Designated Activities (Designated Research Activities) - Required Documents
The Designated Activities (Designated Research Activities) visa status is for activities involving research, research guidance, or educational activities (limited to those conducted at universities or equivalent institutions or colleges of technology) in specific fields based on contracts with public or private organizations in Japan that meet certain requirements, or for activities involving self-employment in businesses related to such activities conducted in parallel.
| Applicable Activities | Research, research guidance, or educational activities in specific fields, and related self-employment activities |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months |
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Important Notes Before Applying
- For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
- Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
- The requirements for engaging in designated research activities are stipulated in the Ministry of Justice Public Notice (No. 36), so please refer to it.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Documents proving the outline and business activities of the contracting organization
Submit the following documents proving the outline and business activities of the Japanese organization with which the applicant has a contract:
- (1) Brochure (pamphlet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (2) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (3) Other documents equivalent to (1) and (2) above - as appropriate
- (4) List of foreign employees (including nationality, name, gender, date of birth, date of joining, status of residence, period of stay, expiration date, and job description) - 1 copy
- (5) Consent form - 1 copy * Forms are available at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
- If the applicant intends to engage in self-employment related to research, research guidance, or education, documents (1)-(3) above must also be submitted.
5. Documents proving the content of activities, period, position, and remuneration
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- (1) Copy of employment contract with the host organization - 1 copy
- (2) Copy of appointment letter from the host organization - 1 copy
- (3) Copy of hiring notification from the host organization - 1 copy
- (4) Other documents equivalent to (1)-(3) above - as appropriate
6. Graduation certificate and documents proving employment history and other career background
- (1) Graduation certificate - 1 copy
- (2) Certificate of employment - 1 copy
- (3) Resume - 1 copy
Application for Change of Status of Residence
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Documents proving the outline and business activities of the contracting organization
Submit the following documents proving the outline and business activities of the Japanese organization with which the applicant has a contract:
- (1) Brochure (pamphlet, etc.) - 1 copy
- (2) Certificate of registered matters - 1 copy
- (3) Other documents equivalent to (1) and (2) above - as appropriate
- (4) List of foreign employees (including nationality, name, gender, date of birth, date of joining, status of residence, period of stay, expiration date, and job description) - 1 copy
- (5) Consent form - 1 copy * Forms are available at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
- If the applicant intends to engage in self-employment related to research, research guidance, or education, documents (1)-(3) above must be submitted.
5. Documents proving the content of activities, period, position, and remuneration
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- (1) Copy of employment contract with the Japanese organization - 1 copy
- (2) Copy of appointment letter from the Japanese organization - 1 copy
- (3) Copy of hiring notification from the Japanese organization - 1 copy
- (4) Other documents equivalent to (1)-(3) above - as appropriate
6. Graduation certificate and documents proving employment history and other career background
- (1) Graduation certificate - 1 copy
- (2) Certificate of employment - 1 copy
- (3) Resume - 1 copy
7. Other (in case of job change)
If the applicant has changed jobs, submit the following documents:
- (1) Certificate of resignation prepared by the former employer (clearly stating the date of resignation) - 1 copy
- (2) Residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status) - 1 each
- Can be obtained from the municipal government office where you resided as of January 1. If you have recently entered Japan or the certificate cannot be issued due to relocation, please consult the nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Documents proving the content of activities, period, position, and remuneration
Submit applicable documents from the following:
- (1) Copy of employment contract with the Japanese organization - 1 copy
- (2) Copy of appointment letter from the Japanese organization - 1 copy
- (3) Copy of hiring notification from the Japanese organization - 1 copy
- (4) Other documents equivalent to (1)-(3) above - as appropriate
5. Residence tax taxation (or non-taxation) certificate and tax payment certificate - 1 each
Must show total annual income and tax payment status. Can be obtained from the municipal government office.
- If a single certificate shows both total annual income and tax payment status, only one needs to be submitted. If you have recently entered Japan or the certificate cannot be issued due to relocation, please consult the nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
6. Other (in case of self-employment)
If the applicant is engaged in self-employment related to “Designated Research Activities” such as research, research guidance, or education, submit a copy of the profit and loss statement for that business - 1 copy.
Reference Links
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