Highly Skilled Professional Visa Japan

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Miscalculating Your Points

Many applicants miscalculate their HSP points by misunderstanding which documents qualify for certain categories, or by double-counting points. For example, work experience must be in a field related to your current activities, and salary calculations must follow the official rules (excluding commuting allowances). Use the HSP points calculator and verify each claim with supporting documents.

Not Providing Sufficient Evidence for Each Point Claimed

Every point you claim must be backed by official documentation. Claiming points for work experience without detailed employment certificates, or for academic background without degree certificates and transcripts, will result in those points being disallowed. Immigration does not give the benefit of the doubt — if the evidence is missing or unclear, the points are not awarded.

Ignoring the Points Maintenance Requirement for PR

If you are pursuing permanent residence through the HSP fast-track (1-year or 3-year pathway), you must maintain the required point score throughout the entire qualifying period. If your situation changes — for example, a salary decrease or a birthday that moves you to a lower age bracket — your points may drop below the threshold, resetting your PR eligibility timeline.

Applying Under the Wrong HSP Sub-Category

The three HSP sub-categories (I-a for research/education, I-b for specialized work, I-c for business management) have different points tables and eligibility criteria. Applying under the wrong sub-category means your points may be calculated incorrectly. Ensure your actual activities in Japan align with the sub-category you select.

Not Considering HSP II for Long-Term Residents

After holding HSP I for 3 years, you can apply for HSP II, which provides an indefinite period of stay and near-unlimited work flexibility. Many HSP I holders go directly for permanent residence instead, but HSP II offers unique advantages that may be more suitable depending on your long-term plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points do I need for a Highly Skilled Professional visa?

You need a minimum of 70 points to qualify. With 70-79 points, you can apply for permanent residence after 3 years in Japan. With 80 or more points, you can apply after just 1 year. Points are calculated based on academic background, work experience, salary, age, Japanese language ability, and other factors. Use our free HSP points calculator to check your score.

Can I get permanent residence in 1 year with an HSP visa?

Yes. If you score 80 or more points on the HSP points system, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence after just 1 year of residence in Japan. This is the fastest path to PR status available. You must maintain your 80+ point score throughout the 1-year period and meet all other PR requirements including tax and social insurance compliance.

What is the difference between HSP I and HSP II?

HSP I is the initial visa status, granted for 5 years with specific permitted activities. HSP II can be applied for after holding HSP I for 3 years, and it provides even greater flexibility — including an indefinite period of stay and the ability to engage in virtually any work activity in Japan.

How do I calculate my HSP points?

Points are awarded across several categories: academic background (up to 30 points), work experience (up to 20 points), annual salary (up to 40 points), age (up to 15 points), and bonus points for Japanese language ability, research achievements, qualifications from top universities, and other factors. Use our HSP points calculator to estimate your score.

Does my salary affect my HSP points?

Yes, salary is one of the most significant factors. Annual salary of 10 million yen or more earns the maximum points in this category. The salary must be the expected annual compensation from your Japanese employer, including bonuses but excluding commuting allowances.

Can I bring my parents to Japan on an HSP visa?

Yes, under certain conditions. HSP visa holders with a combined household income of 8 million yen or more may be able to bring a parent (or parents) to Japan. This is a unique benefit not available with other visa types. The parent must live with the HSP visa holder and there must be a child (under 7) or a pregnant family member in the household.

Can my spouse work on an HSP Dependent visa?

Spouses of HSP visa holders have more employment options than regular Dependent visa holders. They can apply for Designated Activities status to work full-time in professional fields such as engineering, research, or instruction — without the 28-hour weekly limit. Alternatively, they can obtain Permission for Another Activity on a Dependent visa (limited to 28 hours per week), or apply for their own independent work visa.

Do I get bonus points for Japanese language ability?

Yes. JLPT N1 certification earns 15 points, and JLPT N2 earns 10 points. A degree from a Japanese university also earns 10 points. Having both a JLPT certification and a Japanese university degree can earn additional bonus points. Japanese language ability is one of the easier ways to accumulate extra points.

Can I switch from another visa to Highly Skilled Professional?

Yes. If you are already in Japan on a work visa (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities or Business Manager) and you meet the 70-point threshold, you can apply for a Change of Status to Highly Skilled Professional.

What happens if my points drop below 70 after getting the HSP visa?

If your circumstances change and your points fall below 70, this could affect your visa at renewal time. However, if you have already received permanent residence, your PR status is not affected by changes in your HSP points. If applying for PR through the fast-track pathway, you must maintain the required points throughout the qualifying period.

Related Services

• Permanent Residence: HSP visa holders can fast-track their PR application — apply after just 1-3 years.
• HSP Points Calculator: Free tool to calculate your Highly Skilled Professional points score.
• Business Manager Visa: Business managers may qualify for HSP I-(c) category with additional benefits.
• Certificate of Eligibility: The COE process required for new HSP visa applications from outside Japan.
• Visa Services: Explore all visa categories available for working and living in Japan.