Points-based System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals.
1. What is the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional (HSFP) Point-Based System?
The Highly Skilled Foreign Professional (HSFP) visa is a special residence status designed to attract foreign nationals with exceptional abilities in order to promote Japan’s economic growth and innovation.
This system is based on a point-based evaluation, where applicants earn points in categories such as educational background, professional experience, annual salary, and Japanese language ability. Those who score 70 points or more may be granted the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa (Category 1: i, ro, ha).
The three subcategories of HSP Category 1:
•Category i (Advanced academic research activities): Engaged in research or education at universities or research institutions.
•Category ro (Advanced specialized/technical activities): Professionals in fields such as engineering, humanities, or international services.
•Category ha (Advanced business management activities): Entrepreneurs or executives managing businesses in Japan.
2. Benefits for Highly Skilled Professionals
If you are granted the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa by scoring 70 points or more, you will be eligible for the following immigration benefits:
1.Five-year residence period granted as the standard.
2.Priority processing for visa change and renewal applications.
3.Work permission for your spouse without separate approval.
4.Permission to bring parents or domestic helpers under certain conditions.
5.Relaxed requirements for permanent residency (from 10 years to as little as 1 or 3 years).
6.Permission to engage in multiple activities simultaneously, such as research and business management.
3. How the Point-Based System Works
Your application is evaluated using the official Point Calculation Table published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Points are assigned to various criteria:
Sample scoring items:
•Education: 30 points for a PhD, 20 points for a Master’s degree.
•Work experience: 15 points for 10+ years.
•Annual income: 40 points for ¥8 million or more.
•Japanese language ability: 15 points for JLPT N1.
•Age: 15 points for age 29 or younger.
•Research achievements and awards may provide additional bonus points.
HSP_calculation_table(july_2025_latest).xls
(↑You can download the points calculation sheet.)
If you have continuously earned 70 points or more for the past three years, or 80 points or more for the past one year,
you will be able to apply for permanent residency under further relaxed requirements.
4. Application Process and Required Documents
Basic process:
1.Preliminary point calculation (assisted by our office).
2.Application for Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) or Change of Status of Residence to HSP Category 1.
3.Review by Immigration Services Agency (priority processing available).
4.Issuance of Residence Card upon approval.
Common required documents:
•Passport and residence card (if applying for status change)
•Resume and work history documents (to verify education and experience)
•Degree certificates and proof of employment
•Proof of annual income (e.g., employment contract, tax documents)
•Japanese language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
•Supporting documents for additional point categories
5. What is Highly Skilled Professional Category 2?
HSP Category 2 is available to individuals who have continuously worked in Japan under HSP Category 1 for a certain period (generally three years).
Benefits of HSP Category 2:
•Unlimited period of stay (no expiration)
•Greater flexibility in engaging in multiple activities
•Looser conditions for bringing family members or domestic workers
•No restrictions on the period of re-entry into Japan
To switch to HSP Category 2, you must first be granted Category 1 status and then apply for an upgrade.
If you have held a J-Skip visa for one year, you will be able to also apply for Category 2 status.
6. What is J-Skip (Japan System for Special Highly Skilled Professionals)?
Introduced in 2023, J-Skip is a fast-track residency program for highly accomplished individuals under the HSP framework. It offers even greater benefits to those who meet stricter qualifications.
Eligibility:
〇For Academic Research / Specialized & Technical Fields (HSP Category 1-i or ro):
Applicants must meet one of the following:
•Hold a Master’s degree or higher and earn an annual income of at least ¥20 million, or
•Have 10+ years of relevant professional experience and earn an annual income of at least ¥20 million
〇For Business Management (HSP Category 1-ha):
•Have 5+ years of management experience and earn at least ¥40 million annually
Benefits of J-Skip:
•Eligible for permanent residency after just 1 year (normally 10 years)
•Simplified procedures for visa renewal
•Use of dedicated immigration lanes at airports
•More flexibility in bringing family members
Documents required for J-Skip status change (example):
•Employment contract or company registration
•Income documents (tax certificate, payslips)
•Degree certificates or documentation of work experience
•Company overview (corporate registration, brochures, etc.)
•Statement of purpose (reason for applying)
Our office offers comprehensive support for Highly Skilled Professional and J-Skip applicants—from free initial consultation and accurate point evaluation to document preparation and communication with the Immigration Bureau.
Please feel free to contact us.
We are here to help.