Japan•AsiaHighly Skilled Professional Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
30-90 days
Application Fee
6,000 JPY
Stay Duration
Up to 5 years
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Points-based visa for highly qualified foreign professionals. Fast track to permanent residency. Three categories: advanced research, advanced specialized/technical, advanced business management.
The Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP Visa) is Japan's points-based immigration system for highly-qualified foreign professionals, implemented since May 2012. Three categories exist: advanced academic research, advanced specialized/technical activities, and advanced business management.
Points are calculated based on education, work experience, salary, research performance, age, and Japanese language ability.
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
3,000,000 JPY
per year
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
With at least 6 months validity
Passport photos
Recent photos
Points calculation sheet
Completed official calculation showing 70+ points
Educational certificates
Degree, transcripts, diplomas
Employment contract
Showing salary and responsibilities
Research publications
If applicable - academic papers, research performance records
OptionalAge and language certification
For points calculation if applicable
OptionalSponsor Documents
Company registration
Business registration documents
Financial statements
Recent company accounts
Employment offer letter
Position, salary, responsibilities
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Fast track to permanent residency
- Can engage in multiple types of activities simultaneously
- High salary/qualification recognition
- Family dependents allowed
- No employer restrictions like ICT visa
Considerations
- High qualification requirements
- Complex points calculation system
- Requires 70+ points minimum
- Competitive process
- Processing takes several months
Application Process
Calculate points
Determine points using official points calculation system (need 70+ points)
Prepare documents
Gather credentials, employment contracts, financial documents
Employer applies for COE
Company submits Certificate of Eligibility with points calculation
Receive COE
Immigration Services Agency approves and issues COE
Apply for visa
Submit visa application at embassy with COE
Pay visa fee
Pay 6,000 JPY
Receive visa
Visa stamped in passport
Application Forms
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa