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Work visa · 高度専門職

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa: points calculator and requirements

The Highly Skilled Professional status (高度専門職) is Japan’s points-based work visa with the best terms: 5 years of stay, work for your spouse and permanent residency after 1–3 years. Work out your points with the official ISA table, then see the categories, benefits, J-Skip and the official forms.

Calculate your points

Forms and documents

Checked against the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on 7 October 2026

Pass mark70 points

Period of stay (HSP i)5 years

Permanent residencyAfter 1 or 3 years

Minimum income (i)(b), (i)(c)¥3 million a year

Points calculator

HSP points calculator: check your score

Choose your category and tick what applies — the score updates at once, using the official ISA points table, with a breakdown and tips on how to reach 70 or 80. Your answers stay in your browser.

What it is

A points system with a fast track to permanent residency

Immigration scores you on education, experience, annual income, age, research and a list of bonuses. With 70 points or more you get the HSP status and its extra rights. The visa is the stamp from the embassy; the status of residence is what lets you live and work in Japan.

(i)(a) Academic research

Advanced academic research activities (高度専門職1号イ): researchers and teachers at universities, research institutes and R&D centers. Points for research achievements. No minimum income.

(i)(b) Specialized / technical

Advanced specialized / technical activities (1号ロ): engineers, IT and other specialists employed by a company in Japan. The most common category. Points for Japanese national qualifications.

(i)(c) Business management

Advanced business management activities (1号ハ): directors and senior executives. No points for age or research, but points for your position and a separate income scale up to 50 points (¥30 million+).

Business owners in (i)(c). If your activity is running a business, the Business Manager (経営・管理) standards in force since 16 October 2025 apply too: ¥30 million in capital, a full-time employee, Japanese at B2 (you or an employee). Without them ISA does not grant permanent residency or HSP (ii) from (i)(c). Details: Business Manager visa.

How points are counted

HSP points table: where your score comes from

The blocks are the same in all three categories, but the weights differ. Every value below is the one the calculator uses.

  • Education. Doctorate 30, master’s 20, bachelor’s 10. An MBA or MOT gives 25 in (i)(b) and (i)(c). Two or more doctorate, master’s or professional degrees in different fields add 5.
  • Experience in your field. From 5 points (3 years) up to 15–25 points (7–10+ years). Highest in (i)(c).
  • Annual income. In (i)(a) and (i)(b) it depends on your age (up to 40 points from ¥10 million). (i)(c) has its own scale up to 50 points from ¥30 million. Below ¥4 million there are no income points.
  • Age. Only (i)(a) and (i)(b): under 30 — 15, 30–34 — 10, 35–39 — 5.
  • Research. Patents, research funded by a foreign government, papers: 20–25 in (i)(a), 15 in (i)(b).
  • Bonuses. Japanese (N1 15, N2 10), a degree from a university in Japan 10, a leading world university 10, employer support schemes, JICA training and more.

Points by category

Item (i)(a) Academic research (i)(b) Specialized / technical (i)(c) Business management
Doctorate (PhD) 30 30 20 (same as a master’s)
MBA or MOT — 25 25
Master’s or professional degree 20 20 20
Bachelor’s degree 10 10 10
Two or more doctorate, master’s or professional degrees in different fields +5 +5 +5
Experience 7+ years — 15 · 5+ years — 10 · 3+ years — 5 (research, teaching) 10+ years — 20 · 7+ years — 15 · 5+ years — 10 · 3+ years — 5 10+ years — 25 · 7+ years — 20 · 5+ years — 15 · 3+ years — 10 (management)
Age under 30 — 15 · 30–34 — 10 · 35–39 — 5 under 30 — 15 · 30–34 — 10 · 35–39 — 5 —
Annual income up to 40 — depends on age, see the next table up to 40 — depends on age, see the next table ¥10M+ — 10 · ¥15M+ — 20 · ¥20M+ — 30 · ¥25M+ — 40 · ¥30M+ — 50
Minimum income none ¥3M a year ¥3M a year
Research achievements one — 20, two or more — 25 one or more — 15 —
Position — — Representative director (代表取締役) — 10 · Director (取締役) or executive officer — 5
Japanese national qualifications — one — 5, two or more — 10 —
Japanese: JLPT N1, BJT 480+ or a Japanese-major degree 15 15 15
Japanese: JLPT N2 or BJT 400+ 10 10 10

Annual income and age — (i)(a) and (i)(b)

Income a year under 30 30–34 35–39 40 and over
¥10M or more 40 40 40 40
¥9M – 10M 35 35 35 35
¥8M – 9M 30 30 30 30
¥7M – 8M 25 25 25 —
¥6M – 7M 20 20 20 —
¥5M – 6M 15 15 — —
¥4M – 5M 10 — — —
under ¥4M — — — —

“—” means this income scores no points at this age.

