What is the point-based system for Highly Skilled Professional?
The activities of highly skilled foreign professionals are divided into three categories: "Advanced academic research activities," "Advanced specialized/technical activities," and "Advanced business and management activities." Depending on the nature of their activities, points are allocated according to academic background, employment background, and annual income. In order to promote the acceptance of highly skilled foreign professionals to Japan, preferential immigration treatment will be granted if they score 70 points or higher.
What is a "Highly Skilled Professional"?
"Highly Skilled Professional" is a status of residence given to a person who is recognized as a person with a high degree of professional ability and who meets the standards specified by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.
"Highly Skilled Professional" include (ⅰ) (a), (ⅰ)(b), (ⅰ)(c) and (ⅱ).
| Classification | Outline | |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Professional (ⅰ) | (a) | Advanced academic research activities are applicable, and the specific activities are as follows. "Activities to conduct research, research guidance or education based on contracts with public and private institutions in Japan designated by the Minister of Justice, activities to manage business in conjunction with such activities, or other than the institution concerned. Activities to conduct research, research guidance, and education based on contracts with public and private institutions in Japan. " |
| (b) | Advanced specialized / technical activities are applicable, and the specific activities are as follows. "Activities that require knowledge or skills belonging to the fields of natural sciences or humanities, which are carried out based on contracts with public and private institutions in Japan designated by the Minister of Justice, and self-employed businesses that are carried out in conjunction with such activities. Activities to manage " | |
| (c) | Advanced business management activities are applicable, and the specific activities are as follows. "Activities engaged in the management or run a business of trade and other companies conducted by public and private institutions in Japan designated by the Minister of Justice" | |
| Highly Skilled Professional (ⅱ) | Those who have stayed for a certain period (3 years or more) with the status of residence of "Highly Skilled Professional (ⅰ)" can apply. | |
Details regarding preferential Immigration Control and Residency Management treatment
for a Highly Skilled Professional (ⅰ)
- Allowing multiple activities during residence
- Period of stay: five years
- Relaxation of residency history requirements for permission for permanent residence
- Spouse's employment
- Bringing parents under certain conditions
- Bringing housekeepers under certain conditions
- Priority handling of procedures for entry and residence
Details regarding preferential Immigration Control and Residency Management treatment
for a Highly Skilled Professional (ⅱ)
- Can perform activities classified under almost all work statuses of residence along with the activities of "Highly Skilled Professional (i)"
- Unlimited period of stay
- Relaxation of residency history requirements for permission for permanent residence
- Spouse's employment
- Bringing parents under certain conditions
- Bringing housekeepers under certain conditions
Someone who has been active as a Highly Skilled Professional (i) for three years or more can qualify as a Highly Skilled Professional (ii).
What is a "Special Highly Skilled Professional"?
Introduced in April 2023, this system grants the status of residence of "Highly Skilled Professional" to those with a certain level of academic background or work experience and annual income, regardless of the point-based system for highly skilled professionals.
In addition, as a "Special Highly Skilled Professional", preferential treatment expanded from the current one will be recognized.
| Classification | Outline | |
|---|---|---|
| Special Highly Skilled Professional（ⅰ） | (1) | ・ "Advanced Academic Research Activities" Same as Highly Skilled Professional(ⅰ) (a) ・Research conducted based on a contract with a public or private institution in Japan, research guidance or education Activities (Example: university professors, researchers, etc.) |
| (2) | ・"Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities" Same as Highly Skilled Professional(ⅰ) (b) ・Activities to engage in work that requires knowledge or skills in the fields of natural sciences or humanities based on contracts with public and private organizations in Japan (Examples: people who develop new products at companies, international lawyers, etc.) | |
| (3) | ・"Advanced management and management activities" Same asHighly Skilled Professional(ⅰ) (C) ・Activities to manage or manage business in public or private organizations in Japan (Example: Managers, etc. of companies that engage in global business development) | |
| Special Highly Skilled Professional（ⅱ） | Persons who have been working as a “Highly Skilled Professional (ⅰ) (Specially Highly Skilled Professional)” for one year or more can apply. | |
Details regarding preferential Immigration Control and Residency Management treatment
for a Special Highly Skilled Professional (ⅰ)
The preferential treatment for Special Highly Skilled Professional is expanded beyond the preferential treatment for Highly Skilled Professional based on the point-based system for Highly Skilled Professional.
[In the case of Special Highly Skilled Professional(ⅰ)]
- Allowing multiple activities during residence
- Period of stay: five years
- Relaxation of residency history requirements for permission for permanent residence
- Spouse's employment
- Bringing parents under certain conditions
- Bringing housekeepers under certain conditions
If the annual household income is 30 million yen or more, it is possible to employ up to 2 housekeepers (no family circumstances requirements are imposed). - Use of priority lanes installed at large airports, etc.
- Priority handling of procedures for entry and residence
[In the case of Special Highly Skilled Professional(ⅱ)]
- Can perform activities classified under almost all work statuses of residence along with the activities of "Special Highly Skilled Professional (i)"
- Unlimited period of stay
- Relaxation of residency history requirements for permission for permanent residence
- Spouse's employment
- Bringing parents under certain conditions
- Bringing housekeepers under certain conditions
If the annual household income is 30 million yen or more, it is possible to employ up to 2 housekeepers (no family circumstances requirements are imposed). - Use of priority lanes installed at large airports, etc.
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