News & Activities

VISAThe information about the visa(*Note) required for foreigners visiting Japan is as follows. For details, please check the website of the Embassy, Consulate-General, Consular Office (the Diplomatic Missions abroad) of Japan that have jurisdiction over the country/region where the foreigner visiting Japan resides.For visa inquiries, please contact “Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information” or “Japan Visa Information Hotline” listed on the website of the Embassy/Consulate-General/Consular Office of Japan. You can find detailed information about visa on the website of the Diplomatic Mission of Japan with jurisdiction over your place of residence.1. Visa Application Procedures2. About Visa3. Visa Application Documents4. Frequently Asked Questions5. Announcements6. Inquiries about Visas(*Note) A visa is one of the requirements for entering Japan as defined by the "Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act", and it does not guarantee to enter Japan. Visas are issued at the Embassy, Consulate-General, Consular Office of Japan abroad. They cannot be obtained when you arrive in Japan or while you are staying in Japan. The “landing permission" is granted by an immigration officer at the port of entry when a foreigner meets the requirement for entry into Japan. The “status of residence” is mentioned on your “landing permission”, that indicates the activities you are permitted to perform in Japan. Please note that sometimes people say "visa", it may refer to the "status of residence”. For example, people often mention as "changing visa" when they mean “renewal/change of the status of residence." For inquiries about "status of residence," please visit the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Be aware of fraudulent website, social media, and emails in an attempt to extract payments from visa applicants (July 5, 2017)1. Visa Application ProceduresPrepare all the required documents.Inviting organization/guarantor must send the required documents to the visa applicant (NOT to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Diplomatic Mission of Japan). We encourage an inviting organization/guarantor to make a copy of them.Requirements for visa application may vary depending on the local situation/the purpose of your visit. You can find detailed information on the website of the Diplomatic Mission of Japan (Embassy, Consulate-General, or Consular Office) where you will submit your application.Once all the documents are ready, you may apply for a visa at the consular section of the Diplomatic Mission of Japan with jurisdiction over your place of residence, at an accredited agency, the Japan Visa Application Centre, or online, by the method specified by the Diplomatic Mission of Japan where you will submit your application (visa application cannot be made inside Japan.).It takes approximately one week to process the application, provided that all necessary requirements are met. Additional documents may be required on a case-by-case basis. It may take longer than usual to receive the result of the visa examination in case the Diplomatic Mission of Japan deems necessary to consult with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.The Diplomatic Mission of Japan or the accredited agency will notify the visa applicant of the result.Short-Term Stay(A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities)All nationals of the countries and regions listed below require a visa to enter Japan.Click on the nationality of the visa applicant traveling to Japan.PhilippinesViet NamChinaRussiaCIS countries, Ukraine, GeorgiaOther NationalitiesProcedure chart for short-term stay (tourism, business, visiting relatives, etc)【Online application for the visit to Japan with tourism purpose (single-entry)】All foreign nationals/people who need to obtain a short-term visa to Japan AND currently reside in the following countries/region, are eligible to apply for a visa online: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, U.S.A.Please check below for information on visa exempt countries.The JAPAN eVISA system (electronic visa)Countries and regions that do not require a visa to enter JapanVisa Exempt Countries and RegionsIt is highly recommended to purchase international travel medical insurance for your trip to Japan. Overseas travel medical insurance helps you in case of emergency.Work or Long-Term Stay(If you do not meet the requirements for short-term stay, such as in cases where you intend to work in Japan for remuneration or stay in Japan for more than 90 days, you should, in principle, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying for a visa at the Diplomatic Mission of Japan with jurisdiction over your place of residence.)Procedure chart for long-term staysThe Working Holiday Programmes in JapanJapan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis ScreeningNote: Pre-Entry Tuberculosis (TB) Screening will apply to nationals of the Philippines, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, and ChinaVisa for Medical StayVisa Exemptions for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders2. About VisaPoints to Note and Application ProceduresVisa Processing TimeValidity of a VisaVisa FeesVisa RequirementsVisas and Landing Permission3. Visa Application Documents (download)(Note1) Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill in and print out the Visa application form (Note2) Company/personal seal on Letter of Guarantee and Letter of Invitation is no longer required.Visa Application FormEnglish (PDF)Chinese (simplified) (PDF)Chinese (traditional) (PDF)Korean (PDF)Portuguese (PDF)Spanish (PDF)Letter of Guarantee (PDF)Invitation Letter (Single-Entry) (PDF)Invitation Letter (Multiple-Entry) (PDF)List of Visa Applicants (PDF)Overview of Company / Organization (PDF)Itinerary in Japan (PDF) 4. Frequently Asked QuestionsTell me why you rejected my visa application.I