🇯🇵 Japan · Researcher
在留資格「研究」 (Researcher Residence Status) — requirements, costs & how to apply
Who is eligible
| Minimum monthly income | €2,254 |
| Minimum annual salary | €27,052 |
| Proof of savings | €1,082 |
| Minimum investment | €5,410 |
| Job offer | Required |
| Employer sponsor | Required |
| Work experience | 2+ years |
| Age range | 18–65 |
Costs
| Application / consular fee | €162 |
Duration & renewal
Initial stay: 60 months. Does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Documents
- 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 (Certificate of Eligibility application form)
- 写真 (Photo)
- 返信用封筒 (Return envelope)
- 所属機関に関する証明書類 (Documentation proving institution category)
- 申請人の活動内容を明らかにする資料 (e.g., employment contract, if dispatched)
- 学歴・職歴等の証明書類 (Certificates proving academic and career history)
- 事業内容を明らかにする資料 (Company/institution information pamphlet, registration documents)
- 直近の年度の決算文書 (Financial statements for most recent fiscal year, if applicable)
- 所属機関の代表者に関する申告書 (Declaration of head of institution; required in some cases)
- パスポートの写し (copy of passport)
Who can apply
Open to all nationalities.
How to apply
- Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
- Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html.
- Typical processing: ~10 days.
Frequently asked
How much income do I need?
You must show €2,254.
Does this visa lead to permanent residence?
No — it does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Sources & verification
Every figure on this page is taken from an official government source and dated. Nothing is inferred.
Minimum monthly income
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Minimum annual salary
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Proof of savings
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Minimum investment
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Job offer
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Employer sponsor
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Work experience
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Age range
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Application fee
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
No direct PR path
“researcher = residência temporária ligada ao projeto/hosting agreement; PR é processo separado (not_applicable)”
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
Open to all nationalities
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/researcher.html · verified 2026-06-22
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Informational only, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change — always confirm on the official government source linked above before applying. Last verified 2026-06-22.