Requirements for Obtaining a Designated Activities Visa for Internships in Japan
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- What are the requirements for inviting overseas students to Japan for internships under the Designated Activities Visa?
- When hosting overseas students for internships, the applicable visa status depends on remuneration and duration. Below we explain the requirements for the Designated Activities Visa, which is frequently used in practice.
The Immigration Control Act (Notification No. 9 of Designated Activities) provides the following description regarding internships:
Students enrolled in a foreign university (in a degree-granting program, excluding correspondence courses) may, as part of their academic curriculum, based on a formal agreement between their university and a Japanese host institution, engage in paid internship activities for up to one year, and for no longer than half of the total prescribed study period at the university.Who Qualifies as a “Foreign University Student”?
Students must be enrolled in a degree-granting program (including junior colleges and graduate schools, but excluding correspondence programs) and must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry.
(Note) In France, students of “Grandes Écoles” qualify, as these institutions are considered equivalent to universities and confer degrees upon graduation. However, preparatory classes for Grandes Écoles, which do not award degrees, do not qualify.
What Does “Part of the Academic Curriculum” Mean?
The internship must be an integral part of the student’s studies. The work must relate to the student’s academic major, and the knowledge and skills gained must be recognized by the home university as part of the student’s curriculum.
Repetitive or simple work that does not contribute to the student’s academic or professional development will not be approved.What Constitutes an Agreement Between the University and the Host Institution?
When concluding an agreement with a Japanese company or institution, the following elements must be included and clearly explained to the intern:
(1) Purpose: The internship must contribute to the student’s academic and professional development as part of their curriculum.
(2) Academic Credits: The number of credits or graduation requirements fulfilled through the internship must be clear.
(3) Duration: The internship must not exceed one year and must not exceed half the total duration of the student’s degree program.
(4) Remuneration: Payment details (hourly, daily, or monthly) and method (bank transfer or cash) must be specified.
(5) Deductions: Items such as housing or utilities deducted from pay must be clearly indicated, with approximate monthly amounts where applicable.
(6) Insurance: Coverage for illness or accidents during the internship must be specified.
(7) Travel Expenses: Responsibility for international and domestic travel costs must be specified.
(8) Reporting: The host organization must report internship progress to the university, with timing and content of reports specified.
(9) Termination: Conditions under which the agreement may be terminated must be clearly stated.
What Constitutes “Receiving Remuneration”?
Remuneration refers to monetary compensation paid to the intern in return for work, such as wages calculated by hours or days worked. The Immigration Bureau determines case by case whether allowances qualify as remuneration. There is no fixed cap on remuneration levels.What Does “Engaging in the Activities of the Host Institution” Mean?
The intern must work directly under the host organization. Dispatching interns to third-party organizations is not permitted.
For further details on hosting foreign interns, please see the following page:
Internship & Summer Job Programs for International Students in Japan
These programs enable overseas university students to gain professional experience in Japan, supporting both educational development and career preparation.
Summary: Designated Activities Visa Requirements for Internships
In recent years, authorities have become increasingly strict about internship visa reviews due to misuse of internships as supplemental labor. When applying for a Designated Activities Visa, it is critical to provide accurate documentation and a clear explanation of the educational purpose and hosting framework to avoid misunderstandings.
This page outlines the basic requirements and considerations. However, each case is highly fact-specific, and companies are strongly encouraged to consult immigration experts or relevant authorities before proceeding.
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Related Service Page:
Internship & Summer Job Programs for International Students in Japan
These programs allow overseas students to gain short-term work experience in Japan, helping companies and HR teams ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Since 1986, ACROSEED has specialized in immigration and visa services for foreign employees in Japan. For nearly 40 years, we have advised corporate HR teams on compliance, procedures, and workforce planning.
Consultations are available via phone, email, online, or in person. English-language support is always available.
