Highly Skilled Professional Visa in Japan
Highly Skilled Professional Visa in Japan
Immigration support for international researchers, engineers, IT specialists, executives and employers. We assist with Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) status of residence, including 70-point assessments, Certificates of Eligibility (COE), changes of status, extensions, HSP No. 2 and J-Skip applications.
Kawagoe Masanobu Administrative Scrivener Office · Sagae, Yamagata, Japan · Enquiries from Japan and overseas welcome · You may contact us in English.
70 / 80 Points
Review academic history, professional experience, salary and documented bonus points.
HSP No. 1 & No. 2
Advice on initial applications, changes, employer changes and the path to No. 2.
J-Skip & PR
Compare the special highly skilled route and potential permanent residence options.
What Is Japan's Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
The Highly Skilled Professional status of residence (高度専門職) is designed for qualified foreign nationals undertaking specified advanced professional activities in Japan. The ordinary points-based system assesses such factors as education, career experience, annual remuneration and other eligible achievements.
For the ordinary HSP No. 1 route, applicants generally need at least 70 points in the relevant activity category, as well as satisfying the legal requirements for the activities they intend to perform. Meeting 70 points alone does not guarantee permission.
HSP No. 1(a)
Academic Research
Research, research guidance or teaching under a contract with an eligible organization in Japan. Examples include university academics and researchers.
HSP No. 1(b)
Specialized / Technical
Specialist work involving natural sciences or humanities at an eligible organization. Examples include engineers and certain IT professionals.
HSP No. 1(c)
Business Management
Managing or administering a business in Japan. Business-related eligibility standards require particular attention.
How Are the 70 and 80 Points Calculated?
The point schedule differs by activity category. An accurate assessment must use the rules and supporting documents applicable to the relevant time and the applicant's circumstances.
Education & Experience
Degrees, relevant years of professional experience, and the connection between qualifications and the planned work.
Salary & Age
Eligible annual remuneration, age where applicable, and the correct point calculation date.
Research & Certifications
Recognized research achievements, qualifying professional certifications and other eligible factors.
Japanese Language & Bonuses
Qualifying language credentials and applicable bonuses linked to institutions, qualifications or other criteria.
Not sure whether you have 70 points? You can first use our Japanese-language approximate self-check for HSP No. 1(b). This is not an official immigration determination and does not cover every bonus or historical calculation.
Our document-based detailed points assessment costs ¥16,500 (tax included). If you subsequently engage our office for the related residence application, that assessment fee is deducted from the application professional fee.
Benefits of Highly Skilled Professional Status
Japan offers specific immigration-related preferential treatment to eligible highly skilled professionals. Each benefit is subject to its own conditions.
HSP No. 1 vs. HSP No. 2 vs. Permanent Residence
| Feature | HSP No. 1 | HSP No. 2 | Permanent Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Period of stay | 5 years | Indefinite | Indefinite |
| Work activities | Specified HSP activities and permitted related activities | Broad work activities, subject to HSP conditions | No work restriction based on residence status |
| Typical route | Generally 70+ points or J-Skip criteria | Usually qualifying HSP No. 1 activity for 3+ years plus other requirements | Separate permanent residence assessment |
When Can I Change to HSP No. 2?
Under the ordinary points-based route, HSP No. 2 generally requires at least three years of qualifying activities under HSP No. 1 and satisfaction of the applicable requirements, including points and residence history. It requires an application for change of status and is not automatic.
HSP No. 2 has an indefinite period of stay, but it is not the same status as permanent residence. Qualifying activities and applicable notifications remain important. Specially Highly Skilled Professionals under J-Skip may be subject to a distinct, shorter No. 2 route.
Permanent Residence with 70 or 80 Points
Under the applicable guidelines, qualifying highly skilled foreign professionals may be eligible to apply for permanent residence after a shorter period of residence in Japan.
70 Points — Generally 3 Years
A qualifying applicant may be able to use a three-year route, subject to proof of the required score at the relevant dates, continuous residence and all other conditions.
80 Points — Generally 1 Year
A qualifying applicant may be able to use a one-year route, subject to proof of the required score at the relevant dates, continuous residence and all other conditions.
Depending on the circumstances, a person may use the points-based permanent residence framework even while holding another eligible status of residence. The HSP status itself is not always a prerequisite for that assessment.
J-Skip: Special Highly Skilled Professional Route
J-Skip (特別高度人材) is a separate route under the Highly Skilled Professional framework. Instead of relying on the standard 70-point calculation, it uses specified education or work experience and high annual income criteria.
| Activity | Main J-Skip Threshold |
|---|---|
| HSP No. 1(a) or 1(b) | Master's degree or higher + annual income of at least ¥20 million; or 10+ years of relevant work experience + annual income of at least ¥20 million |
| HSP No. 1(c) | 5+ years of business management experience + annual income of at least ¥40 million |
Additional eligibility conditions and evidence are required. J-Skip can offer enhanced benefits and a special route to HSP No. 2 after qualifying activities for at least one year. It is not the same as merely having 80 points under the ordinary system.
