One of the Designated Activities sub-types. This is Designated Activities notice No. 36. For the full list see the Designated Activities overview; its sister category is Specified Information Processing Activities (No. 37).
What this status is
Specified Research Activities is for foreign researchers working at an institution designated by the Minister of Justice. Under a contract with that institution you do research, research guidance or teaching in a specific field at its facilities (teaching only at universities, equivalent institutions and colleges of technology), and you may also run a business related to that research.
It is not J-Skip
It is sometimes described as a "J-Skip researcher visa". That is wrong. J-Skip (the Special Highly Skilled Professional system, April 2023) grants Highly Skilled Professional status: a master's degree or 10+ years of relevant experience plus ¥20M+ salary (business managers: 5+ years and ¥40M+), with permanent residency possible after 1 year. Specified Research Activities has no such salary or degree thresholds — what matters is whether the host institution has been designated by the Minister of Justice.
Key features
- Period of stay: up to 5 years, renewable
- Related business: you may run a business related to your research, guidance or teaching (not possible on Researcher or Professor status)
- Family: a dependent spouse and children can join; the holder's or spouse's parents can join if they live with and are supported by the holder and move to Japan together
Before you apply
First confirm that the host institution is designated, then prepare a contract stating the activity, period, position and pay. Check documents and steps on the Immigration Services Agency page.
Who Is This For
- ✓Researchers hired by a university, research institute or corporate R&D unit designated by the Minister of Justice
- ✓Academics giving research guidance at a designated institution, or teaching at a university or college of technology
- ✓Researchers who also want to run a business related to their research
- ✓Researchers who need to bring their parents
Requirements
- •A contract with a Japanese public or private institution designated by the Minister of Justice (it must meet criteria set by ministerial ordinance)
- •Research, research guidance or teaching in a specific field at that institution's facilities; teaching only at universities, equivalent institutions or colleges of technology
- •Running a business related to that research, guidance or teaching is also allowed
- •The contract must state the activity, period, position and pay
- •Your education and career must show you can do the research
- •Valid passport
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Application for a Certificate of Eligibility (1 copy)
- 1 photo (residence-procedure size, 4 cm high × 3 cm wide)
- Return envelope with address and postage for simple registered mail
- Host institution's brochure, certificate of registered matters and list of foreign employees
- Consent form (available at regional immigration offices)
- Proof of the activity, period, position and pay: copy of the employment contract, letter of appointment or offer letter
- Graduation certificate, employment certificates and CV
- If you will also run a related business: that business's brochure and certificate of registered matters
Application Process
- 1Confirm the host institution is designated by the Minister of Justice
- 2Sign a contract stating the activity, period, position and pay
- 3The institution or an agent applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at a regional immigration office
- 4Apply for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate where you live, with the COE
- 5Receive your residence card on arrival; the period of stay is up to 5 years
- 6Spouse, children and qualifying parents apply for Designated Activities to join
- 7People already in Japan on Researcher or Professor status can apply for a change of status
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.