The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa: A Closer Look
The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa is a visa program in Japan designed to attract foreign professionals with advanced skills in research, technical fields, or business management. It offers key benefits like a 5-year stay, fast-track permanent residency, and family-friendly options. Eligibility is determined by a point system, requiring at least 70 points based on education, work experience, salary, and other factors. Scoring 80+ points allows for permanent residency in just one year. Spouses can work, and certain income levels allow for bringing parents or hiring domestic helpers. This visa is ideal for professionals seeking career opportunities in Japan while enjoying streamlined immigration processes and family support.
Key Highlights:
- Stay Duration: Up to 5 years, with extensions available.
- Permanent Residency: Apply after 3 years (70+ points) or 1 year (80+ points).
- Point System: Earn points for degrees, work experience, income, language skills, and research achievements.
- Family Benefits: Spouses can work, and visas for parents and domestic helpers are available under specific income conditions.
- Income Requirements: Minimum ¥3M annually; ¥8M for parent visas; ¥10M for domestic helpers.
For professionals aiming to work in Japan, the HSP Visa offers a streamlined path to long-term residency while supporting career growth and family needs.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa In Japan | Detailed …
::: @iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/DlqN2qGDU2Y :::
Point System and Requirements
The HSP Visa relies on a point system to evaluate whether candidates meet the qualifications for a successful application.
70-Point Requirement
Applicants need at least 70 points under the Point Evaluation Mechanism to qualify for the HSP Visa [2]. If you score 80 points or more, you can apply for permanent residency after just one year of residence, compared to the usual three years [2].
Point Categories
Points are distributed across several categories:
| Qualification Type | Academic Research/Technical | Business Management |
|---|---|---|
| Doctorate Degree | 30 points | 20 points |
| Master’s Degree | 20 points | 20 points |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 10 points | 10 points |
Professional experience is scored as follows:
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 10+ years | 20 |
| 7–9 years | 15 |
| 5–6 years | 10 |
| 3–4 years | 5 |
You can also earn extra points for:
- Japanese Language Proficiency: Certifications at N1 or N2 level
- Research Achievements: Published academic papers or registered patents
- Special Bonuses: Collaborating with government-backed organizations or graduating from a top 300 global university
- Multiple Degrees: An additional 5 points for holding degrees in different fields [3]
Using the Point Calculator
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan offers an online points calculator to help you estimate your eligibility [4]. Keep in mind, this tool provides an estimate and does not guarantee visa approval [4].
Steps to use the calculator:
- Gather certificates and proof for each qualification you claim.
- Enter accurate details about your academic background, work experience, and salary.
- Verify your calculated score against the latest guidelines.
- Consider consulting an immigration expert to review your points.
All documents supporting your point claims must be in Japanese or accompanied by translations. This includes detailed descriptions of research achievements and academic publications [3].
HSP Visa Privileges
This section highlights the key benefits of the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa, building on its eligibility requirements and point system.
The HSP Visa offers several advantages that support career advancement and professional stability.
5-Year Stay Duration
Holders of the HSP (i) visa are granted an initial stay of up to 5 years[1]. This extended period allows professionals to settle in Japan and pursue various work opportunities. Additionally, visa holders benefit from priority immigration processing, making administrative procedures smoother.
After three years under the HSP (i) status, individuals can transition to HSP (ii), which offers an indefinite stay[5].
Fast Track to Permanent Residency
One standout feature of the HSP visa is the quicker route to permanent residency. Unlike the standard 10-year residency requirement[6], HSP visa holders can apply much sooner based on their points:
| Points Achieved | Required Residency Period |
|---|---|
| 70+ points | 3 years[6] |
| 80+ points | 1 year[6] |
Family and Household Benefits
The HSP visa also provides extensive support for family members and household needs, making it more convenient for professionals to relocate with their families.
Spouse Benefits
- Spouses can work in Japan with fewer restrictions compared to standard dependent visas[5].
- They are allowed to engage in professional activities, regardless of their educational background or job type[2].
Parent Visa Options
- Visa holders earning over ¥8 million annually can bring up to two parents (their own or their spouse’s) if child care is required for children under 7 years old[2][1].
- These visas are valid for up to 1 year and 6 months per stay[2].
Domestic Helper Support
- Professionals with an annual income of ¥10 million or more can bring a domestic helper if the helper’s monthly salary exceeds ¥200,000[1].
- The domestic helper’s visa is initially valid for 1 year[2].
