Quick answer: Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa uses a points system covering education, work experience, annual salary, age, Japanese ability and other factors. You need at least 70 points. HSP holders get a 5-year period of stay, faster immigration processing, and wider family benefits. Most importantly, 70 points can shorten the wait for permanent residency to 3 years, and 80 points to just 1 year, compared with the usual 10 years. Business and specialist applicants also need an annual income of at least JPY 3 million.
Japan is facing a long-term labour shortage, especially in technology, engineering, research and specialised business roles, and has made it easier for skilled foreigners to settle. The HSP system is the premium route: rather than simply granting a work visa, it rewards high-value profiles with stability and a fast track to permanent status. For engineers, researchers and managers with strong credentials, it can be the difference between a temporary job in Japan and a permanent life there.
HSP Visa at a Glance
| Minimum points | 70 |
| Period of stay | 5 years (the maximum) |
| Permanent residency | After 3 years at 70+ points, or 1 year at 80+ points |
| Minimum income | JPY 3 million a year for categories (b) and (c) |
| Processing targets | About 10 days for a Certificate of Eligibility; about 5 days for change or extension of status |
The Three HSP Categories
- (a) Advanced Academic Research: research, research guidance and education at universities and research institutions.
- (b) Advanced Specialised / Technical: professional work using natural sciences or humanities knowledge, such as software engineers, data scientists, engineers, designers, finance and marketing specialists. This is the most common category.
- (c) Advanced Business Management: executives and managers running or administering a business. Immigration looks closely at the substance and financial health of the business.
How Points Are Earned
The official Points Calculation Table from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan awards points in these areas:
- Academic background: more points for master’s and doctoral degrees, with extra points for degrees from designated top universities.
- Professional career: more years of relevant experience earn more points.
- Annual salary: higher income earns more points, with the scale depending on your age.
- Age: younger applicants earn more points.
- Japanese language ability and graduation from a Japanese university earn bonus points.
- National qualifications, certain research achievements, and work in designated industries or with designated innovative companies add points.
Use the official calculation table to score yourself, and keep documents proving every point you claim. A typical high scorer is a young professional with a master’s degree, several years of experience, a strong salary and some Japanese ability.
Benefits for HSP Holders and Families
- 5-year stay from the start, rather than the 1 or 3 years common on ordinary work visas.
- Combined activities, such as research alongside running a related company.
- Spouse employment: under set conditions, a spouse can work in fields such as research, teaching, engineering or specialist humanities roles.
- Parents can join to help raise a child under 7 or support a pregnancy, if household income is at least JPY 8 million and other conditions are met.
- A domestic helper may be employed under certain income conditions.
- Priority processing of immigration applications.
The Fast Track to Permanent Residency
This is the main reason many professionals pursue HSP. Usually, permanent residency in Japan requires about 10 years of residence. With 70 points, that falls to 3 years; with 80 points, to 1 year. You must still meet the other conditions, including good conduct, a stable livelihood, and full payment of taxes, pension and health insurance. Workers on standard visas, such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, can also use their points for the PR shortcut without first switching to HSP status.
Japan also offers J-Skip, introduced in 2023, a special HSP route for very high earners and top researchers with a separate set of requirements and the same 1-year PR exception.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Score yourself using the official Points Calculation Table.
- Get a job offer from a Japanese employer or institution in a relevant role.
- Your employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) under HSP status, with points evidence.
- Apply for your visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate using the COE.
- Arrive in Japan, get your residence card and register your address.
The Fine Print
- HSP status is tied to your employer. Changing jobs requires a new HSP application.
- Keep your points. For the PR shortcut, you must have maintained the required points for the relevant period.
- Pay your pension and insurance on time. Missed payments are a common reason for PR refusals.
- Japanese helps. Even with English-speaking employers, Japanese ability helps both your points and daily life.
Is the HSP Visa Worth It?
For engineers, researchers and managers who score 70 or more, yes. Japan offers excellent safety, healthcare and infrastructure, and the 1-to-3-year PR shortcut is among the fastest of any developed country. Salaries in Japan are often lower than in the US or Singapore for the same role, so compare packages carefully. If your goal is long-term settlement in Asia, few routes match it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for Japan’s HSP visa?
At least 70 points on the official points table.
How fast can I get permanent residency through HSP?
After 3 years with 70+ points, or 1 year with 80+ points, if you also meet the other PR requirements.
Is there a minimum salary?
Yes. Applicants in categories (b) and (c) need an annual income of at least JPY 3 million, separate from the points calculation.
Can my spouse work in Japan?
Yes, under set conditions, in fields such as research, teaching, engineering and specialist humanities work.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No, but Japanese ability earns bonus points and makes life and work in Japan much easier.
Official source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Points-based Preferential Immigration Treatment for Highly Skilled Professionals, at moj.go.jp/isa. This site is not affiliated with the Government of Japan and never charges any fee for job information.