The Special Highly Skilled Professional System (J-Skip) was introduced in April 2023. Separate from the conventional Highly Skilled Professional Point System (which requires 70 or more points), this system grants the "Highly Skilled Professional" status of residence without a points calculation to those whose educational background/work history and annual income meet certain thresholds, allowing them to receive the expanded preferential benefits granted to "Special Highly Skilled Professionals."
For full details on the system, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency "Special Highly Skilled Professional System (J-Skip)" page and the overview document (PDF).
Three Activity Categories and Requirements for J-Skip
The "Highly Skilled Professional" status of residence is divided into three categories based on the type of activity. The J-Skip requirements for each category are as follows (no points calculation required).
| Activity Category | Description (Examples) | J-Skip Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| ① Advanced Academic Research Activities (Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1, Type A) |
Research, research guidance, or education conducted under a contract with a Japanese institution (university professors, researchers, etc.) | Must satisfy either of the following: ・Master's degree or higher and annual income of ¥20,000,000 or more ・10 or more years of practical experience in the relevant field and annual income of ¥20,000,000 or more |
| ② Advanced Professional/Technical Activities (Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1, Type B) |
Work requiring knowledge or skills in natural or social sciences (company engineers, international lawyers, etc.) | Same as ① above: ・Master's degree or higher and annual income of ¥20,000,000 or more ・10 or more years of practical experience and annual income of ¥20,000,000 or more |
| ③ Advanced Business Management Activities (Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1, Type C) |
Business management or administration (company executives, etc.) | 5 or more years of practical experience in business management/administration and annual income of ¥40,000,000 or more |
Key Preferential Benefits for Special Highly Skilled Professionals
Once recognized as a Special Highly Skilled Professional, a notation is added to the back of the Residence Card, and the following benefits become available.
- Priority processing of entry and stay procedures
- Use of priority lanes at major airports
- A period of stay of "5 years"
- Domestic helper employment under certain conditions (for households with a combined annual income of ¥30,000,000 or more, up to 2 helpers permitted without the usual household circumstance requirements)
- Spousal work authorization: Even without meeting educational or work history requirements, the spouse may work more than 28 hours per week, including in categories such as Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, and Skilled Labor
- Bringing a parent to Japan under certain conditions
- Relaxed permanent residency requirements: The required period of residence for a permanent residency application is reduced to just 1 year (compared to 3 years at 70+ points or 1 year at 80+ points under the standard Highly Skilled Professional system, and 10 years for general work visas)
- Permission to engage in multiple combined activities
Furthermore, under "Highly Skilled Professional Grade 2" (available to those who have resided in Japan for 1 or more year under Grade 1 as a Special Highly Skilled Professional), the period of stay becomes unlimited, and activities equivalent to virtually all work-related statuses of residence become permitted.
Comparison: J-Skip / Highly Skilled Professional (Points-Based) / General Work Visa
The table below compares the Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip), the conventional Highly Skilled Professional (Points-Based, 70+ points), and general work visas (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Business Management, etc.).
| Comparison Item | Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip) | Highly Skilled Professional (Points-Based) | General Work Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Educational background/work history + annual income threshold (no points required) | 70 or more points (calculated from education, work history, income, age, etc.) | Requirements for each status of residence (education, practical experience, job description, etc.) |
| Period of Stay (Grade 1) | 5 years | 5 years | 6 months to 5 years (depending on status) |
| Guideline for Permanent Residency | 1 year | 3 years at 70+ points; 1 year at 80+ points | 10 years or more (depending on status) |
| Spousal Work Authorization | Spouse may work more than 28 hours/week even without meeting requirements (broader range of eligible occupations) | Work permitted within a limited scope | In principle, work is not permitted under "Family Stay" (a change of status is required) |
| Domestic Helper | Up to 2 helpers for households with a combined annual income of ¥30,000,000 or more (no household circumstance requirement) | Conditions apply, including a combined annual income of ¥10,000,000 or more | In principle, not permitted |
| Entry / Stay Procedures | Priority processing | Priority processing | Standard processing |
| Grade 2 (Unlimited Stay / Expanded Activities) | Eligible after 1 year under Grade 1 | Eligible after 3 or more years under Grade 1, etc. | Not applicable |
Application Process (Overview)
- For those newly entering Japan: The host institution (or other authorized party) submits an Application for Certificate of Eligibility for "Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1" and, at the same time, applies for recognition as a Special Highly Skilled Professional.
- For those already residing in Japan: An Application for Change of Status of Residence to "Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1" is submitted along with a request for recognition as a Special Highly Skilled Professional.
- Required documents and forms vary by activity category (Type A, B, or C) and application type. For the latest list of required documents, please check the Immigration Services Agency J-Skip page.
Official Links and Resources
- Special Highly Skilled Professional System (J-Skip) | Immigration Services Agency
- Special Highly Skilled Professional System (J-Skip) Overview Document (PDF)
- J-Skip / J-Find Information Page
- Highly Skilled Professional Point System (Conventional)
For inquiries or consultations regarding the J-Skip application process and eligibility requirements, please feel free to contact us.
