Researcher Visa
Researcher is the status of residence for foreign nationals who conduct research under a contract with a public or private organization in Japan, such as researchers at corporate laboratories or national and independent research institutes. Research and teaching at universities fall under the Professor status instead.
Main requirements
- A university degree (or equivalent education) and either a master's degree or at least 3 years of research experience (including graduate school) in the relevant field
- Or at least 10 years of research experience (including time at university) in the relevant field
- Pay at least equal to that of a Japanese national doing the same work
For a fixed-term transfer from an overseas head office or branch to an office in Japan, the education requirements do not apply if the person has done research at that office for at least 1 year before the transfer.
Period of stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months.
Related statuses
Many researchers also qualify as Highly Skilled Professionals based on points for education, career and income, which brings preferential treatment in the period of stay and for permanent residence. We can help you from checking the requirements to preparing the documents and filing the application. Please feel free to contact us.
Main requirements
- A university degree (or equivalent education) and either a master's degree or at least 3 years of research experience (including graduate school) in the relevant field
- Or at least 10 years of research experience (including time at university) in the relevant field
- Pay at least equal to that of a Japanese national doing the same work
For a fixed-term transfer from an overseas head office or branch to an office in Japan, the education requirements do not apply if the person has done research at that office for at least 1 year before the transfer.
Period of stay
5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months.
Related statuses
| Status | Main activities |
|---|---|
| Researcher | Research under a contract with a public or private organization |
| Professor | Research, research guidance and education at a university or similar institution |
| Engineer / Humanities / International Services | Specialized work such as development and design at a company (consider Researcher if research is the main work) |
| Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a) | Research, research guidance or education scoring 70 points or more on the points system |