want to go to Japan. Do I need a visa?I want to invite a foreign national to Japan. What procedures are necessary?What should I do to get a Certificate of Eligibility?The Certificate of Eligibility will not arrive by the time I apply for a visa. Can I still apply for a visa with its copy?As a “guarantor”, to what extent do I need to be responsible?more FAQ5. AnnouncementsNewly introduced visasSpecial Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip)Designated activities (Future Creation Individual, Spouse or Child of Future Creation Individual) (J-Find)Designated activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad)Statistics for the Number of VisasNumber of Visas Issued in 2024 (May 9, 2025)Relaxation of Visa RequirementsRelaxation of Visa requirements for Nationals of the United Arab Emirates in Possession of Ordinary Passports (Extension of period of stay) (June 2, 2025)Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the Republic of Paraguay (May 29, 2025)Relaxation of Visa requirements for Nationals of Brunei Darussalam（Extension of period of stay）(December 2, 2024)OthersJapan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (April 3, 2020)Japan's Visa Policy in Accordance with Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons (August 2007 (Updated in 2016))Archives6. Inquiries about Visas ApplicationForeign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa InformationAddress: Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0004Phone: Navi-Dial: 0570-011000(For some IP phones and calls from overseas, please call +81-3-5369-6577)Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 (except holidays)

Researcher visahttps://www.riken.jp/en/careers/newcomers/visa/researcher/?utm_source=chatgpt.comInternational researchers will require a RESEARCHER visa to work at RIKEN in Japan. The visa application process can take three months or more. Please allow enough time to ensure it will be ready in time to start your employment at RIKEN. The RIKEN laboratory that you work with will be able to assist with all the necessary paperwork.VISA application procedures1.RIKEN will apply for the COE (Certificate of Eligibility) in lieu of you.Contact your RIKEN host laboratory for the application check sheet, fill it out completely (all applicable information), and return it with all the required items listed below. ※ It may take about 2 months for it to be granted by the Japanese Immigration Bureau.2.RIKEN will send you the original COE as soon as it is granted.3.Please apply for the visa to enter Japan at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate with the COE plus any other required items. For the other required items, please check the Working visa (MOFA) website.※ It may take about 1 week for it to be granted.Notes:The entire visa application process may take 3 months or more including mail delivery.Please keep the original COE and bring it with you to Japan. It is a requirement to show it to the immigration officer when entering Japan, together with the visa in your passport.RIKEN required items for COE (Certificate of Eligibility) applicationApplication check sheet (Sample (PDF 191.5KB))A copy of passportA photo (4cm x 3cm, taken within the last 3 months to reflect your current appearance; full-face view, no hat, taken in front of a plain background)Curriculum vitae NotesThe Residence Card (RC) will be provided to you at the airport upon entering Japan, this is your ID while you live and work in Japan. The residence card must be carried with you at all times. Working VISAhttps://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa1.html(Professor, Artist, Religious activities, Journalist, Business manager, Legal/Accounting services, Medical services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services, Nursing care) Period of stay5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 monthsOnly for Business manager : 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 4 months or 3 monthsNecessary documentsPassportOne visa application form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)One photograph (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia need to submit two photographs)Certificate of Eligibility (Note) - the original or one copy (If you have an electronic Certificate of Eligibility, please present it at the visa application counter or submit a printed copy)　Chinese nationals must also submit the following documents:Copy of the Chinese Family RegisterTemporary Residence Permit or Residence Certificate (If the applicant does not have a family register within the region under the jurisdiction of the embassy or consulate-general where the application will be made)　(Note) Depending on the nationality of the applicant, other documents may be necessary in addition to the above. For details please refer to the web site of a Japanese embassy or consulate-general in your area.　(Note) What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?　A Certificate of Eligibility, which is issued by a regional immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, certifies that the foreign national conforms to the conditions for landing in Japan (which means the activity stated in the application is not false and it is one of the activities (except Temporary Visitor) stipulated in the Immigration Control Act). For details, check the website of the Immigration Services Agency of JAPAN . (A proxy in Japan can make an application of COE)　By presenting COE, the visa application at the Embassy or Consulate-General and the landing examination at the passport control will be processed smoothly. However, please note that a COE does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.　A visa application for this type of visa could be made without COE. However, the applicant will be required to submit a large amount of verification documents and it could take a long time (several months) to process.

