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

JPY ¥15,000

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
Japan flag

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

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 grant5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

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 JPY/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

1

Obtain COE

2

Apply for visa at Embassy

3

Entry

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