🎯 Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa Complete Guide
5-Year Residence Period! PR in as little as 1 Year! Priority Processing!
📌 This Guide is For
- Those with Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa looking to upgrade to HSP
- Those with Business Manager (経営・管理) visa looking to apply for HSP
- Those about to work in Japan who want to apply for HSP directly from overseas
- Those wanting to obtain Permanent Residency in Japan quickly through HSP
- Those wanting to understand the benefits of the HSP system
1. What is the Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa (official name: 高度専門職 / Kodo Senmon-shoku) is a talent attraction system Japan implemented in 2012. Through a points-based assessment of education, work experience, annual income, and other factors, those reaching 70 points or more can obtain this special visa status.
Many people mistakenly believe you must first come to Japan on a regular work visa before changing to HSP. In fact, you can apply directly from overseas!
The process: Receive a job offer from a Japanese company → Company applies for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) selecting Highly Skilled Professional → After receiving the COE, apply for visa at embassy/consulate → Enter Japan.
The official target processing time is 5-10 days, but actual processing times vary significantly. Depending on the HSP category (a/b/c), submission location (Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya, etc.), company category, and application volume, cases can take 6 months or longer. Allow plenty of time and don’t rely on official targets for important planning.
HSP vs Regular Work Visa
✅ Advantages of HSP Visa
- Immediate 5-year residence period
- Can operate side business related to main work
- Spouse can work full-time freely
- Can bring parents to Japan (PR holders cannot!)
- Immigration priority processing
- Significantly faster path to PR
⚠️ Points to Consider
- Visa is tied to specific employer
- Must reapply when changing jobs
- Must maintain 70 points (at renewal)
- More complex documentation
- Minimum income requirement
Three Types of HSP
| Type | Official Name | Target Group | Income Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) Academic Research | 高度専門職1号（イ） | University professors, researchers | No minimum |
| (b) Specialized/Technical ⭐ | 高度専門職1号（ロ） | IT engineers, technical professionals | ¥3 million+ |
| (c) Business Management | 高度専門職1号（ハ） | Business executives, managers | ¥3 million+ |
If you hold a Business Manager (経営・管理) visa and reach 70 points, you can apply for Highly Skilled Professional 1(c). HSP isn’t limited to regular work visa holders!
💡 Which Type Applies to Most Foreign Professionals?
If you work as a regular employee at a Japanese company (IT engineer, designer, translator, sales, etc.), you should choose Highly Skilled Professional 1(b). This guide focuses primarily on this category.
2. The Seven Preferential Benefits of HSP
After obtaining the HSP visa, you can enjoy the following seven benefits:
The following benefits are from the Immigration Services Agency official website. For details, see:
Immigration Services Agency “What preferential treatment is available?”
① Multiple Activities Permitted (with restrictions)
Regular work visas only permit activities corresponding to that visa category. However, HSP holders can engage in business operations related to their main work without applying for permission to engage in activities outside their status.
📜 Immigration Control Act Appended Table 1-2 “Highly Skilled Professional” original text (Type 1-b):
“Activities of engaging in work requiring knowledge or skills in the field of natural sciences or humanities based on a contract with a public or private organization in Japan designated by the Minister of Justice, or activities of managing a business related to said activities in conjunction with said activities“
- Must be business “related to” your main work
- Must be in a “self-managed” format
- Activities unrelated to main work still require permission
Example: An IT engineer can start an IT-related side business, but cannot randomly open a restaurant.
② 5-Year Residence Period
First-time regular work visa applications typically receive only 1 or 3 years. However, HSP visas are uniformly granted 5 years, significantly reducing trips to immigration for renewals.
③ Relaxed PR Requirements ⭐ The Biggest Advantage!
Normally, PR requires 10 years of residence in Japan, but HSP significantly shortens this:
④ Spouse Employment Freedom
Spouses on regular Dependent (家族滞在) visa can only work 28 hours per week. However, HSP spouses can work full-time in Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Education, Research, and similar categories even without meeting the usual education/experience requirements.
⑤ Bringing Parents to Japan ⭐ PR Holders Cannot Do This!
Normally, work visa holders cannot sponsor their parents for residence status. However, HSP holders can if they meet these conditions:
- Household annual income of ¥7 million or more
- Need to care for a child under 7 years old, or care for a pregnant spouse
If you plan to have children and need your parents to help with childcare, HSP is actually better than PR!
