VISA

Contact: Kavli IPMU International Relations Section

I. Short-Term Visit (90 days or less)

1. Visitors from countries or regions for visa exemption

No visa is necessary to enter Japan unless the visitor receives rewards or salaries (excluding travel expenses) during their stay in Japan.  
 

2. Visitors from other countries or regions

A short-term visa is necessary to enter Japan.  Follow the procedures below.  
  1. Send a copy of your passport and itinerary to Kavli IPMU International Relations Section at least one month before the day you plan to enter Japan.
  2. Kavli IPMU International Relations Section issues and sends documents which you need to submit to Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General in your home country.  
  3. Submit them with other necessary documents to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

II. Long Term Visit (more than 90 days)

Visitors who stay longer than 90 consecutive days in Japan or receive rewards or salary (excluding travel expenses) must obtain a visa.  Most of the visitors obtain a "Professor Visa", even if they do not possess professorship.    
  1. Submit a copy of your passportyour face photo (.jpg format), and an application for certificate of eligibility , CV to Kavli IPMU International Relations Section at least three months before the day you plan to enter Japan.
  2. Kavli IPMU applies for a Certificate of Eligibility on your behalf.  
  3. Once the Certificate of Eligibility is issued by the Immigration Bureau (four to six months after the application), Kavli IPMU sends you the certificate.  
  4. Submit the certificate and other necessary documents to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General with jurisdiction over your place of residence.  Visa will be issued approximately a week later excepting some special cases.
[IMPORTANT] The certificate of eligibility is valid for three months from the day of issuance.  You must enter Japan while it is valid.
 
All foreigners who stay in Japan for more than 90 days, whether they live in temporary address or at a hotel, must register at the City Hall of your residence after entering Japan. 

If you need more information, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.