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The “Highly Skilled Professional” is a Status of Residence established to attract highly specialized foreign talent to Japan, determined by the “Points-based System for Highly-Skilled Professionals”, which scores academic background, work experience, annual income, etc. If the total reaches 70 points or more, generous preferential treatment not available with other work-related visas can be received, such as the granting of a 5-year Period of Stay and significant relaxation of Permanent Residence requirements. In this article, an Administrative Scrivener will organize information based on primary sources, from the perspectives of both foreign nationals and corporate HR professionals, covering the differences between Highly Skilled Professional (i) (a, b, c) and (ii), point evaluation items, seven preferential treatments, and even the special highly skilled professional system (J-Skip) that does not use point calculation.
For residence planning with a view to Permanent Residence, please also refer to the separate article “Administrative Scrivener Explains Requirements for Permanent Residence,” and for the relationship with the Business Manager visa, please see “Business Management Visa Renewal and 3-Year Transitional Measures.”
The Highly Skilled Professional is a Status of Residence for accepting foreign nationals with highly specialized abilities who are expected to contribute to Japan’s academic research and economic development. The “Points-based System for Highly-Skilled Professionals” is used for determination, classifying activities into three categories and assigning points for items such as “academic background,” “work experience,” and “annual income.” Preferential treatment in immigration control and residence management is granted if the total reaches 70 points (Immigration Services Agency).
While general work visas such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services are judged by “the activity itself,” the Highly Skilled Professional is characterized by “evaluating the individual’s abilities and achievements with points.” If the points meet the criteria, a wide range of career development options become available, such as permission for multiple activities and a shortened period until Permanent Residence.
Highly Skilled Professional (i) is divided into the following three categories based on the content of activities:
| Category | Activity Classification | Main Activity Content | Anticipated Personnel |
|---|---|---|---|
| (i) a | Advanced Academic Research Activities | Research, research guidance, and education based on a contract with a Japanese institution | University faculty, researchers |
| (i) b | Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities | Work requiring knowledge and skills in natural sciences or humanities | Engineers, specialists |
| (i) c | Advanced Business Management Activities | Business management or administration at a Japanese institution | Business owners, executives, managers |
In all cases, points are calculated based on evaluation items corresponding to each activity content, and if the score is 70 points or more, it is recognized as Highly Skilled Professional (i). Note that (i) c (Advanced Business Management Activities) overlaps with the “Business Manager” visa, which was tightened in October 2025, and there are commonalities in the handling of renewals.
Points are calculated based on items defined for each activity category. Representative evaluation items are as follows (point allocation is stipulated by Ministry of Justice Ordinance).
As such, it is a system that aims for 70 points by summing multiple items rather than a single factor. For example, even if the annual income is not particularly high, it is possible to reach the standard by accumulating points through academic background, research achievements, Japanese proficiency, etc. It is important to carefully check which items in your own career are eligible for additional points before applying.
If recognized as Highly Skilled Professional (i), you can receive the following preferential treatments. This is the greatest advantage of the Highly Skilled Professional Status of Residence.
| # | Preferential Treatment | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Permission for Multiple Residence Activities | While usually limited to activities under one Status of Residence, multiple activities can be performed simultaneously. |
| 2 | Granting of a “5-year” Period of Stay | The legal maximum of 5 years is uniformly granted, and renewal is possible. |
| 3 | Relaxation of Permanent Residence Requirements | Application for Permission for Permanent Residence is possible after continuously residing for 3 years with 70 points or more, or 1 year with 80 points or more. |
| 4 | Spouse‘s Employment | Spouse can work under “Designated Activities” even if they do not meet academic background or work experience requirements. |
| 5 | Accompanying Parents (Conditional) | Accompanying parents is permitted under certain conditions. |
| 6 | Accompanying Domestic Helper (Conditional) | Accompanying a domestic helper is permitted under certain conditions. |
| 7 | Priority Processing for Entry and Residence Procedures | Entry and residence reviews are processed preferentially. |
The essence of the Highly Skilled Professional Status of Residence lies in the fact that, if the points are met, the period until Permanent Residence is shortened, family members can work, and multiple activities are permitted, significantly expanding career and lifestyle flexibility.
Each preferential measure has detailed conditions. We will supplement points 3 to 6, which are particularly frequently inquired about in practice.
Individuals who have engaged in activities under Highly Skilled Professional (i) for a certain period can consider transitioning to Highly Skilled Professional (ii). The main differences between (i) and (ii) are as follows:
| Item | Highly Skilled Professional (i) | Highly Skilled Professional (ii) |
|---|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 5 years (renewable) | Indefinite |
| Activity Restrictions | Activities corresponding to categories (a), (b), or (c) | Almost all work activities are possible (activity restrictions significantly relaxed) |
| Transition Requirements | 70 points or more | Having stayed in Japan for 3 years or more under Highly Skilled Professional (i) or “Designated Activities” as a highly skilled foreign professional, etc. |
Highly Skilled Professional (ii) is established as a Status of Residence with an indefinite Period of Stay and significantly relaxed activity restrictions. Although it is a type of Status of Residence, unlike Permission for Permanent Residence, it eliminates the need for renewal procedures, making it a strong option for those who wish to be active in Japan long-term.
