Highly Skilled Professional

Detailed explanation of Highly Skilled Professional based on official information from 出入国在留管理庁. Japan

Published: January 12, 2026

Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Overview

The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is a preferential immigration status designed by the Japanese government to attract and retain top-tier global talent in specialized professional fields. It operates on a points-based system that evaluates applicants based on their academic background, professional career, annual salary, age, and other achievements. Successful applicants receive significant benefits, including accelerated pathways to permanent residency, broader permissible activities, and preferential treatment for family members. This system is a cornerstone of Japan's national strategy to enhance international competitiveness by facilitating the immigration of individuals who can contribute to economic growth and innovation.

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

This visa status is applicable to foreign nationals who are recognized as "highly skilled" based on the points calculation in one of three designated activity categories:

  • Advanced Academic Research Activities: For individuals engaged in research, research guidance, or education based on contracts with public or private organizations in Japan (e.g., university professors, senior researchers).
  • Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities: For individuals engaged in work requiring specialized knowledge or skills in fields such as natural sciences, engineering, legal, financial, medical, and humanities based on contracts with Japanese public or private organizations (e.g., engineers, IT specialists, corporate executives, lawyers, accountants).
  • Advanced Business Management Activities: For individuals engaged in the operation and management of a business in Japan (e.g., founders, investors, senior managers of companies).

You need to pursue this status when you are a professional, researcher, or business manager with a strong profile and you wish to work and reside in Japan while enjoying the most favorable immigration conditions available.

3. Core Conclusions

  • The HSP visa is a points-based system, requiring a minimum score (typically 70 points) to qualify.
  • It offers the most significant benefits among Japanese work visas, including the fastest route to Permanent Resident status (1 year for those with 80+ points, 3 years for 70+ points, compared to the standard 10 years).
  • Spouses of HSPs are granted more flexible work permissions, and parents/nannies may be eligible to accompany the family under certain conditions.
  • The application process is stringent and requires thorough documentation to prove the points claimed.
  • Maintaining the status requires continued employment and adherence to Japanese laws.

4. Procedures & Steps

Step 1: Preparation

  1. Self-Assessment: Use the official point calculation tables from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) to assess your likely score. Focus on criteria like academic degrees (PhD/Master's), years of work experience, annual salary in Japan, age, and additional points for achievements (e.g., prestigious university graduation, specific Japanese language proficiency, patent holder, published research).
  2. Secure a Job/Position: You must have a confirmed job offer or business plan from a Japanese organization that will act as your sponsor.
  3. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents to prove each point you claim. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Diploma and official transcripts.
    • Detailed career history certificates from past employers.
    • Future employment contract specifying position, job description, and annual salary.
    • Proof of Japanese language proficiency (e.g., JLPT certificate).
    • Documents for additional points (patent certificates, award certificates, etc.).
    • Passport.

Step 2: Application & Submission

Applications are typically submitted by your prospective employer/sponsoring organization in Japan on your behalf.

  1. For First-Time Applicants Outside Japan: Your sponsor submits an application for "Certificate of Eligibility for Highly Skilled Professional" to the regional immigration bureau in Japan.
  2. For Those Changing Status Within Japan: If you are already in Japan on another status (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services), your sponsor can apply for a "Change of Status of Residence" to HSP.
  3. Submit Complete Application Package: The sponsor submits the application form, point calculation sheet, and all supporting documents to the competent immigration bureau.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

  1. Immigration Review: The ISA officer meticulously reviews the application, verifies the point calculation, and assesses the authenticity of all documents. This process can take several weeks to a few months.
  2. Outcome:
    • Approval: If approved, you (if outside Japan) will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You then take the COE to a Japanese embassy/consulate to obtain the HSP visa in your passport, which you use to enter Japan and receive the residence card.
    • Denial: If denied, you or your sponsor will receive a notice stating the reason. You may reapply after addressing the deficiencies.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the minimum points required for the HSP visa? A1: The general requirement is to score 70 points or more based on the point assessment at the time of application.

Q2: Can I include my family? What benefits do they get? A2: Yes. Your spouse and children can obtain dependent visas. The spouse of an HSP is allowed to work in Japan full-time (with some minor restrictions), unlike standard dependent visas. Under specific conditions (e.g., child under 7, household income over a certain threshold), one set of parents or a domestic helper may also be allowed to accompany you.

Q3: How long does it take to get Permanent Residency (PR) on an HSP visa? A3: If you maintain a score of 80 points or more, you can apply for PR after just 1 year of continuous residence in Japan. With a score of 70-79 points, you can apply after 3 years. This is significantly faster than the standard 10-year requirement.

Q4: Do I need to speak Japanese? A4: It is not a mandatory requirement for the visa itself. However, Japanese language proficiency (e.g., N1 or N2 level of the JLPT) awards additional points on the calculation sheet, which can be crucial for reaching the required score.

Q5: What happens if my points drop below 70 after I get the visa? A5: The initial points assessment is for the application. Once the 5-year HSP status is granted, you do not need to maintain the exact score for renewal, provided you continue your eligible professional activities. However, for applying for PR, you must meet the points requirement at that specific application time.

Q6: Can I switch jobs after getting the HSP visa? A6: Yes, but you must notify the immigration bureau within 14 days of the change. Your new job must also fall under the same HSP activity category (Academic, Technical, or Business Management). If the new role does not qualify, you may need to change your residence status.

6. Risks & Compliance

  • Document Fraud: Submitting false or forged documents will result in immediate application rejection, revocation of status if discovered later, deportation, and future bans on entering Japan.
  • Accurate Point Calculation: It is the applicant's responsibility to accurately calculate points. Overclaiming points based on misinterpretation can lead to denial.
  • Changing Conditions: The HSP system and its point tables are subject to change by the Japanese government. Always refer to the most recent official guidelines.
  • Legal Compliance: Holders must always carry their residence card, notify immigration of any changes in address or employer, and not engage in activities outside their permitted status.
  • Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Immigration laws and procedures are complex and subject to change. For definitive advice and application, always consult with the official Immigration Services Agency of Japan or a licensed immigration lawyer.

7. References & Sources

8. Related Topics

  • Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa: The standard work visa for many professionals.
  • Permanent Resident Visa: Information on the standard and HSP-accelerated pathways to permanent residency.
  • Dependent Visa: For spouses and children of foreign residents in Japan.
  • Startup Visa & Business Manager Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in Japan.
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