Requirements for the Research Visa

Background (Education and Work Experience)

You must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Graduated from a university (excluding junior college).
2. After receiving education equivalent to or higher than a university degree (excluding junior college), hold a master's degree in the intended research field, or have at least 3 years of research experience (including research periods at graduate school or university).
3. Completed a specialized course at a Japanese vocational school and hold a master's degree or have at least 3 years of research experience in the relevant field.
4. Have at least 10 years of research experience in the intended research field.

In the case of a secondment to a Japanese branch of a foreign corporation, documents proving the capital relationship with the parent company and the existence of a business office in Japan may be required.

Remuneration

The remuneration must be equal to or greater than what a Japanese national would receive for the same work.

Period of Stay

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months (individually designated by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan).

About Accepting Institutions (Affiliated Organizations)

Institutions that can accept foreign nationals under the Researcher status of residence are limited to certain organizations as defined by law. Main examples include:

• Companies that meet certain conditions (certified companies)
• Innovation-creating companies (subject to special bonus points under the Highly Skilled Professional Ordinance)
• Public corporations listed in Appended Table 1 of the Corporation Tax Act; public interest corporations authorized by the national or local government
• Special legal entities, authorized legal entities, and independent administrative agencies
• National or local governments of Japan or foreign countries
• Mutual companies engaged in the insurance business; companies listed on Japanese stock exchanges, etc.

The required documents differ depending on which "Category 1 to 4" the accepting institution falls under. Higher categories require fewer attached documents. For details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency's page on Status of Residence "Researcher".

List of Required Documents (Overview)

The required documents vary depending on the type of application (new entry, change of status, extension of period of stay, or acquisition of status of residence) and the category of the accepting institution. Below is an overview of the main documents. Always check the latest details on the Ministry of Justice / Immigration Services Agency website.

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (for those entering Japan from abroad for the first time)

• Common: Documents certifying that the accepting institution falls under one of the above categories (certificates according to category)
• Applicant's (researcher's) background:
  • Resume clearly indicating the relevant organizations, activities, and periods of employment (1 copy)
  • Documents proving the research experience period, or graduation certificate from a university or equivalent (or proof of equivalent or higher education / advanced specialist qualification) (1 copy)
  • For secondments to foreign corporations: documents clarifying the capital relationship and existence of a business office in Japan
• For Categories 1 and 2, the above documents are generally sufficient. For Categories 3 and 4, additional documents may be required, such as an explanation for why a summary of statutory tax returns cannot be submitted.

2. Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence (changing from another status to "Researcher")

• Certificates according to the category of the accepting institution (same as above)
• Documents proving the applicant's educational and work history (resume, research experience or graduation certificate, etc.)
• When changing from "Student" status, explanatory documents regarding omission of submitted documents may be required (e.g., Category 2)

3. Application for Permission to Extend Period of Stay (continuing as "Researcher")

• Certificates according to the category of the accepting institution
• Resident tax certificate (taxable or non-taxable) and tax payment certificate showing total annual income and payment status (1 copy each)
• If working under a dispatch contract, documents clarifying the activities at the dispatched workplace (e.g., notification of working conditions)
• For Categories 3 and 4, if this is the first renewal after a job change, additional documents such as financial statements, business content materials, and documents specifying working conditions may be required.

4. Application for Acquisition of Status of Residence (for those currently in Japan acquiring "Researcher" status)

• Certificates according to the category of the accepting institution
• Documents proving the applicant's educational and work history (resume, research experience or graduation certificate, etc.)

Note: Documents prepared in a foreign language must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. Certificates issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of the application date. If someone other than the applicant submits the documents, proof of the submitter's identity is required. For details, you may also contact the Foreign Residents' Information Center (TEL: 0570-013904).