Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Japan JPN
Last verified 2025-01-01Official source
The Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa is a points-based visa for advanced academic professionals, specialized technical workers, and business managers who score 70 or more points on Japan's official points table. It offers the fastest route to permanent residency in Japan — just one year for those scoring 80+ points or three years for 70+ points — along with expanded work rights and privileges for family members. The program is designed to attract top global talent in fields such as research, engineering, business management, and law.
Program Details
- Category
- Skilled Worker
- Processing Time
- 2 months
- Application Fee
- $40
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Spouse and dependent children included; domestic helpers may also qualify under certain HSP categories.
- Path to PR
- Yes — 1 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 10 years
- Physical Presence
- Must reside in Japan; no fixed minimum days per year but continuous residence is expected.
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Tax Impact
- Holders become Japanese tax residents and are subject to worldwide income tax after five years of residency.
- Renewal Cost
- $40
No fixed income minimum; applicants must score 70+ points on the METI/MHLW points table, which factors in salary, age, academic qualifications, and job role.
Key Requirements
- ✓Score 70 or more points on the official HSP points table (salary, age, education, career, Japanese language ability, etc.)
- ✓Hold a qualifying job offer or contract in Japan in one of three HSP categories: advanced academic research, advanced specialized/technical work, or advanced business management
- ✓Submit academic certificates, employment contract, and proof of qualifications
- ✓No criminal record or immigration violations
- ✓Valid passport and current residence status if already in Japan
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