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Japan · Work visa
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points Visa
- Processing
- COE 1-3 months
- Cost
- From ¥3,000
- Validity
- 5 years
Points-based status for advanced professionals in academic research, specialized or technical work, and business management. A score of at least 70 grants a 5-year status and shortens the permanent residence period.
Requirements
- Score 70+ points across education, career, annual salary, age and bonus items (Japanese language, top-university degree, etc.)
- Sponsoring Japanese employer or research institution
- Activity falls under advanced academic research, advanced specialized/technical, or advanced business management
- Minimum annual salary of JPY 3 million for the specialist and management categories
- Certificate of Eligibility with points-calculation evidence
Time and cost
- Processing time
- COE 1-3 months (often prioritised), visa about 5 working days
- Validity
- 5 years (HSP-1); indefinite activity as HSP-2 after 3 years
- Cost
From ¥3,000
Required
- ¥0 certificate of eligibility (COE)
- ¥3,000 visa fee (single-entry; multiple-entry ¥6,000)
- Path to residency
- Permanent residence after 1 year (80+ points) or 3 years (70+ points)
Documents
Valid passport
Valid for the intended stay
Points calculation table with evidence
Degree certificates, salary statements, JLPT results and other proof for each point claimed
Certificate of Eligibility
Filed by the sponsoring employer
Processing: 1-3 months
Employment contract
Stating annual salary and duties
Academic transcripts (if it applies)
Supporting education points claimed
Tips
- Permanent residence after 3 years at 70-79 points, or just 1 year at 80+ points
- Spouse may work full-time, and you may bring parents or a domestic worker under conditions
- J-Skip (Special HSP) grants HSP status without the points table if you earn JPY 20 million+ with a master’s degree or 10 years’ experience