jp-j-skip — Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip)

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jp-j-skip — Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip)

Skilled Migration 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

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

¥3,000 JPY

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

A fast-track visa for top-tier professionals (researchers, engineers, managers) to bypass the standard points system.

J-Skip is Japan's fast-track visa for elite researchers, engineers, and managers. Requires master's or 10+ years' experience plus ≥¥20M income, or 5+ years in business management plus ≥¥40M.

Stay 5 years, renewable. PR after 1 year. Spouses work in specified activities; parents and helpers permitted under conditions.

This visa is ideal for top-earning foreign professionals in senior roles seeking the fastest available path to Japanese permanent residency.

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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

Academic/Work Path: Master’s degree or 10+ years experience + annual income ≥¥20 million

Business Manager Path: 5+ years experience + annual income ≥¥40 million

KEY CRITERIA

Education

master or higher

Experience

5+ years

Min. Income

20,000,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of qualification (COE)

Proof of income

Proof of academic/work history

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Fast-track to PR (1 year)
Allows parents/domestic helpers under conditions
Bypasses points system

Worth Knowing

Very high income requirements
Strict qualification criteria
Income below threshold
Lack of required experience

Application Process

Obtain COE

Apply for visa at Embassy

Entry

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Obtain COE; Apply for visa at Embassy; Entry

moj.go.jp

Dependent Visa

Allowed (spouse, children, and under certain conditions, parents/domestic helpers)

rsm.global

Fee Breakdown

Visa Issuance Fee: 3000 JPY

mofa.go.jp

Fees

Nominal (approx. ¥3,000)

mofa.go.jp

Forms

—

moj.go.jp

Job Offer Required

true

moj.go.jp

Application Portal

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/online/onlineshinsei.html

moj.go.jp

Official Info

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyuukokukanri01_00009.html

moj.go.jp

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

A fast-track visa for top-tier professionals (researchers, engineers, managers) to bypass the standard points system.

J-Skip is Japan's fast-track visa for elite researchers, engineers, and managers. Requires master's or 10+ years' experience plus ≥¥20M income, or 5+ years in business management plus ≥¥40M.

Stay 5 years, renewable. PR after 1 year. Spouses work in specified activities; parents and helpers permitted under conditions.

This visa is ideal for top-earning foreign professionals in senior roles seeking the fastest available path to Japanese permanent residency.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Academic/Work Path: Master’s degree or 10+ years experience + annual income ≥¥20 million

Business Manager Path: 5+ years experience + annual income ≥¥40 million

KEY CRITERIA

Education

master or higher

Experience

5+ years

Min. Income

20,000,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of qualification (COE)

Proof of income

Proof of academic/work history