Bonus points

Bonus Points Categories
Graduated from a university or graduate school in Japan +10 all
Graduated from a university on ISA’s list — leading universities in world rankings +10 all
Hold a foreign qualification or award related to the job +5 all
Completed JICA training under the “Innovative Asia” program +5 all
The employer receives government innovation support (on ISA’s list) +10 all
The employer with innovation support is also a small or medium-sized enterprise +10 all
Small or medium-sized enterprise that spends more than 3% of sales on R&D +5 all
Work on an advanced project in a growth field supported by a ministry +10 all
The employer receives local-government support for hiring HSPs +10 all
Work in an investment management business (投資運用業) +10 (i)(b), (i)(c)
Invested ¥100 million or more in a business in Japan +5 (i)(c)

N2 is not added on top of the bonus for a Japanese university; N1 is. The bonus for an SME with innovation support counts only together with the innovation-support bonus.

The ¥3 million floor. In categories (i)(b) and (i)(c) an annual income below ¥3,000,000 means no HSP status, even with 70 points. Category (i)(a) has no minimum income. Income is the pay under your future contract in Japan — base salary, bonuses and allowances — not your past income; overtime and commuting or housing allowances do not count. Age is counted on the day you apply. Source: ISA points table (point values from 1 April 2023; lists for the bonuses as amended on 31 March 2026), checked 7 October 2026.

Benefits

Why HSP is the best work status

Holders of HSP (i) get rights that ordinary work statuses do not have.

Fast permanent residency

After 3 years with 70 points, or after 1 year with 80 points — instead of the usual 10 years.

5 years at once

HSP (i) is always granted for 5 years, the longest period for a work status.

Work for your spouse

Your spouse can work full time in research, teaching or Engineer/Specialist-type jobs without the usual degree or experience rules — on a separate Designated Activities status, if you live together and the pay is at least what a Japanese employee gets.

Parents

Your or your spouse’s parents can join you to look after a child under 7 or during a pregnancy, if household income is ¥8 million or more and you live together.

Domestic worker

You can bring a domestic worker under conditions — among them household income of ¥10 million or more and pay of at least ¥200,000 a month.

Priority processing

ISA aims to decide a CoE within about 10 days and a change or extension within about 5 days of accepting the application. You may also combine several related activities.

HSP (ii) (高度専門職2号) comes after 3 years on HSP (i): no time limit on the period of stay and almost any work alongside your main activity.

No points needed · and after HSP

J-Skip and the path to permanent residency

Without points · 特別高度人材

Under 70 points? There is J-Skip

Since April 2023 the Special Highly Skilled Professional route (J-Skip) gives the status without counting points. (i)(a) and (i)(b): a master’s degree or higher and an income of ¥20 million a year — or 10 years of experience and the same income. (i)(c): 5 years of business management experience and ¥40 million a year. You get 5 years of stay, permanent residency after 1 year, HSP (ii) after 1 year and the HSP benefits.

The calculator above tells you if you meet the J-Skip conditions.

Getting there

Moving to HSP and on to permanent residency

Most people move to HSP from an ordinary work status such as the Engineer/Specialist visa by a change of status once they have the points. For the HSP status itself, points are checked when you apply and when you extend.

For permanent residency the points must be held for the whole period: with 70 points, ISA checks them on the application date and 3 years before; with 80 points, on the application date and 1 year before. You can use this route on an ordinary work status too, if your points were high enough for the whole period.

Rules with dates

Permanent residency: what changes in 2026–2027

  • Fee. Applications received up to 30 September 2026: ¥10,000. From 1 October 2026: ¥200,000. See immigration fees.
  • Revised PR guideline (revised 1 October 2026, applies from 1 April 2027): Japanese at B1 becomes a factor ISA takes into account (not a strict requirement) — highly skilled professionals and their families, and people with 6+ years of Japanese primary or secondary schooling, are exempt; household income above the average Japanese household of the same size; a pension check; 6 months or more abroad at once, or 2.5 years in total over 10 years, counts against you.
  • Two parts apply earlier. The income standard (第2の4(2)) and the rule on not becoming a public burden (第2の5(7)) also apply to applications filed from 1 April 2026 and still pending on 1 October 2026.
  • Otherwise, until 31 March 2027 the previous guideline applies, including the HSP route of 70 points for 3 years or 80 points for 1 year (this route stays in the revised guideline).
  • Business management (i)(c). Since 16 October 2025 permanent residency and the change to HSP (ii) from (i)(c) require the new Business Manager standards.

