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Professor Visa
JapanJapan•Asia
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Professor Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥15,000

Stay Duration

5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Work visa for university professors and academics. For teaching, research guidance, and education at universities and higher institutions in Japan.

Japan's Professor visa grants status of residence for foreign academics to teach, conduct research, or provide research guidance at universities, junior colleges, and technical colleges. It covers full-time faculty and visiting lecturer roles at recognized higher-education institutions.

Stays range from 3 months to 5 years and are renewable. Dependents may join on a Family Stay visa; spouses can obtain permission to work up to 28 hours per week. The sponsoring university applies for a Certificate of qualification before the applicant applies for the visa stamp at a Japanese consulate.

This visa is ideal for foreign university professors, associate professors, and lecturers with a confirmed academic appointment at a Japanese higher-education institution.

Japan

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Japan flagJapan

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Validity5 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a contract to engage in research, research guidance, or education at a university or equivalent institution in Japan.

Must possess the necessary academic or professional qualifications for the specific position (e.g., PhD, extensive research experience).

The institution must be recognized as a university or equivalent under Japanese law.

Must demonstrate sufficient income to live a stable life in Japan.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Certificate of qualification

Employment contract

Educational credentials

Academic record

University registration (sponsor)

Job description (sponsor)

Contract copy (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Highly respected status in Japan.
  • Allows for long-term residency (up to 5 years, renewable).
  • Provides access to Japan's advanced research infrastructure and academic networks.
  • Qualifying for family reunification (Dependent visa for spouse/children).

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly limited to academic and research activities at recognized institutions.
  • If the activity is purely research without teaching or guidance at a university, a 'Researcher' visa might be more appropriate.
  • Requires significant documentation of academic credentials and institutional support.

Application Process

1

Secure academic position

Receive employment offer from Japanese university

2

University applies for COE

Institution submits Certificate of qualification application

3

Receive COE

Immigration Services Agency approves COE

4

Apply for visa

Submit visa application at embassy with COE

5

Pay visa fee

Pay 3,000 JPY

6

Receive visa

Visa stamped in passport

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Professor
Application for Certificate of qualification (Professor status of residence)
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