in Japan, step by step. It’s almost that time of the year again when most of us are getting all ready to sign up for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, otherwise known as the JLPT. In 2026, there are a few important updates to keep in mind — including a new rule that only residents of Japan can take the JLPT in Japan. Tourists and short-term visitors are no longer eligible. With varying difficulty levels from N5 to N1 (with N1 being the most difficult), it is relatively important to start deciding on which level to take on the test date, and if you are eligible. Now, let’s go through how to register for the JLPT in Japan and the key details you should know before signing up!
When is the 2026 JLPT test?
The JLPT in Japan is held twice a year: in July and in December. For 2026, the first JLPT will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and the second JLPT will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2026. This frequency might vary if you are taking the JLPT outside. Either way, these tests are usually held on the first Sunday of July and December.
- First JLPT Test in 2026: First week of July
- Second JLPT Test in 2026: First week of December
In 2027, you can alsoexpect the tests to take place around early July and early December. Registration usually opens a few months before each test, with exact dates varying depending on your location. It’s best to check the official JLPT website or your local test center for the most accurate information as the dates approach.
When is the application period for the 2026 JLPT?
Registration for the JLPT takes place a few months before the actual test date. The registration period for the July 2026 JLPT is open from March 17 to April 7.
The registration period for the December 2026 JLPT is expected to open in August and close in September 2026—the same timeline typically applies to the December 2027 test as well.
Tourists and short-term visitors are no longer allowed to take the JLPT in Japan
Starting in 2026, Japan no longer allow tourists or short-term visitors to take the JLPT in Japan. Moving forward, the administration will require proof of residency and for applicants to input their residence card (在留カード, zairyuu card) number.
According to the announcement, “The 2026 JLPT is primarily intended for non-native Japanese speakers who are mid-to-long-term residents or special permanent residents.”
People in certain visa categories can apply for the JLPT in Japan, but with a few conditions.
- Non-native Japanese speakers who have Japanese nationality
- People with permission for provisional stay (residence and contact information must be properly verified)
- Those under the Japan–U.S. Status of Forces Agreement or the UN Forces Agreement
- Diplomats
- Officials
However, if you fall into any of these categories, you’ll need to declare your status during the application process. You may also be asked to provide identification documents, such as your passport, to confirm your nationality or visa status.
According to JEES, this decision comes after a large number of overseas applicants who use invalid phone numbers and contact information, which leads to problems in delivering physical documents, such as the test voucher or score reports, when the JLPT results are out. Because of this, when you are applying online via the MyJLPT portal, you will now have to provide your residence card number and its expiration date.
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JLPT Test Location
You have two options: take the test locally in Japan (only available if you hold a valid Japanese residence card) or in an educational institute overseas. The JLPT is hosted in local institutions in most Southeast Asian countries, North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and South Asia. However, the frequency of the JLPT might vary, with some hosting the JLPT twice a year and others only once a year. For the full and comprehensive list of overseas institutes that conduct JLPT, head down to the link over here to check if it is an approved institute.
As the location in which you take the JLPT varies, there may be different procedures, windows, or deadlines that you have to take note of. However, the test date still remains the same. For more information on how you would go about applying for the JLPT online or otherwise, please click on any one of the links below:
1. Taking the test in Japan
2. Taking the test from an overseas educational institute
JLPT Test Components
Looking at the test components, JLPT Test Levels N1 to N3 are composed of 3 Components: Reading (60 marks), Vocabulary (60 marks), and Listening (60 marks). As for JLPT Test Levels N4 to N5, there are 2 Components: Japanese Language Knowledge (120 marks) and Listening (60 marks).
If you are unsure of how to prepare for JLPT N2 or N3, click on the links and it will lead you to a guide we came up with some time back!
However, in order to pass, you need to meet 2 conditions:
- Score at least 19 marks for any sections with 60 marks obtainable and 38 marks for sections with 120 marks obtainable.
- Meet the overall passing grade for the test at each level. Here’s a list of the passing marks:
| JLPT Level | Vocabulary/ Grammar） | Reading | Listening | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 100 |
| N2 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 90 |
| N3 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 95 |
| JLPT Level | Vocabulary/ Grammar and Reading | Listening | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| N4 | 38 | 19 | 90 |
| N5 | 38 | 19 | 80 |
How to Apply to the JLPT in Japan Online
If you are living in Japan as a resident (for example, as a student, employee, or dependent), you can take the JLPT in Japan. Applying the JLPT online requires two big steps: creating your MyJLPT account and applying for the JLPT level you want to take.
Part 1: Create Your MyJLPT Account
MyJLPT is a website for people who want to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in Japan. On MyJLPT, you can apply for the test, check your test results, and request a Certificate of Result and Scores online. The website is managed and operated by Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). Visit this page to start creating your MyJLPT account.
Typically, for most of us, we want to apply for the JLPT as individuals.
To reduce misunderstanding, we highly recommend selecting English for the language setting.
Once you click on your desired language, the site will take you to a long registration agreement. This lists everything from how they handle personal information to the exact eligibility of those who will be able to use MyJLPT.
Next, you will fill out all of your personal information. Make sure your name and address match the current address on your residence card, as well as your date of birth. Do not lie. Your information is often used for cross-checking on the day of the test.
At the bottom of the page, you will set your email and password. Do not forget this information, as it will be used the next time you log in to your MyJLPT page to check your past scores and JLPT records. Finally, we highly recommend that you opt to receive information emails from the JLPT! This will allow them to send you notifications regarding the test. The JLPT administrator does not send a lot of marketing emails, so you will not get spammed!