Sources: ISA — revised PR guideline, ISA — Business Manager standards and HSP (i)(c).

Forms and documents

How to apply for HSP: forms and documents

The ISA form depends on the work you will do, and the document set on the status of that work. Add the points calculation table and the documents that prove your points.

Choose the procedure and the HSP category — the right ISA forms appear in the first row of the list. Work out your points first in the calculator.

HSP category:

(i)(a) Advanced academic research: Research, research guidance and teaching under a contract with an organization in Japan (高度専門職1号イ).

(i)(b) Advanced specialized / technical: Engineers, IT and other specialists employed by a company in Japan (高度専門職1号ロ) — the most common category.

(i)(c) Advanced business management: Managers and executives of companies (高度専門職1号ハ). If you run a business, the Business Manager (経営・管理) standards in force since 16 October 2025 apply too (¥30 million capital, a full-time employee, Japanese at B2).

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) — HSP (i), you are abroad

The organization in Japan where you will work files: a staff member, or an administrative scrivener (行政書士) on its behalf. With the CoE you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy and enter Japan.

Forms on the ISA websitestatus page · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

The ISA form depends on the work you will do: switch the category and the right forms appear in the first row of the list.

Documents

  1. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility — the form for your work 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書（様式「I」「N」）(i)(a) Advanced academic researchUniversity teacher — form I, researcher — form N. For other work (for example, a school teacher, 教育) use the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.university professor (教授), form I · PDFuniversity professor (教授), form I · Excelresearcher (研究), form N · PDFresearcher (研究), form N · Excel
  2. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility — the form for your work 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書（様式「N」「L」「U」）(i)(b) Advanced specialized / technicalEngineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務) — form N, intra-company transferee — form L, attorney, accountant or doctor with a Japanese license — form U. Pick the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.Engineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務), form N · PDFEngineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務), form N · Excelintra-company transferee (企業内転勤), form L · PDFintra-company transferee (企業内転勤), form L · Excellawyer, accountant, doctor (法律・会計業務, 医療), form U · PDFlawyer, accountant, doctor (法律・会計業務, 医療), form U · Excel
  3. Application for a Certificate of Eligibility — the form for your work 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書（様式「M」「U」）(i)(c) Advanced business managementCompany executive — form M, licensed attorney or accountant — form U. Pick the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.business manager (経営・管理), form M · PDFbusiness manager (経営・管理), form M · Excellawyer, accountant (法律・会計業務), form U · PDFlawyer, accountant (法律・会計業務), form U · Excel
  4. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真
  5. Return envelope with your address and a registered-mail stamp 返信用封筒For paper applications.
  6. Documents for the status of your work 行おうとする活動に応じた在留資格の提出資料（入管法施行規則別表第三）The same documents as for the ordinary status of this work (for example, Engineer/Specialist or Business Manager), by employer category. The list is on the ISA page for that status.
  7. Points calculation table ポイント計算表（参考書式）One table — for your category (i)(a), (i)(b) or (i)(c). You can work out your points in advance with the calculator above.table, Japanese · Exceltable, English · Excel
  8. Documents that prove your points ポイント計算表の各項目に関する疎明資料Diplomas, employment certificates, the contract with your salary, the JLPT certificate and so on. Documents for 70 points are enough — you do not have to prove every item.examples of documents · PDF

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration bureau for the place of work or your future address. Not accepted by post.
Fee
Free
Processing time
Priority processing: ISA aims to decide within about 10 days of accepting the application
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Change of status to HSP (i) — you are already in Japan, for example on the Engineer/Specialist visa

You file yourself before your current status expires — or a staff member of your employer registered with immigration, or an administrative scrivener (行政書士), files for you. You need 70 points or more on the day you apply.

Forms on the ISA websitestatus page · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

The ISA form depends on the work you will do: switch the category and the right forms appear in the first row of the list.

