Japan
Guide · Licenses
Pilot license conversion in Japan
- JCAB · Japan Civil Aviation Bureau
- 2 min read
- Last checked 7 Nov 2026
We are not an aviation authority. This guide summarizes the official sources linked in each section. Rules change, so confirm with your authority before you enroll. Last checked November 2026.
In short
JCAB converts a license from an ICAO member state into a Japanese license. For a commercial license you sit one written exam on Japanese air law, in Japanese or English, and part of the practical test. You still have to meet Japan's own age and flight experience minimums.
What you will need
- A valid foreign license that covers all privileges of the Japanese license you apply for, including ratings. Expired licenses are not accepted
- Japan's minimum flight experience. For a commercial airplane license that is at least 200 hours in total, with set minimums for pilot in command, cross-country, night and instrument time
- The Japanese air law exam, in Japanese or English, and part of the practical test
- For the instrument rating, which is a separate certificate in Japan: a written exam on instrument flying, in Japanese or English, and part of the practical test. Your foreign rating must be for the same aircraft category
- A Japanese Class 1 aviation medical certificate from a designated examiner
- For international flights, a Japanese aviation English certificate. JCAB converts certificates from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, the US and Canada; a US or Canadian certificate converts only as Level 4
Good to know
A Japanese airline transport license needs 1,500 hours, so with a frozen ATPL you convert the commercial license and instrument rating first. If you hold only an FAA temporary certificate, JCAB issues the Japanese license only after it receives a copy of the permanent one.
Three things to check before you enroll
Does your home authority accept the school?
Some authorities only recognize training at foreign schools they have approved.
What will you sit at home?
Most authorities ask for at least an air law exam and a flight test, some for much more.
Do you need a sponsor first?
In some places the authority only converts a license when an employer or airline asks for it.
Talk it through with us, free
Our school advisory is free for students. Partner schools pay us a commission when a student we advised enrolls.
East Asia
Bringing your license home Sources and last checked
- JCAB circular No. 2105 on holders of foreign licences (amended 8 May 2026) last checked 7 Nov 2026
- MLIT licence FAQ (Q11, Q12) last checked 7 Nov 2026
- MLIT licence exam guide last checked 7 Nov 2026
- MLIT conversion of foreign aviation English certificates last checked 7 Nov 2026