These are the most common visas and statuses of residence for people who work at RIKEN and their families.

*Only when the main affiliation is a university in Japan, or when the location of research activities is a university in Japan, even if the researcher belongs to RIKEN

Working while on a non-work visa

For visa types where work is normally not permitted, part-time work may be permitted if you submit a form called "Permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted" (Shikakugai katsudō kyoka).

Short-term visits

For short-term visits to Japan for symposiums, conferences, and meetings, it may be unnecessary to get a visa. There are 61 countries with reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Japan (as of May 2011).

Visa expiration date

It is important to remember when your visa expires, and apply to extend it before this happens. The authorities will not send you a reminder about this—it is your responsibility. Note that the expiration date on your certificate of alien registration will probably not be the same as the expiration date on your visa.

Further information

Application forms and instructions for getting, extending, and changing visas are available on the Ministry of Justice's website. The forms themselves have English on them, but unfortunately the other information is only in Japanese:  http://www.moj.go.jp/tetsuduki_shutsunyukoku.html.

For more detailed information in English, see: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html. Immigration Breau of Japan: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/index.html. Immigration procedures: http://moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/IB/ip.html.