This is because PR holders cannot use this parent sponsorship benefit. Once you switch to PR, you lose the right to sponsor your parents under HSP.
Recommendation: Wait until your child turns 7, or until you no longer need parental help, before applying for PR.
Many couples use the “One PR, One HSP” strategy!
One spouse maintains HSP visa → Can sponsor parents to help with childcare
Other spouse gets PR → Can access low-interest home loans available only to PR holders
Best of both worlds! This is why many couples don’t rush to have both spouses get PR.
⑥ Domestic Workers
When meeting certain conditions (household income ¥10 million+, paying monthly salary of ¥200,000+, etc.), you can employ foreign domestic workers.
⑦ Priority Processing of Applications
Immigration gives HSP applications priority processing. Official target times:
- Certificate of Eligibility: within 10 days
- Status change permission: within 5 days
⚠️ Important: These are official target times, not actual processing times.
Depending on HSP type (a/b/c), location (Tokyo/Osaka, etc.), company category, and volume, actual times range from 5 days to 6 months or more. Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have longer wait times. Always allow plenty of time!
3. Complete Points Calculation Guide
Points are the core of the HSP system. Here’s how points are calculated for Highly Skilled Professional 1(b):
3.1 Education (Maximum 30 points)
| Education Level | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 30 pts | |
| Master’s degree | 20 pts | Includes professional degrees (MBA, etc.) |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10 pts | |
| Multiple degrees in different fields | Extra +5 pts | e.g., MBA + Engineering Master’s |
3.2 Work Experience (Maximum 20 points)
Years of work experience related to your application field (including overseas experience):
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 10+ years | 20 pts |
| 7+ years | 15 pts |
| 5+ years | 10 pts |
| 3+ years | 5 pts |
3.3 Annual Income (Maximum 40 points) ⭐ Important!
Points for income vary by age. Younger people get more points for the same income:
| Annual Income | ~29 yrs | 30-34 yrs | 35-39 yrs | 40+ yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¥10M+ | 40 pts | 40 pts | 40 pts | 40 pts |
| ¥9M+ | 35 pts | 35 pts | 35 pts | 35 pts |
| ¥8M+ | 30 pts | 30 pts | 30 pts | 30 pts |
| ¥7M+ | 25 pts | 25 pts | 25 pts | – |
| ¥6M+ | 20 pts | 20 pts | 20 pts | – |
| ¥5M+ | 15 pts | 15 pts | – | – |
| ¥4M+ | 10 pts | – | – | – |
💰 Key Points About Income Calculation
HSP income assessment is based on projected annual income for the coming year, not past income! This requires an Expected Annual Income Certificate (年収見込証明書) from your employer.
✅ Can Be Included in Annual Income
- 基本給 (Base salary)
- 賞与/ボーナス (Bonuses)
- 勤勉手当 (Diligence allowance)
- 調整手当 (Adjustment allowance)
- 職務手当 (Position allowance)
- 残業代 (Overtime pay)
❌ Cannot Be Included
- 通勤手当 (Commuting allowance)
- 扶養手当 (Dependent allowance)
- 住宅手当 (Housing allowance)
- Other reimbursable expenses
If your base salary is just below a points threshold (e.g., just under ¥5M), check with your company whether projected bonuses can push you to the next level. The Expected Annual Income Certificate can include projected bonuses!
Applicants for HSP 1(b) and 1(c) must have annual income of at least ¥3 million. Below this, you cannot apply!
Note: Tax certificates are not required for HSP applications (but are needed for PR applications).
3.4 Age (Maximum 15 points)
| Age Range | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | 15 pts |
| 30-34 | 10 pts |
| 35-39 | 5 pts |
| 40+ | 0 pts |
Based on practical experience, age points are calculated as of the application submission date. If you’re about to turn 30, 35, or 40, your age points will decrease!
⚠️ Important Note: This is not explicitly stated in official government documents. To avoid risks from potential policy changes, we strongly recommend not applying right before your birthday – allow plenty of buffer time!
3.5 Special Bonus Points
🗣️ Japanese Language Ability (Maximum 15 points)
📎 Official reference: Japanese Language Ability List (PDF)
📝 Recognized Japanese Tests (choose one):
| Level | JLPT | BJT Business Japanese |
|---|---|---|
| N1 Equivalent (15 pts) | N1 Pass | 480+ points |
| N2 Equivalent (10 pts) | N2 Pass | 400+ points |
JLPT is only offered twice a year (July and December), while the BJT Business Japanese Test is offered more frequently – nearly every month. If you missed JLPT or need points urgently, consider taking the BJT!
