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Work visa · 研究

Researcher visa for Japan (研究)

The status for research under a contract with a Japanese company, government institute or other organization outside a university. Which degree and experience you need, when the requirements do not apply, the official forms and how to bring your family.

Forms and documents

Requirements

Checked against the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on 28 September 2026 · Professor visa · Engineer/Specialist visa

Period of stay5 y · 3 y · 1 y · 3 months

Research after a degreeMaster’s or 3 years

Without a degree10 years of research

Organization categories1 to 4

Who it fits

Research under a contract with an organization in Japan

The Immigration Act defines Researcher (研究) as research work under a contract with a public or private organization in Japan. ISA’s examples: researchers at government institutes and private companies.

Where you work

A company research center, a public or private institute, or another organization in Japan you have a contract with.

University work is Professor

Research and teaching at a Japanese university, an equivalent institution or a college of technology (高専) are excluded by law: they need the Professor status (教授).

Pay like a Japanese employee

Under the landing standards (上陸基準省令) you must be paid at least what a Japanese employee gets for the same work.

The work must really be research. Engineering, office and other specialist work at a company is the Engineer/Specialist visa; teaching at a school is Instructor (教育).

Requirements

Degree and research experience

The landing standards (上陸基準省令) give three routes. One of them is enough — plus pay at least equal to a Japanese employee’s.

Route 1

Degree plus master’s or 3 years

  • A university degree — not from a junior college (短大) — or equivalent education
  • Then a master’s degree in the same field or at least 3 years of research in it
  • Years of research in master’s and doctoral programs count
  • A Japanese vocational college diploma with the 専門士 or 高度専門士 title can replace the degree under Ministry of Justice conditions

Route 2

10 years of research

  • No degree needed
  • At least 10 years of research experience in the same field
  • Years of research at university count

Route 3

Transfer from an overseas office

An organization with an office in Japan transfers you for a period from its overseas office (転勤). If you did research there for at least 1 continuous year before the transfer, degree and experience are not checked. ISA has a separate form for transfers.

No requirements

Contracts with the state

If the contract is with a national or local government body of Japan, an incorporated administrative agency (独立行政法人), a corporation set up under a special law, or a publicly funded organization on the Ministry of Justice list, the landing standards for Researcher do not apply.

Researcher or specified research (特定研究等活動)? If the Japanese organization is designated by the Ministry of Justice for special research, you may get a type of Designated Activities (特定活動) instead. It also allows your own research-related business and, under conditions, bringing your parents. Ask the organization whether it has this designation.

Forms and documents

Official forms and the documents you need

Government institutes and large companies (Categories 1 and 2) need little more than the form and proof of the category. Categories 3 and 4 submit the full set: contract, degree, proof of experience and the organization’s papers.

Two ways to get the status. From abroad, the organization applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) and you then get the visa at a Japanese embassy. Already in Japan — for example after a master’s or doctorate — you apply for a change of status. Choose the procedure and the organization’s category below; HR can tell you the category.

Category of the organization:

Category 1: Companies listed on a Japanese stock exchange, national and local government bodies, incorporated administrative agencies (独立行政法人), public corporations and similar organizations, “innovative” companies on ISA’s list and companies on the list 「一定の条件を満たす企業等」.

Category 2: Organizations that withheld at least ¥10 million in income tax from salaries last year (per the 法定調書合計表 summary), and organizations ISA has allowed to apply online with Category 2 documents.

Category 3: Other organizations that filed the withholding-tax summary (法定調書合計表) for last year.

Category 4: All others — for example, an organization founded this year that has no summary for last year.

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — you are abroad, the organization is in Japan

The organization in Japan you sign the contract with files (a staff member or an administrative scrivener (行政書士)). With the CoE you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy and enter Japan.

Application formPDF · standard · moj.go.jpApplication formPDF · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · standard · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · standard · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor all categories · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor categories 3 and 4 · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

ISA has two forms: the standard one and one for a transfer from an overseas office of the same organization (転勤). The buttons say which is which.