Documents

  1. Application for change of status — the form for your work 在留資格変更許可申請書（様式「I」「N」）(i)(a) Advanced academic researchUniversity teacher — form I, researcher — form N. For other work (for example, a school teacher, 教育) use the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.university professor (教授), form I · PDFuniversity professor (教授), form I · Excelresearcher (研究), form N · PDFresearcher (研究), form N · Excel
  2. Application for change of status — the form for your work 在留資格変更許可申請書（様式「N」「L」「U」）(i)(b) Advanced specialized / technicalEngineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務) — form N, intra-company transferee — form L, attorney, accountant or doctor with a Japanese license — form U. Pick the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.Engineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務), form N · PDFEngineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務), form N · Excelintra-company transferee (企業内転勤), form L · PDFintra-company transferee (企業内転勤), form L · Excellawyer, accountant, doctor (法律・会計業務, 医療), form U · PDFlawyer, accountant, doctor (法律・会計業務, 医療), form U · Excel
  3. Application for change of status — the form for your work 在留資格変更許可申請書（様式「M」「U」）(i)(c) Advanced business managementCompany executive — form M, licensed attorney or accountant — form U. Pick the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.business manager (経営・管理), form M · PDFbusiness manager (経営・管理), form M · Excellawyer, accountant (法律・会計業務), form U · PDFlawyer, accountant (法律・会計業務), form U · Excel
  4. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真From 14 June 2026 a photo is needed for everyone aged 1 and over.
  5. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  6. Documents for the status of your work 行おうとする活動に応じた在留資格の提出資料（入管法施行規則別表第三）The same documents as for the ordinary status of this work (for example, Engineer/Specialist or Business Manager), by employer category. The list is on the ISA page for that status.
  7. Points calculation table ポイント計算表（参考書式）One table — for your category (i)(a), (i)(b) or (i)(c). You can work out your points in advance with the calculator above.table, Japanese · Exceltable, English · Excel
  8. Documents that prove your points ポイント計算表の各項目に関する疎明資料Diplomas, employment certificates, the contract with your salary, the JLPT certificate and so on. Documents for 70 points are enough — you do not have to prove every item.examples of documents · PDF

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Processing time
Priority processing: ISA aims to decide within about 5 days of accepting the application
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Extension of HSP (i)

You file yourself, from 3 months before your period of stay ends. Conditions: the same activity, still 70 points or more, a good record of stay.

Forms on the ISA websitestatus page · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

The ISA form depends on your work: switch the category and the right forms appear in the first row of the list.

Documents

  1. Application for extension — the form for your work 在留期間更新許可申請書（様式「I」「N」）(i)(a) Advanced academic researchUniversity teacher — form I, researcher — form N. For other work (for example, a school teacher, 教育) use the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.university professor (教授), form I · PDFuniversity professor (教授), form I · Excelresearcher (研究), form N · PDFresearcher (研究), form N · Excel
  2. Application for extension — the form for your work 在留期間更新許可申請書（様式「N」「L」「U」）(i)(b) Advanced specialized / technicalEngineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務) — form N, intra-company transferee — form L, attorney, accountant or doctor with a Japanese license — form U. Pick the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.Engineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務), form N · PDFEngineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務), form N · Excelintra-company transferee (企業内転勤), form L · PDFintra-company transferee (企業内転勤), form L · Excellawyer, accountant, doctor (法律・会計業務, 医療), form U · PDFlawyer, accountant, doctor (法律・会計業務, 医療), form U · Excel
  3. Application for extension — the form for your work 在留期間更新許可申請書（様式「M」「U」）(i)(c) Advanced business managementCompany executive — form M, licensed attorney or accountant — form U. Pick the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.business manager (経営・管理), form M · PDFbusiness manager (経営・管理), form M · Excellawyer, accountant (法律・会計業務), form U · PDFlawyer, accountant (法律・会計業務), form U · Excel
  4. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真From 14 June 2026 a photo is needed for everyone aged 1 and over.
  5. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  6. Documents for the status of your work 行おうとする活動に応じた在留資格の提出資料（入管法施行規則別表第三）The same documents as for the ordinary status of this work (for example, Engineer/Specialist or Business Manager), by employer category. The list is on the ISA page for that status.
  7. Points calculation table ポイント計算表（参考書式）One table — for your category (i)(a), (i)(b) or (i)(c). You can work out your points in advance with the calculator above.table, Japanese · Exceltable, English · Excel
  8. Documents that prove your points ポイント計算表の各項目に関する疎明資料Diplomas, employment certificates, the contract with your salary, the JLPT certificate and so on. Documents for 70 points are enough — you do not have to prove every item.examples of documents · PDF

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Processing time
Priority processing: ISA aims to decide within about 5 days of accepting the application
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Change of status to HSP (ii) — no time limit, after 3 years

You file yourself after 3 years on HSP (i) (or on the Designated Activities status for highly skilled professionals); with J-Skip after 1 year. In category (i)(c) the change is not approved unless the business meets the new Business Manager standards. You need 70 points or more, good conduct and taxes and social insurance paid. HSP (ii) has no time limit.

