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Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥45,000

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

32% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥3,240,000

Quality of Life

181/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Points-based visa with fast-track to permanent residence (1-3 years) for highly qualified professionals.

Japan's Highly Skilled Professional visa is a points-based status for professionals in academic research, technical, or business management roles. Candidates must score at least 70 points across education, career history, annual income, and age, and have a qualifying job offer with a minimum income of ¥3 million.

HSP holders receive a 5-year stay, renewable, with an accelerated PR pathway: 3 years at 70 points or 1 year at 80 points. Spouses may work in white-collar roles; parents or a domestic helper can also accompany in some cases. The visa fee is ¥15,000 single-entry or ¥30,000 multiple-entry.

This visa is ideal for high-earning foreign professionals with a Japanese job offer who want a streamlined, renewable work status and a faster route to permanent residence.

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Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visa feeJPY ¥15,000

Multiple-entry visa feeJPY ¥30,000

TotalJPY ¥45,000

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Japan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing4-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must score at least 70 points on the official points-based evaluation system.

Points are awarded based on academic background, professional career, annual income, age, and specific achievements (e.g., patents, research papers).

Must have a job offer or be currently employed in Japan in a field related to the points claimed.

Must meet the minimum annual income requirement (typically 3 million yen, though higher for certain categories).

Must intend to engage in activities classified under Advanced Academic Research, Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities, or Advanced Business Management.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

3,000,000 JPY/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Points calculation sheet

Educational certificates

Employment contract

Research publications

Age and language certification

Company registration (sponsor)

Financial statements (sponsor)

Employment offer letter (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Fast-track PR (1-3 years)
Can bring parents and domestic help
Multiple activities allowed
Preferential processing

Worth Knowing

Must score 70+ points
Points favor youth, high salary, top education

Application Process

Calculate points

Determine points using official points calculation system (need 70+ points)

Prepare documents

Gather credentials, employment contracts, financial documents

Employer applies for COE

Company submits Certificate of qualification with points calculation

Receive COE

Immigration Services Agency approves and issues COE

Apply for visa

Submit visa application at embassy with COE

Pay visa fee

Pay 6,000 JPY

Receive visa

Visa stamped in passport

Application Forms

Application for Certificate of Eligibility - Highly Skilled Professional	—
Points Calculation Sheet	—

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