The Highly Skilled Professional program rewards top talent with long‑term residency and an accelerated route to permanent residence. Learn how to reach the 70‑ and 80‑point thresholds and enjoy Japan’s benefits.
Japan • Highly Skilled Professionals • Points‑based • 5‑year stay & PR pathway
Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is a points‑based system. A minimum of 70 points qualifies applicants for the HSP (i) visa【190831607108502†L271-L279】. Achieving 80 points unlocks further benefits, including the ability to apply for permanent residence after just one year【190831607108502†L273-L294】. This article details how points are calculated, benefits of each tier, and how to apply.
Understanding the points system
The HSP program evaluates applicants across several categories: academic background, professional experience, annual salary, age, Japanese language ability and bonus criteria such as prestigious degrees or research achievements. Applicants must score at least 70 points for the HSP (i) visa【190831607108502†L271-L279】. A score of 80 points provides access to accelerated permanent residence【190831607108502†L273-L294】.
Benefits of the HSP program
Long stay
HSP (i) visas provide a 5‑year period of stay — longer than many other Japanese work visas【190831607108502†L385-L389】.
Path to HSP (ii)
After three years on HSP (i) status, you may qualify for HSP (ii) with an indefinite period of stay【190831607108502†L391-L394】.
Accelerated PR
Applicants with 80+ points can apply for permanent residence after just one year; those with 70+ points can apply after three years【190831607108502†L273-L294】.
Points categories (illustrative)
Points are awarded across categories. The following table summarises typical point ranges (illustrative – consult official tables for exact values):
| Category | Illustrative points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate degree | 30 points |
| Master’s degree | 20–25 points |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10 points |
| Professional experience (10+ years) | 20–25 points |
| Annual salary ≥ JPY 10 million | 40 points |
| Age up to 29 | 15 points |
| JLPT N1 Japanese | 15 points |
Bonus points are available for achievements like graduating from a top‑ranked university, holding multiple advanced degrees, possessing patents or working at innovative SMEs【190831607108502†L296-L349】. A minimum annual income of JPY 3 million is required for certain categories【190831607108502†L357-L363】.
How to apply
- Self‑assess your points: Use the official point calculation table to estimate your score. Aim for 70 or 80 points【190831607108502†L271-L294】.
- Gather documents: Prepare passports, academic certificates, employment contracts, salary statements, letters of recommendation and proof of Japanese language proficiency.
- Submit application: File your application at a Japanese embassy/consulate or the Immigration Services Agency in Japan. Provide supporting documents and pay the fee.
- Receive decision: If approved, you will receive a residence card specifying your HSP status and length of stay.
- Transition to HSP (ii): After three years of HSP (i) status, apply to upgrade to HSP (ii) for an indefinite stay【190831607108502†L391-L394】.
Tip: To accelerate your path to permanent residence, target an 80‑point score for eligibility after one year【190831607108502†L273-L294】.
FAQs
What score do I need to qualify for the HSP visa?
You need at least 70 points for HSP (i) and 80 points for accelerated benefits【190831607108502†L271-L279】.
How long can I stay on the HSP visa?
The HSP (i) visa grants a five‑year period of stay【190831607108502†L385-L389】. HSP (ii) offers an indefinite stay【190831607108502†L391-L394】.
When can I apply for permanent residence?
If you score 80 points or more, you can apply after one year; with 70 points or more, you can apply after three years【190831607108502†L273-L294】.
© 2025 jarovix.shop • Points and requirements may change; always check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the latest criteria.