Forms on the ISA websitestatus page · moj.go.jp

Files open from the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA). Forms are in Japanese and English; links checked 6 Oct 2026.

If your work stays the same, the form is the same as for the change to HSP (i): it is in the first row of the list. If the work is different, use the form on the ISA page for that work's status.

Documents

  1. Application for change of status — the form for your work 在留資格変更許可申請書（様式「I」「N」）(i)(a) Advanced academic researchUniversity teacher — form I, researcher — form N. For other work (for example, a school teacher, 教育) use the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.university professor (教授), form I · PDFuniversity professor (教授), form I · Excelresearcher (研究), form N · PDFresearcher (研究), form N · Excel
  2. Application for change of status — the form for your work 在留資格変更許可申請書（様式「N」「L」「U」）(i)(b) Advanced specialized / technicalEngineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務) — form N, intra-company transferee — form L, attorney, accountant or doctor with a Japanese license — form U. Pick the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.Engineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務), form N · PDFEngineer/Specialist (技術・人文知識・国際業務), form N · Excelintra-company transferee (企業内転勤), form L · PDFintra-company transferee (企業内転勤), form L · Excellawyer, accountant, doctor (法律・会計業務, 医療), form U · PDFlawyer, accountant, doctor (法律・会計業務, 医療), form U · Excel
  3. Application for change of status — the form for your work 在留資格変更許可申請書（様式「M」「U」）(i)(c) Advanced business managementCompany executive — form M, licensed attorney or accountant — form U. Pick the form on the ISA page for that status. A filled-in example is next to each form on the ISA page.business manager (経営・管理), form M · PDFbusiness manager (経営・管理), form M · Excellawyer, accountant (法律・会計業務), form U · PDFlawyer, accountant (法律・会計業務), form U · Excel
  4. Photo, 4 × 3 cm 写真From 14 June 2026 a photo is needed for everyone aged 1 and over.
  5. Passport and residence card — to show パスポート及び在留カード（提示）
  6. Documents for the status of your work 行おうとする活動に応じた在留資格の提出資料（入管法施行規則別表第三）The same documents as for the ordinary status of this work (for example, Engineer/Specialist or Business Manager), by employer category. The list is on the ISA page for that status.
  7. Points calculation table ポイント計算表（参考書式）One table — for your category (i)(a), (i)(b) or (i)(c). You can work out your points in advance with the calculator above.table, Japanese · Exceltable, English · Excel
  8. Documents that prove your points ポイント計算表の各項目に関する疎明資料Diplomas, employment certificates, the contract with your salary, the JLPT certificate and so on. Documents for 70 points are enough — you do not have to prove every item.examples of documents · PDF
  9. Certificates of resident tax and tax payment for 5 years 住民税の課税（又は非課税）証明書及び納税証明書（直近５年分）From your city office. If you have held 70 points for 3 years, certificates for 3 years are enough; with 80 points for 1 year, for 1 year. If tax was not deducted from your salary, also attach bank records or receipts showing you paid on time.
  10. Certificate of no unpaid national taxes (その3) 納税証明書（その３）From the tax office for your address, for five taxes: income tax (withheld and self-assessed), consumption tax, inheritance tax and gift tax. You can order it online.
  11. Bank statements or other proof of income 預貯金通帳の写し等A printout from online banking is fine; an Excel file is not.
  12. Proof of pension contributions for 2 years 公的年金の保険料の納付状況を証明する資料For example, 被保険者記録照会回答票 from the pension office or a ねんきんネット printout; with 国民年金, the receipts. With 80 points — for 1 year. Cover your pension and insurance numbers.
  13. Proof of health insurance payments for 2 years 公的医療保険の保険料の納付状況を証明する資料A copy of your insurance card; with 国民健康保険, a certificate and payment receipts. With 80 points — for 1 year.
  14. If you own a company — its social insurance payments 健康保険・厚生年金保険料領収証書（写し）・社会保険料納入証明書Needed if you are the employer in a company that must enroll in social insurance.

Immigration may ask for other documents too. Full list: the ISA checklist above and the status page.

