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Researcher 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

Application Fee

20,500 JPY

Stay Duration

5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months (Renewable).

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

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 researchers conducting research activities at Japanese organizations. For non-academic research institutions, corporate R&D, and government research facilities.

Japan's Researcher Visa covers foreign nationals contracted to conduct research at public or private institutions — including government agencies, independent bodies, and corporate R&D centers. Applicants need a bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant research experience, or 10 years' experience without a degree.

Period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months — all renewable. Dependents may join under the Family Stay status and can apply separately for part-time work permission (up to 28 hours/week). Dual intent is permitted; the visa is a recognized pathway to permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for researchers and R&D professionals who have secured a contract with a recognized Japanese institution and want a renewable status with a clear path to permanent residence.

Fee Breakdown

Single-entry visa issuance fee	3,000 JPY
Multiple-entry visa issuance fee	6,000 JPY
Extension of period of stay fee (at the office)	6,000 JPY
Extension of period of stay fee (online)	5,500 JPY

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Japan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years

Processing14-28 days

View Visa Details

Japan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing4-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have a contract or invitation to conduct research at a public or private institution in Japan.

Must possess the necessary academic or professional qualifications for the research position.

The host institution must be recognized by the Japanese government.

Must demonstrate sufficient means to support oneself during the stay.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

3+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Certificate of Eligibility

Research contract

Educational credentials

Research background

Organization registration (sponsor)

Research project description (sponsor)

Research contract (sponsor)

Financial documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Streamlined visa process when applying with a COE.
Allows for professional development and collaboration within Japan's research infrastructure.
Often supported by the host institution's administrative staff, reducing the burden on the applicant.

Worth Knowing

The visa is tied to the specific research activity and host institution; changing employers requires a change of status.
Processing times for the COE can take 1-3 months.
Must ensure the host institution is authorized to sponsor the visa.

Application Process

Secure research position: Receive research contract from Japanese organization

Organization applies for COE: Institution submits Certificate of Eligibility application

Receive COE: Immigration Services Agency approves COE

Apply for visa: Submit visa application at embassy with COE

Pay visa fee: Pay 3,000 JPY

Receive visa: Visa stamped in passport

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Researcher

Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Status of Residence: Researcher)

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Verified Claims (23)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Secure research position: Receive research contract from Japanese organization; Organization applies…	moj.go.jp
Dependent Visa	Dependents allowed	moj.go.jp
Fee Breakdown	Single-entry visa issuance fee: 3000 JPY; Multiple-entry visa issuance fee: 6000 JPY; Extension of p…	moj.go.jp
Fee Breakdown · Extension of period of stay fee (at the office) · amount	70000	blog.gaijinpot.com
Fee Breakdown · Extension of period of stay fee (online) · amount	70000	blog.gaijinpot.com
Fee Breakdown · Multiple-entry visa issuance fee · amount	30000	seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Fee Breakdown · Single-entry visa issuance fee · amount	15000	seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Fees	JPY 15,000 (Single-entry) / JPY 30,000 (Multiple-entry) for visa issuance (effective April 1, 2026).…	blog.gaijinpot.com

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Overview

Work visa for researchers conducting research activities at Japanese organizations. For non-academic research institutions, corporate R&D, and government research facilities.

This visa is ideal for researchers and R&D professionals who have secured a contract with a recognized Japanese institution and want a renewable status with a clear path to permanent residence.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have a contract or invitation to conduct research at a public or private institution in Japan.

Must possess the necessary academic or professional qualifications for the research position.

The host institution must be recognized by the Japanese government.

Must demonstrate sufficient means to support oneself during the stay.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

3+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Certificate of Eligibility

Research contract

Educational credentials

Research background

Organization registration (sponsor)

Research project description (sponsor)

Research contract (sponsor)

Financial documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Streamlined visa process when applying with a COE.
Allows for professional development and collaboration within Japan's research infrastructure.
Often supported by the host institution's administrative staff, reducing the burden on the applicant.

Worth Knowing

The visa is tied to the specific research activity and host institution; changing employers requires a change of status.
Processing times for the COE can take 1-3 months.
Must ensure the host institution is authorized to sponsor the visa.

Application Process