BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind A Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind A Visa
BorderProof

Discover the world's visas in one place.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
Professor Visa
VisasJapanProfessor Visa
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Professor Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Estimated Cost

¥3,000 JPY

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
25% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥4,800,000
Quality of Life
161/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Work visa for university professors and academics. For teaching, research guidance, and education at universities and higher institutions in Japan.

Japan's Professor visa grants status of residence for foreign academics to teach, conduct research, or provide research guidance at universities, junior colleges, and technical colleges. It covers full-time faculty and visiting lecturer roles at recognized higher-education institutions.

Stays range from 3 months to 5 years and are renewable. Dependents may join on a Family Stay visa; spouses can obtain permission to work up to 28 hours per week. The sponsoring university applies for a Certificate of qualification before the applicant applies for the visa stamp at a Japanese consulate.

This visa is ideal for foreign university professors, associate professors, and lecturers with a confirmed academic appointment at a Japanese higher-education institution.

Japan

Curious about life in Japan?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Japan flagJapan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a contract to engage in research, research guidance, or education at a university or equivalent institution in Japan.

Must possess the necessary academic or professional qualifications for the specific position (e.g., PhD, extensive research experience).

The institution must be recognized as a university or equivalent under Japanese law.

Must demonstrate sufficient income to live a stable life in Japan.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Certificate of qualification

Employment contract

Educational credentials

Academic record

University registration (sponsor)

Job description (sponsor)

Contract copy (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Highly respected status in Japan.
  • Allows for long-term residency (up to 5 years, renewable).
  • Provides access to Japan's advanced research infrastructure and academic networks.
  • Qualifying for family reunification (Dependent visa for spouse/children).

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly limited to academic and research activities at recognized institutions.
  • If the activity is purely research without teaching or guidance at a university, a 'Researcher' visa might be more appropriate.
  • Requires significant documentation of academic credentials and institutional support.

Application Process

1

Secure academic position: Receive employment offer from Japanese university

2

University applies for COE: Institution submits Certificate of qualification application

3

Receive COE: Immigration Services Agency approves COE

4

Apply for visa: Submit visa application at embassy with COE

5

Pay visa fee: Pay 3,000 JPY

6

Receive visa: Visa stamped in passport

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Professor
Application for Certificate of qualification (Professor status of residence)
—

Verified Claims (23)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application Steps
Secure academic position: Receive employment offer from Japanese university; University applies for …
moj.go.jp
Dependent Visa
Dependents allowed
transenzjapan.com
Fee Breakdown
Application fee: 3000 JPY
moj.go.jp
Fee Breakdown · 0 · amount
15000
detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Fees
JPY 15,000 (single-entry); JPY 30,000 (multiple-entry)
detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Forms
Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Professor
moj.go.jp
Forms · 0 · description
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Professor status of residence)
moj.go.jp
Included Nationalities
—
moj.go.jp
Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
25% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥4,800,000
Quality of Life
161/200
Full Country Guide

Ready to see if the Professor Visa is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery