Trainee Visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Trainee Visa (研修)
Stay Length	6 months or 1 year
Visa Cost	Free (COE); 15,000 JPY (visa sticker)
Eligibility Timing	Prior acceptance into structured training program
Work Rights	Strictly prohibited; non-productive training only
Study Rights	Educational and observational training permitted
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel Facility	Single entry mentioned for visa issuance
Citizenship Pathway	Not stated in the source
Family Sponsorship	Not permitted
Visa Record (Extension)	In principle, non-renewable
Processing Time	1–2 months (COE: 26.1 days)
Host Requirement	Legitimate Japanese legal entity

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Purpose & Overview

The Trainee visa (kenshū) is a residence status for foreign nationals undertaking structured, non-remunerated educational and observational training at Japanese companies, institutions, or public bodies.

It is designed for:

• Corporate employees dispatched by an overseas employer to a Japanese parent company, affiliate, or partner for skills development.
• Government officials and public sector workers participating in capacity-building or official development assistance (ODA) training.
• Foreign nationals participating in formal, non-remunerated training programs.

Unlike the Technical Intern Training visa, the Trainee visa prohibits productive, income-producing labor.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Trainee visa, the applicant and host organization must meet the following criteria:

• Program Acceptance: Formal acceptance into a recognized training program hosted by a legitimate Japanese legal entity.
• Structured Training Plan: A formalized curriculum (研修計画書) detailing training objectives, structure, and schedules.
• Non-Productive Activities: Training must remain purely observational/educational without involving actual productive labor.
• Passport: A valid passport held by the applicant.
• Financial Guarantee: Evidence of financial support or living allowances covering expenses during the stay.

Stay & Extensions

• Granted Periods: 6 months or 1 year (single residence period of up to 1 year).
• Extensions: In principle, non-renewable. The stay is strictly tied to the training plan. If further training is needed, the individual must depart and reapply or transition to a different status.

Costs & Processing Times

• COE Application Fee: Free.
• Visa Sticker Issuance Fee: 15,000 JPY (single entry, effective July 1, 2026).
• Overall Processing Time: Typically 1 to 2 months.
  • COE Issuance (from overseas): Average of 26.1 days (30-month average: 32.1 days).
  • Change of Status: Average of 41.0 days (30-month average: 39.9 days).
  • Renewal / Extension: Average of 24.0 days (30-month average: 30.2 days).

Work & Remuneration Conditions

• No Productive Labor: Paid employment and productive work activities are strictly prohibited.
• Remuneration vs. Stipend: Trainees cannot receive a salary. However, a living allowance or stipend to cover basic daily living expenses is permitted.
• Scope of Activities: Trainees must strictly adhere to the approved training plan. Activities outside the plan are prohibited.

Family & Dependents

• Family accompaniment is not permitted under the Trainee status.

Required Documents

• Valid passport.
• Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Training plan (研修計画書) detailing the program structure, objectives, and schedule.
• Acceptance letter from the host institution or company in Japan.
• Documents establishing the relationship between the overseas employer and the Japanese host (for corporate trainees).
• Proof of employment or status with the sending organization.
• Financial guarantee or proof of living expense support during the training.

Application Steps

1. Secure Acceptance: Obtain formal acceptance into a structured training program at a Japanese entity.
2. Formulate Training Plan: Prepare the detailed training plan meeting Immigration Services Agency requirements.
3. Apply for COE: The host organization in Japan submits the COE application to the regional Immigration Services Agency.
4. Visa Issuance: Once the COE is issued, the applicant applies for the entry visa at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate overseas.
5. Entry & Registration: Travel to Japan and register the local residential address within 14 days of arrival.
6. Training Compliance: Complete the training strictly according to the approved schedule.

Status Transitions

Upon finishing the training program, individuals may be eligible to transition to other residence statuses if specific conditions are met:

• Technical Intern Training Visa
• Specified Skilled Worker (i & ii) Visa

Important Notices & Warnings

• Strict Ban on Work: The Trainee visa does not allow any paid or productive labor. Those requiring paid, on-the-job training must apply for the Technical Intern Training status instead.
• Mandatory Plan Review: All training plans must undergo formal review and approval by the Immigration Bureau.
• No Unapproved Activities: Engaging in activities outside the approved curriculum is a violation of residence status.

Official Resources

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan: ISA Trainee Status Information