Where to apply
The regional immigration bureau for your address
Fee
Paid only after approval. Applications received by 30 September 2026: ¥6,000 (online ¥5,500), even if the decision comes later. Received from 1 October 2026: the fee depends on the period granted — from ¥10,000 (up to 3 months) to ¥75,000 (5 years or more); online is cheaper except for periods up to 3 months. It can be higher if a specified residence card (特定在留カード) is issued with the permission. Full fee table
Processing time
1–2 months
Online
Yes
Documents for my caseYour list for your category and family — with checkboxes and a PDF

Where to start

The usual path: Japanese → job → HSP points

Few people have 70 points on day one. Many build them up in Japan: Japanese at N2 or N1 adds 10–15 points, a degree from a Japanese university or graduate school adds 10, and experience and income grow every year.

1. Language school

Student visa, Japanese up to N2–N1: up to 15 points. See long-term programs.

2. Job in Japan

Usually on the Engineer/Specialist visa: experience and income grow.

3. 70 points — HSP

Change of status: 5 years of stay, work for your spouse.

4. Permanent residency

After 1 year with 80 points or after 3 years with 70.

FAQ

HSP visa questions

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How many points do I need for the HSP visa?

At least 70 points, in all three categories. With 70 or more you get the Highly Skilled Professional status and can apply for permanent residency after 3 years; with 80 or more, after 1 year.

It depends on the work you will do in Japan: (i)(a) research and teaching, (i)(b) specialists such as engineers and IT staff employed by a company (the most common), (i)(c) running or managing a business. Each has its own points table — the calculator switches between all three.

Yes, for (i)(b) and (i)(c): with an annual income below ¥3 million the HSP status is not granted, even with 70 points. Category (i)(a) has no minimum income. In every category an income below ¥4 million gives no income points.

The yearly pay under your future contract in Japan, not your past income: base salary, bonuses and allowances. Overtime and commuting or housing allowances do not count.

Yes, as a bonus: JLPT N1, BJT 480+ or a Japanese-major degree from a foreign university gives 15 points; JLPT N2 or BJT 400+ gives 10. A degree from a university or graduate school in Japan gives another 10; N1 is added on top of it, N2 is not.

Yes, through J-Skip (特別高度人材), in place since April 2023. No points are counted, but the bar is high: for (i)(a) and (i)(b) a master’s degree or higher and ¥20 million a year, or 10 years of experience and the same income; for (i)(c) 5 years of business management and ¥40 million a year.

After 3 years with 70 points or after 1 year with 80 points, held for the whole period. The fee is ¥200,000 for applications received from 1 October 2026. For applications from 1 April 2027 a revised guideline adds checks on household income, pension and long absences, and takes Japanese at B1 into account as a factor; highly skilled professionals and their families are exempt from the B1 factor.

Your spouse can work full time in research, teaching or Engineer/Specialist-type jobs without the usual degree or experience rules, on a separate Designated Activities status. Your or your spouse’s parents can join you to look after a child under 7 or during a pregnancy if household income is ¥8 million or more. Your children come on the Dependent visa.

No. The points route to permanent residency also works on an ordinary work status, such as the Engineer/Specialist visa, if your points were 70 or more for 3 years, or 80 or more for 1 year. Moving to HSP still gives you the other benefits.

It uses the official ISA points table (point values from 1 April 2023) and the same rules, including the ¥3 million floor and the N2 rule. It is a guide: immigration checks your documents and decides. Bonus items such as listed universities or employer support schemes depend on ISA lists — check them before you rely on those points.

Student → Work → Permanent residence

The most common route in Japan — and where you are on it

  1. Student留学 · language school or college
  2. Change of statusbefore your student status ends
  3. Work visaEngineer / Humanities or SSW
  4. HSP70–80 pointsYou are here
  5. Permanent residenceusually after 10 years, 1–3 with HSP
  6. Citizenshipusually 10 years in Japan

Work in Japan

Jobs, pay, taxes and insurance on this visa

All topics: Work in Japan — the full guide

Sources

Where this information comes from

Facts and document lists were checked against the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) on 7 October 2026. Form links come from a register of ISA files that our server refreshes every week: when ISA publishes a new version of a form, the button opens the new file.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration decides each application and may ask for more documents. Where a rule is known only from practice, we say so.

Every JLPT level adds HSP points. Start in Japan.

Japanese at N2 or N1 is worth 10–15 points. We help you choose a language school and get your student visa — free. The school pays us, not you.

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