Permanent Residency for Foreign Researchers at Japan’s Top Institutes: RIKEN, AIST, JAXA

Navigating Your Path to Permanent Residency in Japan

Foreign researchers affiliated with premier Japanese institutes such as RIKEN, AIST, and JAXA often qualify as highly skilled professionals, making them excellent candidates for permanent residency (PR) in Japan.

Eligibility for permanent residency is determined through the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system, evaluating criteria including:

• Academic degrees (especially Ph.D. holders)
• Years of professional experience
• Annual income levels
• Research achievements and publications
• Affiliation with recognized institutions
• Educational background and alma mater reputation

Generally, researchers with strong academic credentials and professional records score favorably, significantly enhancing their chances of securing permanent residency status.

Understanding the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points System

The HSP points system, while beneficial, involves complexities such as strict documentation requirements and adherence to Japanese laws—including social insurance and tax compliance. Applicants who are married to Japanese nationals can leverage their status to expedite their PR application, potentially achieving permanent residency in as short as one year if they satisfy HSP criteria.

Explore our detailed guide on the Highly Skilled Professional Visa to learn more about maximizing your eligibility.

Expert Immigration Support for Researchers

At Continental Immigration, we specialize in guiding highly skilled foreign professionals through the process of securing permanent residency. Our firm holds extensive experience in assisting researchers and academic professionals affiliated with top-tier universities, research institutes, as well as specialists in global finance, IT, and consulting sectors.

Discover more about our specialized Permanent Residency Support Services.

Effortless Application Process with Continental

Applicants partnering with Continental benefit from our comprehensive support, eliminating the stress of navigating complicated procedures alone or visiting immigration offices directly. Our professional services include:

• Detailed explanations and strategic guidance on application procedures
• Professional preparation and submission of all required documents
• Direct representation and advocacy to Japanese immigration authorities
• Assurance of strict compliance with legal standards and immigration regulations

Are You a Foreign Researcher Seeking Permanent Residency?

If you are a foreign researcher or academic professional residing in areas with limited access to specialized administrative legal support, Continental Immigration offers complete bilingual services in English and Japanese to simplify and streamline your permanent residency application.

Contact Continental Immigration today to schedule your initial consultation.

About Your Immigration Expert

Masakazu Murai
With 18 years of experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley (a joint venture between MUFG Bank and Morgan Stanley), Masakazu Murai has provided financial advisory to more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior executives.

Throughout his tenure, Murai actively promoted workplace diversity and inclusion, particularly advocating for increased participation of foreign nationals and women in professional roles. His expertise covers both financial and immigration consulting, specifically VISA and Permanent Residency applications.

• Certified Administrative Scrivener (Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer)
• CMA (Japanese Financial Analyst Certification)
• CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
• MBA (Entrepreneurship)