Documents

  1. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書Part of the form is filled in by the organization.
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真
  3. Return envelope with your address and stamps for registered mail 返信用封筒For paper applications.
  4. Document proving the organization’s category カテゴリーを証明する文書category 1For example, a copy of the 四季報 company handbook or proof of stock-exchange listing, or the ministry’s permission to establish the organization.list of Category 1 organizations · PDF
  5. Copy of last year’s withholding-tax summary 前年分の給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表（写し）categories 2, 3Prepared by the organization. For Category 2, ISA’s letter allowing online applications can replace it if the organization is in Category 2 on that basis.
  6. If you work through a staffing agency (派遣): a document on your work at the client organization 派遣先での活動内容を明らかにする資料For example, the notice of working conditions (労働条件通知書).
  7. Terms of work: employment contract or notice of working conditions 労働条件通知書（雇用契約書）categories 3, 4Directors of a Japanese company: articles of incorporation or a shareholders’ resolution on pay; transfer to the Japanese branch of a foreign organization: its document stating position, period and pay.
  8. CV with employers, duties and dates 履歴書categories 3, 4
  9. University degree and proof of research experience 卒業証明書・研究の経験期間を証明する文書categories 3, 4Years of research at university and in a master’s or doctoral program count. A diploma from a Japanese vocational college with the 専門士 or 高度専門士 title can replace a university degree.
  10. If you are transferred from an overseas office (転勤): a document on your work there during the last year and on the link between the offices 転勤直前の外国の機関の文書・事業所間の関係を示す資料categories 3, 4Position, duties and pay for the year; a register extract of the Japanese branch or documents showing the capital link between the companies. In that case no degree or research experience is needed.
  11. Description of the organization: history, management, business; register extract 案内書・登記事項証明書categories 3, 4
  12. Financial statements for the last year; a new organization — a business plan 直近の年度の決算文書の写し・事業計画書categories 3, 4Category 3: only for a transfer from an overseas office (転勤). Category 4: the ISA page asks for it always, the checklist only for a transfer — check with the bureau.
  13. Declaration about the organization’s representative 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書categories 3, 4From 15 April 2026.template · PDF
  14. Why there is no tax summary: proof of exemption from withholding, or the notice of opening a salary-paying office plus 3 months of tax payment statements 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書の写し・所得税徴収高計算書category 4Instead of 3 months of statements, the approval to pay withholding tax less often (納期の特例) is accepted.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
Regional immigration services bureau for the workplace (when the organization files). Not accepted by mail.
Fee
Free
Standard processing period
1–3 months
Online
Possible
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Change of status — you are already in Japan, for example after a master’s degree

You file yourself before your current status expires — or a staff member of the organization approved by immigration (申請等取次者) or an administrative scrivener (行政書士) files for you. You may start work on the new status only after approval.

Application formPDF · standard · moj.go.jpApplication formPDF · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · standard · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · standard · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor all categories · moj.go.jpDocument checklistfor categories 3 and 4 · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

Since 1 December 2025, when changing from Student, you can file the reduced Category 2 document set if you graduated from a Japanese graduate school, university or junior college (短大), from a foreign university ranked in the top 300 of at least two of three world rankings, or if your employer already employs someone who changed from Student to a work status and has since had it extended there. Direct hire only — not work through a staffing agency (派遣). ISA has two forms: standard and for a transfer (転勤). The buttons say which is which.

Documents

  1. Application for change of status of residence 在留資格変更許可申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. Document proving the organization’s category カテゴリーを証明する文書category 1list of Category 1 organizations · PDF
  5. Copy of last year’s withholding-tax summary 前年分の給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表（写し）categories 2, 3
  6. For graduates — an explanation of the reduced document set 提出書類省略に関する説明書category 2For a change from Student to Researcher.ISA form · Word
  7. If you work through a staffing agency (派遣): a document on your work at the client organization 派遣先での活動内容を明らかにする資料
  8. Terms of work: employment contract or notice of working conditions 労働条件通知書（雇用契約書）categories 3, 4
  9. CV with employers, duties and dates 履歴書categories 3, 4
  10. University degree (or graduation certificate) and proof of research experience 卒業証明書・研究の経験期間を証明する文書categories 3, 4Years of research at university and in a master’s or doctoral program count.
  11. If you are transferred from an overseas office (転勤): a document on your work there during the last year and on the link between the offices 転勤直前の外国の機関の文書・事業所間の関係を示す資料categories 3, 4
  12. Description of the organization; register extract 案内書・登記事項証明書categories 3, 4
  13. Financial statements for the last year; a new organization — a business plan 直近の年度の決算文書の写し・事業計画書categories 3, 4Category 3: only for a transfer (転勤).
  14. Declaration about the organization’s representative 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書categories 3, 4From 15 April 2026.template · PDF
  15. Why there is no tax summary + 3 months of tax payment statements 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書の写し・所得税徴収高計算書category 4Instead of 3 months of statements, the approval to pay withholding tax less often (納期の特例) is accepted.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
Regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
1–2 months
Online
Possible
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Extension of the Researcher status

You file yourself — or a staff member of your organization approved by immigration (申請等取次者) or an administrative scrivener (行政書士) files for you. With a period of stay of 6 months or more, apply no earlier than 3 months before it ends (earlier only in special cases agreed with the bureau); with a shorter period, any time before it ends. If you changed organization and did not file the notification within 14 days, file it first.

Application formPDF · standard · moj.go.jpApplication formPDF · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · standard · moj.go.jpApplication formExcel · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · standard · moj.go.jpFilled-in examplePDF · for a transfer (転勤) · moj.go.jpDocument checklistPDF · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

ISA has two extension forms: the standard one and one for people transferred from an overseas office (転勤). The buttons say which is which.