‍‍The Franco – Thai Scholarship Program of the Embassy of France in Thailandhttps://www.francothai-science.com/franco-thai-scholarship-programDeadline: February 19, 2026In Partnership withThe Franco – Thai Scholarship Program of the Embassy of France in Thailand aims to support Thai students under aged of 35 years old who intend to study in universities or higher education institutions in France for their Master’s degree or PhD. Open to all fields of study, this program is based on a highly selective call for candidates in order to strengthen high level exchanges between France and Thailand.The Franco-Thai scholarship is granted for the period necessary to obtain the degree: one or two years for a Master’s Degree and three years for a PhD.‍In case of co-supervision, the scholarship will only be granted for the periods spent in France.‍If the curriculum requires some course works which will take place outside France, the scholarship will be suspended during that period. ‍The Franco-Thai scholarship program offers two types of scholarships:‍Full scholarship:‍The full scholarship benefits include:- A monthly allowance;- A roundtrip ticket;- Social protection;- Advantages as the French government's grant holder.‍Social Protection Scholarship/Bourse de Couverture Sociale:‍Social Protection Scholarship or “Bourse de Couverture Sociale” gives access to a specific status, enabling candidates to benefit from social protection in France and other specific advantages (exemption from visa fees, CVEC fees and tuition fees for some public higher education institutions’ program,...). The “Bourse de Couverture Sociale” can only be granted if a cost-sharing agreement insures a monthly allowance to the scholar, since it will not be provided by the Franco-Thai program for this type of scholarship.‍Cost-sharing:‍Both Master and PhD Applicants are highly encouraged to look for other sources of funding not only from his/her own local or foreign university but also from private sector. A specific attention will be given to academic applicants who have found other sources of funding for their project.Some doctoral schools ask for a higher monthly income than the monthly allowance granted by this scholarship program. Students applying to those doctoral schools have to check and coordinate with the French laboratory or doctoral school to secure additional funding.‍‍Tuition fees‍Please note that the Franco-Thai Scholarship Program does not cover tuition fees.For some Master’s taught in French at a public university and for PhD programs, being a scholar of the French Government will entail that the tuition fees will be lifted. It is the candidate’s responsibility to check the amount of the tuition fees for the program he/she is applying to.‍In order to identify grant recipients, the selection committee will consider: - The candidate’s skills and merit as borne out by his/her academic record and professional background; - The quality of the study plan. Contacts with the Master’s degree or thesis supervisors and progress of the project submitted will also be taken into account; - The strong and firm interest of the candidate in pursuing studies with regards to his/her previous studies and professional project; - The level of proficiency in foreign languages (French or English) and its adequacy with the intended curriculum; - Other sources of funding to support the project; - For PhDs applicants, the selection committee will favor PhDs under joint supervision and commitment of Thai and French supervisors will be decisive.