Changing Employers, Renewing or Applying from Overseas
Applying from Overseas
We can discuss a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application with the foreign professional or a receiving company or research institution. The eligible applicant and filing arrangements in Japan must be confirmed.
Switching from Another Status
Professionals already in Japan may consider a change from a qualifying existing status. We review the planned work, current residence status, relevant points and supporting documents.
Changing Employers
HSP No. 1 generally designates a particular organization. Moving to another organization commonly requires a new change-of-status application, not just a notification.
Extension or HSP No. 2
We assess the current point score, employment or management circumstances, past activities and residence history before identifying the appropriate procedure.
Documents Commonly Reviewed
The official submission list depends on the application category, the relevant activity and the receiving organization. We help identify what is needed for the particular case.
Applicant Documents
Application & Employer Documents
Foreign-language documents submitted to Japanese immigration authorities generally require Japanese translations. Further evidence may be requested during examination.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa Support Fees
Our published professional fees are shown below in Japanese yen, inclusive of consumption tax.
| Service | Professional Fee (Tax Included) |
|---|---|
| HSP No. 1 — COE application | From ¥110,000 |
| HSP No. 1 — Change of status | From ¥110,000 |
| HSP No. 2 — Change of status | From ¥110,000 |
| HSP No. 1 — Standard extension (without changing employers) | From ¥44,000 |
| J-Skip application | From ¥165,000 |
| Detailed HSP points assessment | ¥16,500 |
How We Assist You
1. Initial Enquiry
Tell us your nationality, current residence status or country, planned job in Japan, employer and intended schedule.
2. Eligibility Review
We review the appropriate HSP category, point score, remuneration and required evidence.
3. Quotation & Documents
We explain the scope of support, professional fee and documents requested from you or the receiving organization.
4. Application Assistance
After engagement, we prepare agreed documents and assist with immigration filing within the legally authorized scope.
About Our Immigration Office
Kawagoe Masanobu Administrative Scrivener Office
Based in Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, our office supports immigration procedures for foreign nationals, companies and other receiving organizations. Initial enquiries are welcome from across Japan and overseas.
We assist with document-based HSP assessments and applications while coordinating with employers or research institutions when appropriate.
Immigration decisions are made by the competent Japanese authorities. Approval cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 70 points enough to obtain a Highly Skilled Professional visa?
No. The ordinary HSP route generally requires at least 70 points, but your proposed activities, remuneration, supporting documents and other legal conditions must also qualify.
Is there a minimum salary for HSP No. 1?
For the ordinary HSP No. 1(b) and (c) routes, the general minimum remuneration requirement is ¥3 million per year, separately from the points evaluation. J-Skip uses substantially higher income thresholds.
Can an IT engineer or researcher apply from overseas?
Potentially. A COE procedure may be appropriate if the proposed activities and receiving organization meet the requirements. The eligible filing arrangement in Japan must be confirmed.
Can I apply with 65 points?
We can review the calculation and documentation for eligible bonus points. However, there is no guarantee that additional points will be recognized. J-Skip has a separate set of criteria.
Can I move to HSP No. 2 after one year with 80 points?
Not under the ordinary route merely because you have 80 points. Ordinary HSP No. 2 generally requires three or more years of qualifying HSP No. 1 activities. Different rules may apply to eligible J-Skip holders.
Is HSP No. 2 the same as permanent residence?
No. HSP No. 2 has an indefinite period of stay, but qualifying HSP activities and applicable obligations remain relevant. Permanent residence is a distinct status.
Can I apply for permanent residence with 70 or 80 points while holding another work status?
Possibly. The relevant permanent residence framework can apply to certain foreign nationals who establish the required points at the relevant dates, even if they do not hold HSP status. Other permanent residence conditions still apply.
Do I need to apply again if I change employers under HSP No. 1?
Generally, a change to a different designated organization requires a change-of-status procedure. Please consult before starting the new position.
Will my HSP status immediately disappear if my points fall below 70?
Not necessarily. A later drop in points alone does not automatically cause immediate loss of status. However, points and eligibility are assessed again when required for an extension or change.
Can my spouse, children or parents live in Japan with me?
Separate residence procedures and eligibility rules apply. HSP status offers certain special arrangements for spouses, parents and domestic workers, but these are not automatic.
Can my company contact your office on behalf of a candidate?
Yes. Employers and research institutions may contact us about a prospective hire or an existing employee. We will confirm who must provide documents and who is legally permitted to file.
Can I send my enquiry in English?
Yes. You may write in English through our online enquiry form, including from outside Japan. The form itself has Japanese field labels.
Contact Us in English
Please provide your current country and residence status, intended HSP category or job description, education, years of relevant work experience, proposed annual salary, employer or institution, and your planned application timeline.
Official Guidance & Related Information
Planning Your Highly Skilled Professional Application?
Whether you are preparing to relocate to Japan, changing your residence status, comparing HSP No. 2 with permanent residence or reviewing J-Skip eligibility, our office can assess your circumstances and explain the next steps.
Kawagoe Masanobu Administrative Scrivener Office
Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Tel: +81-237-86-7198
Office phone hours: 9:00–18:00 Japan time
Enquiries from within Japan and overseas are welcome. The outcome of every immigration application is determined by the competent authorities.