Benefits of the Highly Skilled Professional Visa in Japan
In 2012, Japan introduced the Highly Skilled Professional Visa (高度専門職ビザ Kōdo Senmon Shoku Visa) to attract skilled foreign workers by offering special benefits. Here are some key advantages of this visa:
Benefit 1: Longer Period of Stay
Highly Skilled Professionals are granted a five-year visa from the beginning, unlike other work visas that typically start with a one-year period. Additionally, after residing in Japan for three years as a Highly Skilled Professional, they can apply for the second stage of the visa (高度専門職2号 Kōdo Senmon Shoku 2 Gō), which grants an indefinite period of stay similar to permanent residency. This eliminates the frequent visa renewal process.
Benefit 2: Faster Route to Permanent Residency
Normally, applicants must live in Japan for ten years before applying for permanent residence. However, Highly Skilled Professionals can apply for PR after just three years. If they accumulate 80 points or more under the Point-based System (explained below), they can apply for PR after only one year.
Benefit 3:Expanded Work Opportunities for Spouses
Spouses of Highly Skilled Professionals may change their visa status from “Dependent Visa” to Designated Activities, allowing them to work full-time in Japan. However, unlike the Dependent Visa, this status does not permit simple labor jobs such as convenience store or restaurant staff.
Benefit 4: Permission for calling your parent(s)
Ordinarily, non-Japanese residents cannot invite their parents to Japan for an extended period. However, Highly Skilled Professionals may invite one pair of parents (either their own or their spouse’s) if they meet these conditions:
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The household’s combined annual income must be 8 million yen or more.
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The parents must live together with the applicant.
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The parents may stay while the applicant or their spouse is pregnant or has a child under 7 years old.
Benefit 5:Additional Privileges
There are several other benefits available for Highly Skilled Professionals. For full details, visit the official Immigration Bureau website.
Eligibility for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa
To qualify for this visa, applicants must score 70 points or more under the Immigration Bureau’s Point-based System. Points are awarded based on various criteria such as:
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Academic background
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Career experience
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Annual salary
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Age
The point allocation also varies depending on the applicant’s planned activity in Japan. There are three categories of activities under the Highly Skilled Professional Visa:
You can find the Point Calculation Table in the website of immigration.
Highly Skilled Professionals are classified into 3 types.
The point allocation also varies depending on the applicant’s planned activity in Japan. There are three categories of activities under the Highly Skilled Professional Visa:
(a) Advanced Academic Research Activities
For professors, researchers, or similar roles involving advanced research under a contract with a Japanese institution.
(b) Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities
For professionals with specialized knowledge or skills in fields like natural sciences, law, economics, and more. Engineers, programmers, lawyers, and business consultants may fall into this category.
(c) Advanced Business Management Activities
For directors, officers, and managers holding high-level positions in Japanese organizations.
Important Advice for Applicants
Companies in Japan often apply for a standard “Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, or International Services Visa” (技術人文知識国際ビザ Gijutsu Jinbunchishiki Kokusai Visa) because it is more common. However, if you have 70 points or more, you should consider discussing the Highly Skilled Professional Visa option with your employer to take advantage of its extensive benefits.