From April 2023, the Special Highly Skilled Professional System (J-Skip), which allows recognition as a Highly Skilled Professional without using the conventional points calculation, and the Future Creation Talent System (J-Find), which targets young and talented individuals, were introduced.
J-Skip (Special Highly Skilled Professional System) is a system that allows individuals to be recognized as Highly Skilled Professionals without points calculation if their academic background or work experience and annual income meet certain standards.
| Activity Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Academic Research / Specialized Technical Activities (equivalent to (i) a or b) | Master’s degree or higher AND annual income of 20 million yen or more, OR 10 years or more of practical experience AND annual income of 20 million yen or more |
| Business Management Activities (equivalent to (i) c) | 5 years or more of practical experience AND annual income of 40 million yen or more |
If recognized under J-Skip, in addition to the preferential measures for regular Highly Skilled Professionals, the Period of Stay required until Permission for Permanent Residence is shortened to 1 year, and requirements for employing domestic helpers and accompanying parents are further expanded.
J-Find (Future Creation Talent System) is a system that grants permission to stay in Japan for job-seeking activities or preparation for starting a business, targeting graduates of universities ranked highly in major global university rankings. A key feature is that even if employment is not immediately secured, individuals can stay in Japan for a certain period to establish a foundation for their activities.
Q1. How many points are required for Highly Skilled Professional to receive preferential treatment?
Preferential treatment is granted when the total points calculated from the evaluation items for each activity category reach 70 points or more.
Q2. Can I change my Status of Residence from Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services to Highly Skilled Professional?
Yes. If you meet the requirements (e.g., 70 points or more), you can change to Highly Skilled Professional (i) through an Application for Change of Status of Residence. It is important to calculate your points in advance to see if your career history meets the threshold.
Q3. If I am a Highly Skilled Professional, can I always obtain Permanent Residence in a short period?
Not “always.” Permission for Permanent Residence also has other requirements, such as good conduct, independent livelihood, and conformity to national interests. For Highly Skilled Professionals, an Application for Permission for Permanent Residence becomes possible after a Stay of 3 years with 70 points or more, or 1 year with 80 points or more, but permission is not automatically granted just by applying.
Q4. What is the difference between Highly Skilled Professional (i) and (ii)?
Highly Skilled Professional (i) has a Period of Stay of 5 years and activities restricted to the category, while Highly Skilled Professional (ii) has an indefinite Period of Stay and significantly relaxed activity restrictions. To transition to Highly Skilled Professional (ii), one must have resided in Japan for 3 years or more as a Highly Skilled Professional (i) or under “Designated Activities” for highly skilled foreign professionals.
Q5. Should I apply under J-Skip or the Points-based System?
For those who meet the annual income requirement for J-Skip (20 million yen or 40 million yen or more), J-Skip is simpler. If you do not meet it, you will aim for 70 points or more under the regular Points-based System for Highly-Skilled Professionals. You can choose the more advantageous option based on your annual income and career history.
Q6. Can I consult about Highly Skilled Professional visas in Miyazaki?
Yes. Our office, based in Miyazaki City, accepts consultations regarding eligibility assessment for Highly Skilled Professional, point calculation, and applications for Change of Status of Residence and Permanent Residence. We also assist businesses with consultations on hiring foreign talent.
There are three key points to understand about Highly Skilled Professional.
Highly Skilled Professional is a Status of Residence that significantly expands career and life flexibility for excellent foreign talent, and it is also a system that leads to stable long-term employment for businesses. Whether you meet the point criteria, and which category or system is more advantageous for your application, varies depending on your career history. If you are unsure, please consult an expert early.
Our office provides consultations to both foreign nationals and accepting companies, based on the latest system trends.
Please feel free to use our free consultation service first.
Before you submit, let us take a look.
Free Immigration Pre-Submission Check ›
For those who will apply for a status of residence at the Immigration Services Bureau by themselves. Before you submit, we check your application form and supporting documents and tell you about any missing documents and points to watch. We accept checks online (Google Meet, about 20 minutes) or via LINE.
・Eligible: applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence and extension of period of stay (applications for permanent residence are accepted only from residents of Miyazaki Prefecture). Naturalization is not covered.
・Online (Google Meet): once per application. Replies via LINE: available for the same application until you submit it.
・Our guideline for replies via LINE is, in principle, within 2 business days (we are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; replies may take longer when we are busy).
・Please send copies of your documents by LINE or email. For your residence card, send the front side only; please do not send the side showing your My Number.
・What we tell you is our office’s opinion. It does not guarantee approval; the outcome depends on the decision of the Immigration Services Bureau.
・We only point out missing documents and points to watch. We do not prepare or rewrite your application documents for you or draft text for them, and we do not tell you whether your application is likely to be approved (if you would like to engage us, we will introduce the Self-Prep Course, the Light Plan and the Standard Plan).
・If we find that a document contains information that is not true, or that the application is not your own (or a family member’s), we will decline the check.
This article is written based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Details and requirements of the system may change in the future. For actual applications, please confirm with official information from the Immigration Services Agency or our office.
Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