Talent mobility, or the free movement of skilled labour across national borders, is a central tenet of ASEAN’s drive toward regional economic integration. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Vision 2025 includes facilitating the movement of investments, skilled labour, business professionals, and capital. To this end, the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 outlines initiatives such as implementing mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) for skilled professionals, strengthening commitments under the ASEAN Agreement on the Movement of Natural Persons, and reducing regulatory barriers by standardising hiring requirements and documentation.Furthermore, the ongoing negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) include digital talent mobility as one of its nine key pillars.These commitments recognise the importance of developing, attracting, and retaining talent in accelerating ASEAN’s economic growth. As technology-driven digital transformation is reshaping the region, human expertise is more essential than ever. Skill gaps will limit the region’s ability to maximise digital opportunities. For instance, a shortage of skilled ICT professionals, including cybersecurity experts, hampers our ability to address increasingly complex cybersecurity threats.ASEAN Member States have negotiated past agreements to facilitate cross-border professional practice. Mutual recognition agreements were signed between 2005 and 2012 for sectors including engineering, nursing, architecture, medicine, dentistry, and tourism. In 2012, the Member States signed an agreement on the movement of natural persons, establishing a framework for the temporary cross-border movement of workers. ASEAN Member States also signed the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), which includes provisions to streamline business visa procedures for citizens within the ASEAN. These are important first steps to foster talent mobility.Read more at https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/article/opportunities-for-talent-collaboration-in-asean-in-the-digital-ageThe ASEAN Secretariat70A Jalan Sisingamangaraja Jakarta 12110P: (+6221)7262991, 7243372F: (+6221)7398234, 7243504M: ASEAN-magazine@asean.org

Second call for applications now open!Deadline: 23 August 2024Organisation Country: SpainIDEAL PhD programme is a new doctoral fellowship programme promoted by IMDEA Nanociencia that aims to attract 12 talented researchers in two open calls to undertake excellent research in any of the programmes at the Institute:P1 Nanotechnology for energy harvestingP2 Quantum materials at the nanoscaleP3 Nanotechnology for healthcareP4 Nanomagnetism for Information and Communication TechnologiesP5 Ultrafast phenomena at the nanoscaleP6 Nanotechnology for Critical Raw Materials and SustainabilityWithin the IDEAL PhD programme, we aim to boost the careers of talented researchers offering them an innovative, intersectoral and truly interdisciplinary training in nanoscience and nanotechnology. IMDEA Nano is committed to providing a pool of researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the next challenges in the field nanoscience.Doctoral candidates will receive a well-balanced training and quality mentoring from an experienced scientific and management team as well as access to an infrastructure of the highest level for the pursuit of their projects in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The duration of the fellowships is 42 months.Application deadline: 23 August 2024 (17:00 CET)In this second call for applications, 6 MSCA PhD fellowships will be offered to outstanding doctoral candidates for the duration of 3.5 years (42 months) to undertake a PhD project in nanoscience and nanotechnology at IMDEA Nanociencia, in Madrid.A full list of PhD projects is published on the IDEAL PhD website. Applicants are able to freely choose a PhD project and associated supervisor that fits their individual research interest.The IDEAL PhD fellows recruited in this call are expected to start their fellowship in early 2025.How to apply?To apply please visit and register on the IDEAL PhD Fellowship Programme website. Please read carefully the Guide for Applicants before submitting your application.EligibilityResearchers of any nationality are eligible to apply to the IDEAL PhD fellowships. Applicants need to comply with the following eligibility criteria:Mobility requirements: Following the MSCA mobility rule, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the last 3 years before the call deadline.Degree certificates: Candidates must have completed the studies that lead to an official university degree that gives access to doctoral studies.Research experience: Candidates must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the time of the call deadline. Language: applicants must have a B2-equivalent or higher level of English.BenefitsIDEAL PhD fellows will be hired on a full-time standard employment contract for the maximum duration of 3.5 years (42 months) to undertake their PhD research project, complying with the Spanish legislation for the performance of doctoral studies.Through their contracts, fellows will have access to maternity/paternity, retirement, family benefits, and unemployment benefits.Fellows and their families will have access to public health care coverage and medical assistance.Fellows will receivea living allowance (covering salaries, social security contributions, taxes and other costs included in the remuneration), a mobility allowance (mobility costs to take up the position) and a family allowance (to cover additional costs per dependent child after checking eligibility).IMDEA Nanociencia will manage other research and travel costs available for the fellows to cover costs directly related with the development of the projects and necessary for the successful execution and travel costs associated with the researchers training and networking and to cover relevant expenses in secondments.Average annual gross salary of € 24,600Mobility allowance of € 2,400 (paid over the first 12 months, included in average salary).Research, and travel costs up to € 900/month (managed by the institution)Family Allowance of € 100 per month per child (up to 2 children)Researchers with disabilities are supported and an MSCA Special Needs Allowance will be applied for to cover any additional costs that researchers with disabilities face due to the increased costs of their mobility.IMDEA Nanociencia will provide support to fellows during the integration and their stay (visa requirements, general info, and family orientated support). Furthermore, fellows can also take advantage of the agreements in place with the Cantoblanco Campus support network to access on-campus accommodation, sports and cultural activities. Nursery and primary schools based on campus have priority for local workers.