To successfully transition to life as a research student in Japan, you must secure your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your university, apply for your Student visa, and register your address within 14 days of arrival. Managing these steps in the correct order ensures a smooth entry so you can focus on your graduate studies. This guide outlines the exact timeline and procedures you need to follow for your arrival in 2026.
How do I get my Student visa for Japan?
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and how do I apply?
Before you can apply for a Student visa, you need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document certifies that you meet the requirements for staying in Japan under a specific status, such as "Student," which is designated for those studying at universities or language schools. The period of stay for this status is decided individually by the Minister of Justice, up to a maximum of 4 years and 3 months.
To obtain a COE, you or a proxy in Japan—most commonly your accepting university—must submit an application to a regional immigration services bureau. You should contact your school's international office directly to coordinate the necessary paperwork, as they will act as your proxy in most cases. Please note that individual visa eligibility and requirements should always be confirmed with official sources.
How long does the visa application process take?
Once your COE is issued, you can submit your visa application to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country or region of residence. If there are no issues with your application, the standard processing time is five working days starting from the day after the embassy receives it.
However, if many applications are submitted at the same time, or if your application requires deeper examination and is sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, the process can take more than a month. Furthermore, if you attempt to apply for a visa without a COE, the processing time typically stretches to one to three months. Therefore, it is highly recommended to secure your COE first and apply well in advance of your travel date.
What documents do I need to prove financial ability?
When applying for your COE or visa, you must prove that you can cover all your living and academic expenses during your stay in Japan. To show this, you will need to submit financial documents from your sponsor (which can be yourself or a guarantor). These documents typically include a savings balance certificate, an income certificate covering the past year, and official documentation identifying the sources of your funds.
What should I do when I arrive at the airport in Japan?
How do I get my Residence Card?
If you reside in Japan for more than three months, you will be issued a Residence Card (zairyu card), which you must carry with you at all times. If you land at major airports—specifically Narita, Haneda, New Chitose, Chubu, Kansai, Kobe, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka—your card will be issued immediately during the immigration process alongside a Landing Permission stamp in your passport.
If you enter through any other airport, you will receive a Landing Permission stamp in your passport with a seal indicating that your Residence Card will be issued at a later date. To make your arrival smoother, you can use the Visit Japan Web service online to complete your quarantine, immigration, and customs declarations before landing.
What is the "My Number" system and why do I need it?
Every resident in Japan is assigned a unique 12-digit social security and tax number called "My Number." This is completely different from the number on your Residence Card. Once you register your address at your local municipal office, a notification card containing your My Number will be mailed to you.
You can also apply online or by mail for a physical My Number Card, which serves as official identification. You will need this number for various official procedures, such as opening bank accounts, receiving or sending money internationally, and starting a part-time job.
How do I register my address in Tokyo?
Once you have decided where you will live, you must register your address. You are required to visit the municipal office that administers your new neighborhood within 14 days of moving in. If you received your Residence Card at the airport, bring it with you. If you entered through an airport that did not issue the card immediately, bring your passport containing the stamp indicating the card will be issued later.
Finding a place to stay
To ensure a stress-free arrival, it is highly recommended to start researching accommodation as soon as you receive your university acceptance. Many newcomers choose to stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while they settle in and complete their initial administrative tasks. You should ideally arrange this temporary housing after your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or visa is issued, but before you board your flight to Japan. When looking for a place, consider the distance to your campus, access to public transit, and local amenities.
OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo; most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi. This makes it incredibly easy for incoming research students to secure a comfortable home before arriving.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a visa after submitting the application?
If there are no issues, it typically takes five working days from the day after the embassy or consulate receives your application. However, if your application is referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, it can take more than a month.
Within how many days must I register my address after finding a place to live?
You must visit the municipal office administering your new address within 14 days of determining where you will live to register as a resident.
What is the difference between the Residence Card number and My Number?
Your Residence Card number is a unique identifier on your physical card for immigration status, while "My Number" is a separate 12-digit social security and tax number sent to you after resident registration, which is required for municipal procedures, part-time jobs, and bank transfers.
Sources
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Immigration and Students Visas｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-07)
- 外務省「Visa Processing Time | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan」(checked 2026-10-07)
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Accommodation｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-07)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication. Facts are summarized in our own words; see the linked pages for the official details.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.