What is the "Highly Skilled Professional" status of residence?

In order to work in a specialized occupation in Japan, you need the appropriate residence status. Among these, the “Highly Skilled Professional” residence status has many benefits and is very attractive to foreigners with advanced skills. However, the application process is complicated and the conditions are detailed, so many people may be worried about how to proceed. This article will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the differences and benefits of highly skilled professionals, types 1 and 2. By reading this, you will understand the necessary steps and points to note, and be able to apply with confidence.

What is the status of residence for highly-skilled professionals?

The status of residence for highly-skilled professionals is a special visa established for foreigners with advanced specialized knowledge and skills to work in Japan. Compared to a regular work visa, it allows for longer stays and a wider range of work activities. By obtaining this visa, multiple activities are permitted, so for example, researchers can participate in corporate management. In addition, many aspects of daily life are supported, such as bringing family members along and accelerating the acquisition of permanent residency. There are two types of highly-skilled professionals, No. 1 and No. 2, and the activities that correspond to each are different.

Types of highly skilled professionals and their scope of activity

Highly skilled professional visas are first divided into highly skilled professional No. 1 and highly skilled professional No. 2. Highly skilled professional No. 1 is further divided into three categories, Iroha, depending on the content of the activity.

Highly skilled professional No. 1 (a): Advanced academic research activities

This qualification is mainly for people who conduct research and educational activities at universities and research institutes. In addition to teaching and research guidance, you can also play an active role in the research departments of companies. With this qualification, you will be allowed to participate in related business activities in addition to academic activities. Since it is particularly for people with advanced knowledge, it is expected that they will play a role in contributing to the academic development of Japan.

Highly skilled professional No. 1 (b): Advanced specialized/technical activities

It is for people who work using technology and knowledge based on natural sciences and humanities. For example, engineers and professionals engaged in international business are applicable. In addition, you can be active in fields such as business management, so you can be involved in a variety of tasks. It is the perfect qualification for those who want to use their technology and knowledge to contribute to international business and projects in Japan.

Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 Ha: Advanced Management and Management Activities

This qualification is suitable for foreigners who manage and manage companies. It is especially aimed at those who have advanced management skills and are involved in corporate operations. By managing and managing businesses in Japan, they are expected to contribute to Japan’s economic development and play an important role in management. By obtaining this qualification, managers and executives can engage in a wide range of activities.

Highly Skilled Professional No. 2: Permission for a wide range of activities and indefinite residence

Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 has all the activities permitted under No. 1, as well as almost all work qualifications. With this qualification, you can work in a wide range of fields as a researcher, engineer, or manager. In addition, the biggest feature of No. 2 is that you are granted indefinite residence. This allows you to continue working in Japan for a long time without obtaining permanent residency. Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 is the perfect qualification for those who want to further expand their career in Japan.

How the points system for highly skilled professionals works and the conditions for obtaining it

Conditions for obtaining Highly Skilled Professional No. 1

The basic condition for being a Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 is to first earn 70 points or more based on the points system for highly skilled professionals. These points are added based on your educational background, work history, annual income, age, and other specific requirements. Specifically, the following factors are taken into account:

Academic background: If you have a doctorate or master’s degree, you will earn higher points. In particular, degrees earned at universities in Japan are likely to be evaluated.
Work history: If you have long-term practical experience, you may be able to earn a high score.
Annual income: The higher your annual income, the more points you will earn. For example, if you have an annual income of 8 million yen or more, you will be more likely to receive additional points.
Age: The younger you are, the more points you will earn. For example, applicants in their early 30s or younger are more advantageous.

Below is a point calculation table published by the Ministry of Justice. You can check whether you are eligible by calculating it yourself.

Point calculation table

If you clear this point system, you will be certified as a highly skilled professional No. 1 and will be granted a five-year residence permit.

Conditions for obtaining Highly Skilled Professional No. 2

Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 is a qualification that can be obtained by applying for a change from Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 after obtaining Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 and working for a certain period of time. The specific conditions for obtaining Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 are as follows:

Having worked as a Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 for more than three years (if you have 80 points or more, you can work for one year).
You have the intention to continue working in Japan based on the activities of Highly Skilled Professional No. 1.

When you obtain Highly Skilled Professional No. 2, you will be given an indefinite residence status, which will give you much more freedom in staying and working in Japan. In addition, you will be allowed to bring your family with you and your spouse will continue to work, making it easier to stay long-term and live with your family.

Preferential treatment for highly skilled professionals

Five-year and unlimited stays

Highly skilled professional No. 1 allows you to stay for five years from the start. Furthermore, if you obtain a highly skilled professional No. 2, you will be granted unlimited stay. This system offers great benefits compared to regular visas and supports long-term living and working in Japan. It is a very attractive system for foreigners who want to live a stable life in Japan.

Relaxation of requirements for obtaining permanent residence

If you are active in a highly skilled professional position, you can apply for permanent residence after three years of activity. In addition, if you have 80 points or more, you can apply in one year, which is a great benefit. In addition, after obtaining a highly skilled professional No. 2, the path to permanent residence is further opened. This is a great advantage for foreigners who want to build a long-term career in Japan.

Accompanying spouse and family and work permission

The spouse of a person with a highly skilled professional visa is allowed to work full-time without special permission. In addition, if certain conditions are met, it is also possible to bring a domestic servant or parent to Japan. This will allow foreign family members to live in Japan without worry and to stay long-term.

Required documents for Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 Visa

Documents required for application

Application for Certificate of Eligibility
This is a required document. This is the basis for the screening.
Point calculation table
This is required to accurately evaluate the points system for highly skilled personnel. Please perform a self-evaluation based on the latest point calculation standards and include it in your application.
Certificate of Education
It is recommended that you submit the original or a notarized copy of the document. In addition, if you have a degree from abroad, you may need to have it translated into Japanese.
Certificate of Employment History
This is also important to prove your employment history. The certificate you submit when applying should be as detailed as possible. Ideally, it should clearly state your period of employment and job title.
Certificate of expected annual income
A document that proves your expected annual income after employment is required.
Employment contract or letter of offer
This document is also required and is evidence that the employer intends to officially employ you. It is important that the contract details and employment conditions are detailed.
Copy of passport
A copy of the photo page is required, but make sure it has not expired.
Passport photo
Make sure that the size and background are correct and it must be a recent photo.

It is important to assess your points in advance

Before applying for a highly skilled professional visa, it is recommended that you assess your points in advance. The requirement for obtaining a visa is 70 points or more, so check your points in advance, and if you are short of these, you will need to review your educational background and annual income requirements. By assessing yourself, you can get a good idea of whether your application will be approved.
Point calculation table

Summary

Highly skilled professional status of residence is a special visa for foreigners who have advanced knowledge and skills in Japan, and there are two types: No. 1 and No. 2.
Highly skilled professional No. 1 is divided into three types of activities: research, technology, and management, and requires a score of 70 or more points based on factors such as academic background and work history.
Highly skilled professional No. 2 can be applied for after a certain period of activity after obtaining No. 1, and an indefinite status of residence is obtained.
Benefits include being able to engage in multiple jobs, quick screening, quick acquisition of permanent residency, and being allowed to work and bring family members with you.
Required documents include a Certificate of Eligibility for Residence, a points calculation table, an academic record certificate, and a work history certificate.