What is a "Highly Skilled Professional"?
The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is a points-based immigration system designed to attract talented individuals to Japan. If you score 70 points or more, you qualify for preferential immigration treatment including a faster path to permanent residence.
HSP Visa Categories
There are three main categories of the Highly Skilled Professional visa:
- Highly-Skilled Professional I-(a): Activities engaging in research, research guidance or education based on a contract entered into with a public or private organization in Japan.
- Highly-Skilled Professional I-(b): Activities engaging in work requiring specialized knowledge or skills in the field of natural sciences or humanities based on a contract entered into with a public or private organization in Japan.
- Highly-Skilled Professional I-(c): Activities engaging in the operation or management of a public or private organization in Japan.
Points Calculation
Points are awarded based on various factors including:
- Academic background: Degrees, multiple degrees, top university graduation
- Professional experience: Years of relevant work experience
- Annual salary: Higher income earns more points
- Age: Younger applicants receive more points
- Japanese ability: JLPT certification or Japanese university degree
- Bonus points: Patents, research achievements, investment, government recognition
Benefits of the HSP Visa
70+ Points
- 5-year visa duration
- Path to permanent residence in 3 years (instead of 10)
- Spouse can work without restrictions
- Ability to bring parents in certain cases
- Ability to bring domestic workers in certain cases
80+ Points
- All benefits of 70+ points
- Path to permanent residence in just 1 year
- Priority processing of applications
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free HSP points calculators to estimate your score:
- HSP Calculator for Technical/Specialist Visa
- HSP Calculator for Academic Research Visa
- HSP Calculator for Business Management Visa
Required Documents
The application requires various documents including:
- Certificate of Eligibility application form
- Passport copy
- Photo
- Points calculation worksheet
- Documents proving each claimed point (degrees, employment certificates, salary documents, etc.)
- Employment contract or business documents
The process usually takes between 3 weeks and 2 months. We can also help you set up a company in Japan and obtain permanent residence.