The Trainee visa (研修) is a residence status for foreign nationals participating in structured training programs at Japanese companies or institutions. Unlike the Technical Intern Training visa, which involves on-the-job skill development, the Trainee visa covers purely educational and observational training where the participant does not engage in productive work.
This visa is most commonly used for corporate employees dispatched by their overseas employer to receive training at a Japanese parent company, affiliate, or industry partner. It is also used for government officials, academics, and professionals attending structured capacity-building programs in Japan. The training must be clearly documented with a formal curriculum, and the distinction between training and actual work must be maintained throughout the stay.
The Trainee visa is typically limited to 1 year and is not renewable. It serves as a short-term professional development tool rather than a long-term immigration pathway. Organizations considering longer or more substantive engagement should explore the Technical Intern Training program, the Intra-Company Transferee visa, or other appropriate residence statuses depending on the nature and duration of the activities.
Who Is This For
- ✓Corporate employees sent to a Japanese parent company or affiliate for professional development training
- ✓Government officials and public sector workers participating in capacity-building programs
- ✓Foreign nationals in structured non-remunerated training programs at Japanese organizations
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Up to 1 year
Requirements
- •Acceptance into a recognized training program at a Japanese company or institution
- •The training must be structured, formal, and documented with a training plan
- •The trainee must not perform productive work (actual work is prohibited under pure trainee status)
- •The training organization must be a legitimate Japanese legal entity
- •Salary or living allowance may be paid, but actual work activities are not permitted
- •Valid passport
Costs & Fees
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Training plan (研修計画書) detailing the program structure, objectives, and schedule
- Acceptance letter from the Japanese training institution or company
- Documents confirming the relationship between the trainee's overseas employer and the Japanese institution (for corporate trainees)
- Proof of trainee's employment or status at the sending organization
- Financial guarantee for living expenses during training
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Obtain formal acceptance from a Japanese company or institution offering a structured training program
- 2Prepare a detailed training plan meeting immigration requirements
- 3Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at the regional Immigration Services Agency
- 4Receive the COE and submit your visa application to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
- 5Travel to Japan and register your address within 14 days
- 6Participate in the training program and comply with all program requirements
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.
Residence Status (COE) Review Time
Average processing days as of Jun 2026, based on official Ministry of Justice statistics.
Figures include waiting time for supplementary documents. Denied and withdrawn applications are excluded.
Renewal and change-of-status 'notice' figures include the wait between review completion and pickup at Immigration Bureau.
Work Restrictions
Family & Dependents
Renewal & Extension
Common Visa Transition Paths
These are the most common paths — many other transitions are possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for another residence status.
Important Notices
- ⚠The Trainee visa does not allow remuneration — those needing paid skills training should apply for Technical Intern Training
- ⚠The training plan must be reviewed by the Immigration Bureau
- ⚠Activities outside the training plan are not permitted
Practical Tips
- →Suitable for government exchange programs or ODA-related technical training
- →Can switch to other visa types depending on circumstances after the training ends