Researcher
Japan
Last updated: December 25, 2025
5 years (renewable)
$20
3-4 months
Medium
About this Visa
The Researcher Visa lets you work as a researcher in Japan. You do research at companies, government agencies, or research institutions—not teaching at universities. A Japanese organization must hire you or sponsor you first. This visa is for people with research experience or an advanced degree. The visa lets you work full-time in your research job. You can stay for several years and renew it as many times as you want. You can bring your spouse and children with you. This visa is different from the Professor Visa (which is for university teaching) and different from the Student Visa. You get a work visa, not a student visa.
Key Benefits
- Work full-time without restrictions
- Bring your spouse and children
- Access to health insurance
- Renew your visa indefinitely
- Travel in and out of Japan freely with a re-entry permit
- Can apply for permanent residency after 1-3 years if you have published research or advanced degrees
- Can ask for permission to do other paid work if needed
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18 or older
- Have research experience or an advanced degree (Master's preferred, not required)
- No criminal record
- Good health (no serious diseases)
- Have a job offer from a Japanese organization
- Research plan makes sense and matches the job
- Can show you have money to live on
- Honest application with true documents
Financial Requirement
Your Japanese employer must show they can pay you. You need to show you have money for living expenses. No exact minimum amount is publicly stated, but expect to show you have ¥1-1.6 million (approximately $7,000-$11,000) in savings or monthly income that covers basic living costs.
Documents
- Job offer letter or employment contractMust say your job title, salary, how long
- Company registration or business licenseFrom your employer
- Company financial statementsTo prove they can pay you
- Application formOfficial form
- Passport copiesAll pages
- Photo4cm × 3cm, taken within 6 months, clear face
- CV or resumeYour work and education history
- Research plan2-3 pages describing what you will research, how, and why
- Highest degree or diplomaCertified copy
- Bank statementsLast 3 months
- Tax returns or income certificateFrom your current job
- Employment letterFrom your current employer if you work somewhere else now
- TB certificateRequired if from Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia, or China. Must be dated after March 24, 2025 (Philippines/Nepal) or May 26, 2025 (Vietnam). Valid for 180 days.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.