According to the points table notes, Bonus ⑨ (N2’s 10 points) has restrictions: If you already have Bonus ⑦ (Japanese university degree, 10 pts) or Bonus ⑧ (N1’s 15 pts), you cannot also get N2 points.
✓ N1 (15 pts) and Japanese university degree (10 pts) CAN be combined!
🎓 Japanese Higher Education Degree (Bonus ⑦) +10 pts
Those who obtained degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral) from Japanese universities or graduate schools get an extra +10 points. This can be combined with N1’s 15 points! If you graduated from a Japanese university AND passed N1, you can get 10+15=25 points!
🎓 Designated University Graduate (Bonus ⑪) +10 pts
📎 Official list: Universities Eligible for Special Points (PDF)
The Immigration Bureau’s eligible university list is quite comprehensive – not just top universities, but many schools you might think are “average” are also included.
Download the PDF above and search for your alma mater to confirm eligibility. Don’t assume based on reputation alone.
🏢 Innovation Promotion Support (イノベーション促進支援措置) +10 pts ⭐ Don’t Forget to Ask!
If your company is certified under the “Innovation Promotion Support Measures,” you can get +10 bonus points!
More companies are certified than you might think. Ask your HR or General Affairs department to confirm if your company is certified. Many larger companies qualify.
How to confirm: Ask if the company has received certification under the “Innovation Promotion Support Measures based on Minister of Justice Public Notice.”
📜 Qualifications & Other Points
3.6 Points Calculation Example
📊 Example: 32-Year-Old IT Engineer
| Category | Condition | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree | 20 pts |
| Work Experience | 5 years (including overseas) | 10 pts |
| Annual Income | ¥5.5M (including projected bonus) | 15 pts |
| Age | 32 years old | 10 pts |
| Japanese | JLPT N1 | 15 pts |
| Total | 70 pts ✅ |
🎯 Tips for Reaching 70 Points
- Take JLPT or BJT – N1 gives 15 pts, N2 gives 10 pts (best value! BJT offers more test dates)
- Japanese university graduates – Extra 10 pts that CAN be combined with N1’s 15 pts!
- Ask about Innovation Promotion Support – Can add 10 pts; many companies qualify but employees don’t know
- Get IT national qualifications – FE (基本情報技術者) etc. can add 5-10 pts
- Check university rankings – Review the official PDF to confirm if your school qualifies
- Document overseas work experience – Can increase work experience points
- Negotiate salary/confirm bonuses – Expected Income Certificate can include projected bonuses
When calculating points, note: N2’s 10 pts (Bonus ⑨) cannot be claimed if you already have “Japanese university degree (⑦)” or “N1 (⑧)”. Japanese language major from overseas university equals N1 (both are Bonus ⑧’s 15 pts). However, Japanese university degree (⑦) 10 pts and N1 (⑧) 15 pts CAN be combined!
Official resource: HSP Points Calculation Table (Excel) – Download to verify your points calculation
4. Company Category Determination
Required documents vary based on your employer’s category. Immigration classifies companies into four categories. Specific additional documents are detailed in Section 5.3:
| Category | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Listed companies, insurance companies, Japanese subsidiaries of listed companies, etc. |
| Category 2 | Companies with prior year withholding tax (給与所得の源泉徴収税額) of ¥15 million or more |
| Category 3 | Companies with prior year withholding tax under ¥15 million |
| Category 4 | Others (newly established companies, etc.) |
5. Complete Document Checklist
Here are the documents required for HSP 1(b) applications:
- Status Change Application (在留資格変更許可申請) – Already in Japan, changing from another visa to HSP
- Certificate of Eligibility Application (在留資格認定証明書交付申請) – Applying from overseas, company applies on your behalf
5.1 Documents Required from All Applicants
📄 Basic Application Documents
-
Application Form
Download from Immigration website, select “Highly Skilled Professional” form
-
Photo (4cm × 3cm) – 1 copy
Taken within 6 months, no hat, plain background, name written on back
-
Passport + Residence Card (for inspection)
Note: For overseas applications: passport copy
-
HSP Points Calculation Form
Download from Immigration website, signature required on page 2 → Download
-
Supporting Documents for Points (疎明資料)
Only need to submit documents proving you reach 70 points
5.2 Detailed Points Documentation
📚 Education Documents
- Diploma / Degree Certificate copyForeign credentials need Japanese translation
💼 Work Experience Documents
- Certificate of EmploymentFrom current employer, stating position, duties, and employment period
- Certificate from Previous EmployersProving relevant work experience (overseas experience needs translation)
💰 Income Documentation ⭐ Most Important!