Finally, confirm your personal information and check your email Inbox for a confirmation email. They will give you your new MyJLPT ID, which you will use to log into your MyJLPT account.
Part 2: Registering for the JLPT Online with your MyJLPT Account
Once you have obtained the MyJLPT ID, you will be asked to complete the online application from your MyJLPT page. You can log back in by going to the official JLPT in Japan website once again. The website itself is more friendly to certain web browsers, and the site recommends that you use Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Log in to your My JLPT account
First, try to log in to your MyJLPT account. Input your ID (which should be sent to your inbox the moment you finished registration) and the password you set.
Step 2: Click on “Examination application”
Before you start your application, there’s one important thing to keep in mind!
When you log in to your MyJLPT account, you will only see the test that is currently within the official application period. If the application window is not open yet, the test simply will not appear.
For example, if you log in on March 1, hoping to apply for the July 2026 JLPT, you may not see anything available. Don’t panic! This just means the application period hasn’t started yet. The system will let you know that it is not currently accepting applications.
The best thing to do is check the official announcement dates and come back during the designated application period. Once it opens, you’ll be able to complete your registration without any issues.
Step 3: Choose your application type
Most of us will apply for the JLPT involuntarily, so select “Individual application”.
Step 4: Sign the agreement to the privacy policy
Next, you’ll be directed to the privacy policy and some important rules. It may look like one of those long pages that make you want to skip reading, but there are a few important things you should know.
For example, the JLPT application fee is not refundable once you have paid it, even if you later decide to cancel your application.
Step 5: Choose your level and fill in the other details required
This is the part where you should double-check everything carefully — especially the city where you want to take the JLPT and the test level you are applying for. Make sure all your information is correct before you move on.
You will also need to upload a clear, full-face passport-style photo. This photo will be used as identification and will appear on your admission ticket, test voucher (which you must bring to the JLPT test center), and your Certificate of Result and Scores. So choose a proper photo that clearly shows your face.
Tip: If you enter the wrong JLPT level or the test area, you can still change your test level or test location during the application period. Just make sure you do it before the deadline, because no changes are allowed after that!
Step 6: Choose Payment type
If you are in Japan, you can pay the test fee through several payment methods: credit card, bank transfer, or payment via the convenience store. Please confirm the available payment methods for countries outside Japan. Generally, a credit card is acceptable.
Step 7: Confirm your information
Final step: The application will be completed after confirmation of your information
How Much Does the JLPT Exam Cost?
As of 2025, the JLPT in Japan costs around ¥7,500 in Japan. After completing your application, you must complete payment before your registration will be confirmed.
Test fees may vary based on the location in which you decide to take the test, and can be more expensive overseas. For example, in the USA and Canada, the test fee is around $100.
If you are in Japan, the payment options for the JLPT range from online with a credit card to cash at a convenience store or post office. If you are outside of Japan, the payment method will depend on the test location. From January 17, 2022, a separate fee of 110 yen will be required for a cash payment from a Japan Post Bank ATM. For group applications, a fee of 110 yen will be required for each “payment number”.
The test payment window for December is from early to late September. After making payment, you will be set to receive a Test Voucher, which you will need to bring to your test venue to confirm and verify your status as a participant of the JLPT you have signed up for. Ensure that this slip of paper is well-kept and not lost, as it is very important. With these, remember to bring in some form of identification together with your Test Voucher. With that, take the test, and you’re all good to go.
When Will I Get My JLPT Results?
After all that hard work, just sit back, relax, and give yourself a well-deserved break. Until the time comes, enjoy yourself! But until when? Well, the release of results can vary based on whether you’ve taken the test locally or from an overseas educational institute, but here are some dates you can stay on the lookout for!
- Local July Test: Early September
- Local December Test: Early February
- Overseas July Test: Early October
- Overseas December Test: Early March
Note: For Overseas Students, collect your Score Reports and hopefully, a Certificate of Proficiency, at your Local Host Institute. As for Local Students, the Score Reports and Certificates will be mailed to you directly based on the address associated with your MyJLPT Account.
If you have questions about our school or taking JLPT Prep lessons with us, don’t worry. Here’s a link to the FAQ site where you can check to see if it answers any queries you have. With that, we would like to wish you all the best and happy studying!
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- Comprehensive Coverage: 3 hours per class covering vocabulary, kanji, grammar, and specialized reading strategies.
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When is the next JLPT in 2026 and when can I sign up?
For 2026, the first JLPT will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and the second JLPT will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Where do I apply for the JLPT?
To apply, you will need a MyJLPT account, which you can sign up for here. Once you have an account, you can sign in with your account and start to register.
When do the JLPT results come out?
Depending on when you take the test, the release of the results can differ. In general, you will get your results 2-3 months after the test. Here is when you should look out for your results, depending on when you take the test!
- Local July Test: Early September
- Local December Test: Early February
- Overseas July Test: Early October
- Overseas December Test: Early March
I have a question about the JLPT that isn’t addressed here. What do I do?
If you have any JLPT-related inquiries, you can visit the JLPT FAQ site. Your answer should be there.
When is JLPT 2026?
The JLPT is held twice a year, typically in July and December. In 2026, you can expect the tests to take place around early July and early December. Registration usually opens a few months before each test, with exact dates varying depending on your location. It’s best to check the official JLPT website or your local test center for the most accurate information as the dates approach.
The post How to Apply for JLPT 2026 Online: Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Coto Japanese Academy.
Article source: https://cotoacademy.com/japanese-guide-apply-jlpt-online/