Documents

  1. Application for extension of period of stay 在留期間更新許可申請書
  2. Photo 4 × 3 cm 写真Not needed for an extension of up to 3 months.
  3. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  4. Document proving the organization’s category カテゴリーを証明する文書category 1list of Category 1 organizations · PDF
  5. Copy of last year’s withholding-tax summary 前年分の給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表（写し）categories 2, 3
  6. If you work through a staffing agency (派遣): a document on your work at the client organization 派遣先での活動内容を明らかにする資料
  7. Resident tax certificates for the year: taxation and payment (住民税) 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書・納税証明書categories 3, 4From the city office of your address on 1 January. One certificate is enough if it shows both income and payment.
  8. First extension after moving to a Category 3 or 4 organization: terms of work, description of the organization, declaration about the representative 労働条件通知書・案内書・所属機関の代表者に関する申告書categories 3, 4declaration template · PDF
  9. Financial statements for the last year — if you were transferred from an overseas office (転勤) 直近の年度の決算文書の写しcategories 3, 4
  10. Why there is no tax summary + 3 months of tax payment statements 給与支払事務所等の開設届出書の写し・所得税徴収高計算書category 4After moving to a new organization. Instead of 3 months of statements, the approval to pay withholding tax less often (納期の特例) is accepted.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
Regional immigration services bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Standard processing period
2 weeks – 1 month
Online
Possible
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

What comes next

Family, job changes and permanent residency

Family

Your spouse and children whom you support can join you on the Dependent visa (家族滞在) and work up to 28 hours a week with permission.

Changing jobs

Within 14 days of a contract ending or a move to another organization, file the notification of the contracting organization (契約機関に関する届出) — see notifications. More than 3 months without work under the status, without a good reason, is grounds to cancel it.

Other paid work

Paid work outside your research contract needs permission for an activity other than that permitted (資格外活動許可) before you start.

Trips abroad

With a valid passport and residence card you can leave for up to 1 year (not beyond the end of your status) without a separate permit. Longer trips need a re-entry permit.

HSP points

Count your Highly Skilled Professional points in the academic research category: degree, experience, salary, patents and publications.

Permanent residency

The standard path is 10 years in Japan, at least 5 of them on a work status. Separately, with 70 HSP points held for 3 years or 80 for 1 year you can apply without switching to HSP. From 1 April 2027 a revised PR guideline applies: Japanese at B1 becomes a factor taken into account, not a strict requirement (HSP holders and their family and people with 6+ years of Japanese primary or secondary schooling are exempt), plus income and pension checks. Applications before that date follow the current guideline.

If you are refused

Common reasons for refusal

  • The work is not research, or it is university research that needs the Professor status
  • No master’s degree and less than 3 years of research after university, or less than 10 years of experience without a degree
  • Research experience not documented, or in a different field
  • Transfer: less than a year of research at the overseas office, or the link between the offices is not proven
  • Pay below what a Japanese employee gets for the same work
  • Incomplete documents — ISA warns that this delays the review a lot or ends in refusal

At extension immigration also looks at taxes, social insurance and notifications. After a refusal you can apply again once the reason is fixed.

FAQ

Researcher visa questions

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Who needs Researcher and who needs Professor?

Researcher (研究) is for research under a contract with a Japanese company, government institute or other organization. Research and teaching at a university, an equivalent institution or a college of technology (高専) is the Professor status (教授): the law expressly excludes it from Researcher.

Under the landing standards ordinance (上陸基準省令): a university degree (not from a junior college, 短大) followed by a master’s degree or at least 3 years of research in the same field; years in a master’s or doctoral program count. A diploma from a Japanese vocational college (専門学校) with the 専門士 or 高度専門士 title can replace the university degree under conditions set by the Ministry of Justice.

Yes, with at least 10 years of research experience in the same field; years of research at university count. Another route is a transfer from an overseas office of your organization after a year of research there.

When the contract is with a national or local government body of Japan, an incorporated administrative agency (独立行政法人), a corporation set up under a special Japanese law (for example a public corporation), or an organization on the Ministry of Justice list that runs on public funds. The landing standards for Researcher then do not apply.

At least what a Japanese employee would get for the same work. The rules set no fixed amount.

特定研究等活動 is a type of Designated Activities (特定活動) for work at organizations designated by the Ministry of Justice. Besides research, research supervision and teaching, it allows your own business related to the research and, under conditions, bringing your parents. The documents are on a separate ISA page.

Yes. Your spouse and children whom you support get the Dependent status (家族滞在). They can work up to 28 hours a week with part-time work permission.

Within 14 days, file a notification of the contracting organization (契約機関に関する届出) with immigration — online, in person or by mail. Not working under your status for more than 3 months without a good reason is grounds to cancel the status.

Yes. The standard path is 10 years in Japan, at least 5 of them on a work status. Researchers should count their HSP points: with 70 points held for 3 years or 80 points for 1 year you can apply for permanent residence without switching to the HSP status.

Sources

Where this information comes from

Facts and document lists were checked against the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) on 28 September 2026. Form links come from a register of ISA files that our server refreshes every week: when ISA publishes a new version of a form, the button opens the new file.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration decides each application and may ask for more documents. Where a rule is known only from practice, we say so.

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