-
Expected Annual Income Certificate (年収見込証明書)
Issued by employer, certifying projected income for the coming year. This is the most critical document!Note: Can include projected bonuses (賞与), diligence allowances, adjustment allowances, etc.
- OR Employment Contract / Working Conditions Notice copy
HSP applications do not require tax certificates or tax payment certificates. Income assessment is based on “projected future income,” not past income records.
(However, PR applications DO require tax documents, so always pay taxes on time)
🗣️ Japanese Language Proof
- JLPT Certificate copy (N1 or N2)
- OR BJT Score Report (480+ = N1 equivalent, 400+ = N2 equivalent)
- OR Japanese university diploma
📜 Other Bonus Points Documentation
- National qualification certificates (IT certifications, etc.)
- Designated university – Diploma is sufficient (Immigration verifies)
- Innovation Promotion Support – Certification document from company
5.3 Additional Documents by Company Category
The following list is compiled from Immigration Bureau public information and administrative scrivener practical experience. Actual requirements may vary by application type (COE/change/renewal), submission location, and examiner discretion. Please verify with the Immigration Bureau website or consult a professional.
| Category | Possible Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| Category 1 |
One of the following: ・Shikiho (四季報) copy ・Proof of stock exchange listing ・Certificate of establishment permit from competent ministry (for special corporations) |
| Category 2 | ・Statutory report summary (法定調書合計表) copy (with tax office receipt stamp or e-filing confirmation screenshot) |
| Category 3 |
・Statutory report summary copy ・Most recent fiscal year financial statements (cover page, balance sheet, income statement) ・Employment contract or Working Conditions Notice copy ・Certificate of Registered Matters (登記事項証明書) (issued within 3 months) ・Company brochure or business description materials |
| Category 4 |
All Category 3 documents, plus possibly: ・Business plan ・Applicant’s residence tax certificate and tax payment certificate ・Other materials proving business stability/continuity |
While Immigration requires fewer documents from Category 1 & 2 companies, in practice we recommend also preparing employment contracts and education certificates. Complete documentation helps examiners quickly verify “start date,” “salary,” “education,” etc., potentially speeding up the review.
6. Application Process & Processing Times
6.1 Applying from Within Japan (Status Change)
Self-Assessment
Use Immigration’s points calculation form to confirm you can reach 70 points.
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents. Have your company issue the Expected Annual Income Certificate.
Submit Application
Submit at your local Immigration Bureau. You can also use an administrative scrivener (行政書士).
Immigration Review
HSP applications receive priority processing. Official target is 5 days, but actual times range from 5 days to 6+ months.
Receive Result
Upon approval, bring ¥4,000 revenue stamp to Immigration to receive your new residence card.
6.2 Applying from Overseas (Certificate of Eligibility)
After receiving a job offer, have your company apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) selecting “Highly Skilled Professional.” You don’t need to enter Japan on a regular work visa first.
Prepare Documents
Prepare education certificates, work experience documentation, Japanese proficiency proof, etc. from your home country.
Company Submits Application
Your Japanese employer submits the Certificate of Eligibility application to Immigration.
Immigration Review
Official target is 10 days, but actual times vary.
Receive COE
Company receives it and sends it to you.
Apply for Visa
Take the COE to the Japanese embassy/consulate to apply for your visa, then enter Japan.
The 5-day and 10-day figures above are Immigration’s official targets, not actual processing times.
Main factors affecting processing time:
- HSP type: (a) Academic, (b) Technical, (c) Business have different complexity levels
- Location: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and other major cities have high volume and longer queues
- Company category: Categories 3 & 4 require more review time
- Document completeness: Missing documents cause delays for supplemental submissions
- Timing: Busy seasons like April take longer
⚠️ Real cases show: Processing times range from 5 days to 6+ months depending on these factors. Always allow plenty of time – don’t rely on official targets for job changes or visa expiration planning!
7. Special Notes When Changing Jobs
The HSP visa is tied to a specific employer. Even if you have years remaining on your residence period, when changing to a new company you must reapply for status change permission. This differs from regular work visas!