These benefits make the HSP visa an appealing choice for professionals looking to build long-term careers in Japan. With a longer stay duration, faster access to permanent residency, and family-friendly policies, the visa creates a supportive environment for skilled international workers.
sbb-itb-d7b828c
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the HSP visa.
Getting Your COE
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a must-have for your HSP visa application. It confirms that you meet Japan’s immigration standards and that your intended activities comply with the Immigration Control Act. You’ll need to apply for the COE through a proxy based in Japan.
Key Points About the COE:
- Confirms your eligibility for the HSP visa category
- Must be obtained via a proxy in Japan
Once you’ve secured your COE, you can move forward with the application process.
Application Steps
- Collect all necessary documents.
- Submit your COE application to a regional immigration bureau in Japan.
- After receiving your COE, apply for your visa at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
- If applicable, apply for visas for any dependents.
Required Documents
Here’s a breakdown of the essential documents you’ll need for your HSP visa application:
| Document Type | Details | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid passport with enough remaining validity | – |
| Visa Application | Standard form | Two forms required for nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia |
| Photos | Recent passport-size photos | Two photos needed for nationals of Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia |
| COE | Original or copy of the Certificate of Eligibility (electronic versions are accepted) | – |
For Chinese Nationals:
- A copy of the Chinese Family Register
- Temporary Residence Permit or Residence Certificate (if applicable)
Applications that are incomplete will not be processed, so ensure all documents are in order before submission.
Application Success Tips
Once you’re familiar with the benefits of the HSP visa and the application process, here are some strategies to improve your chances of success.
Boosting Your Points
Here’s how to raise your score in key areas:
Educational Qualifications
- Pursue advanced degrees like a Master’s or Ph.D. for higher points.
- Attending Japanese universities can earn you additional points.
Professional Development
- Gain relevant work experience in your field.
- Aim for roles offering competitive annual salaries (at least ¥3 million).
- Keep records of your achievements and certifications.
| Category | Strategy | Point Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Achieve JLPT N1/N2 | Up to 15 points |
| Research | Register patents or publish academically | Up to 20 points |
| Employment | Work with innovation-driven organizations | Up to 10 points |
| Education | Graduate from top-ranked universities | Up to 30 points |
Common Application Errors
Documentation Problems
- Submitting incomplete forms.
- Forgetting essential supporting documents.
- Providing inconsistent details across paperwork.
“Navigating the visa application process can be challenging, but avoiding common mistakes can significantly increase your chances of approval.” - Placement International [7]
Process Mistakes
- Starting your application too late.
- Using unofficial channels for submission.
- Failing to track your application status.
- Delaying responses to information requests.
These mistakes can derail your application. Seeking professional legal help can simplify the process.
Legal Assistance Options
To avoid errors, you might want to consult professionals in cases like:
- Handling complex documentation requirements.
- Clarifying point calculations.
- Changing employers while holding an HSP visa.
“Taking care of individual customers and their needs is the backbone of our organization, and we are dedicated to providing our customers personalized consultation and up-to-date information.” - IMS Legal Professional Corporation [8]
Immigration lawyers can assist with:
- Preparing required documents.
- Reviewing your application for accuracy.
- Providing the latest regulatory updates.
- Writing English-language opinion letters.
- Offering tailored consultations.
“Our track record in navigating Japanese immigration intricacies and visa processes has helped empower countless clients.” - Shunsuke Kagei, Representative Partner, Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Corporation Nakai Immigration Service [9]
Summary
The HSP Visa is designed to bring highly skilled professionals to Japan through a point-based system. Applicants need at least 70 points, which are earned based on factors like education, work experience, and salary.
Key Benefits
The visa offers several perks:
- A 5-year stay in Japan
- Eligibility for permanent residency in 3 years - or just 1 year if you score 80+ points
- Faster immigration processing, completed within 10 business days [1]
- Work authorization for spouses
- Options to bring parents and domestic helpers under certain conditions
These benefits come with specific income thresholds.
Salary Requirements
- Minimum annual income: ¥3 million
- ¥8 million annually for parent visa eligibility (if you have a child under 7)
- ¥10 million annually for a domestic helper visa, with the helper earning at least ¥200,000 per month [1]
Keep in mind, the visa is tied to your employer. Switching jobs means you’ll need to reapply [3]. Be sure to keep employment certificates and other required documents throughout your career in Japan [5]. The visa’s four categories provide diverse opportunities while contributing to Japan’s economic development [5].