Points to Note When Changing Jobs
- After receiving an offer from the new company, prepare new company documents and reapply
- You cannot work at the new company during the review period
- The new company’s salary might cause your points to drop below 70
- Consider whether to switch back to a regular work visa for greater job mobility
8. About Highly Skilled Professional Type 2
After holding HSP Type 1 for 3+ years, you can apply to upgrade to HSP Type 2:
🌟 Features of HSP Type 2
- Indefinite residence period (residence card renewed every 7 years)
- Can engage in almost all work-related activities
- Not tied to specific employer, more job flexibility
- Continues to enjoy Type 1 benefits
9. Fast-Track to Permanent Residency
One of the most attractive aspects of the HSP system is significantly shortened waiting time for PR:
The following is from the Immigration Services Agency official guidelines:
PR Permission Guidelines (Revised October 2025)
Compared to the 10 years required for regular work visa holders to apply for PR, the HSP advantage is clear!
It’s not enough to reach 70 or 80 points at the time of application – you need to maintain that score throughout the entire period. For example, to use the “80 points, 1 year” fast track, you must have maintained 80+ points continuously from 1 year ago until now.
📜 Official Guidelines Interpretation (PR Guidelines Article 2, Items 6 & 7)
【70+ Points → 3 Years】Meet either condition:
- As a “Highly Skilled Foreign Professional,” maintain 70+ points while continuously residing in Japan for 3+ years
- At the point 3 years before your PR application date, your points reached 70+, and you maintained 70+ throughout those 3 years while residing in Japan
【80+ Points → 1 Year】Meet either condition:
- As a “Highly Skilled Foreign Professional,” maintain 80+ points while continuously residing in Japan for 1+ year
- At the point 1 year before your PR application date, your points reached 80+, and you maintained 80+ throughout that year while residing in Japan
Even if you haven’t switched to an HSP visa, as long as your points calculation reaches 70 or 80, you can use the fast-track PR pathway!
This is called “Deemed Highly Skilled Professional” (みなし高度専門職). Keep your current Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa, and when applying for PR, submit your points calculation form and supporting documents to use the 1-year or 3-year fast track.
Key point: The points calculation timing is “1 year/3 years before your PR application date,” not at the time of application. This means you need to prove you already reached the required score at that past point and maintained it since.
If you plan to have children and might need your parents to come to Japan to help with childcare, don’t rush to apply for PR!
Reason: HSP visa holders can sponsor parents to live in Japan (conditions apply), but PR holders cannot use this benefit. Once you switch to PR, you lose this right.
Recommendation: Wait until your child turns 7, or until you’re sure you don’t need parental help, before applying for PR.
📖 Want a Detailed PR Application Guide?
We’re preparing a comprehensive PR application guide covering requirements, documents, and important notes.
PR Application Complete Guide (Coming Soon)10. FAQ
📋 Key Takeaways
- 70 points is the threshold for HSP visa application
- You can apply directly from overseas – no need to come to Japan first
- Enjoy 7 preferential benefits: 5-year stay, related side business, spouse employment, bringing parents, etc.
- Fast-track to PR: 70+ pts maintained for 3 yrs, or 80+ pts maintained for 1 yr
- Use the “Deemed HSP” system for fast-track PR without changing visa
- Income is based on projected future income – bonuses can be included
- Don’t forget to ask about Innovation Promotion Support bonus points
- Planning children and need parental help? Don’t rush to get PR!
- Job changes require reapplication – an important consideration
📎 Useful Links
📊 Points Calculation Resources
- HSP Points Calculation Table (Excel) – Official points calculation spreadsheet
- Universities Eligible for Special Points (PDF) – Comprehensive list of qualifying universities
- Japanese Language Ability List (PDF) – JLPT/BJT equivalency table
📋 System Information & Application Guides
- What is the Points-Based System? – System overview
- What Preferential Treatment is Available? – Seven benefits explained
- HSP – Procedures & Required Documents – Application process and documents
- Points-Based System Q&A – Official FAQ
🏠 Permanent Residency Resources
- PR Permission Guidelines (Revised October 2025) – Official PR application guidelines
- PR Application Complete Guide (Coming Soon) – Stay tuned
📝 Last Updated: December 2025
Note: Policies may change. Always verify with the Immigration Bureau website before applying.
⚠️ Copyright Notice
This article is original content by May’s Money Room. Reproduction, copying, and excerpting are prohibited.
For permission to quote, please contact the author and credit the source.