Advanced Professional Visa

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Advanced Professional Visa (Status of Residence: "Highly Skilled Professional")

The Highly Skilled Professional visa is a status of residence based on the Highly Skilled Professional Point System. It was introduced in May 2012 to encourage the acceptance of highly skilled foreign nationals expected to contribute to Japan's academic research and economic development. Points are assigned based on academic background, work history, annual income, age, and special bonuses (Japanese language proficiency, research achievements, etc.). Applicants who score 70 points or more are granted the "Highly Skilled Professional" status of residence and can receive a wide range of preferential benefits.

Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 can be obtained with 70 or more points and offers benefits such as a 5-year period of stay, spousal work authorization, and expedited permanent residency eligibility (3 years at 70 points, 1 year at 80 points). Highly Skilled Professional Grade 2 is available to those who have resided in Japan under Grade 1 (or the former "Designated Activities" for highly skilled professionals) for a certain period, allowing an unlimited period of stay with permission for virtually all work activities. The Special Highly Skilled Professional System (J-Skip), which does not require the point system, is also available.

For more details on the system, please see the Immigration Services Agency "Highly Skilled Professional Point System".

To obtain the Advanced Professional Visa, you must meet the required point threshold.

Those currently residing abroad who wish to stay in Japan and have 70 or more points, as well as foreigners currently residing in Japan on a University Professor (Professor Visa), Researcher (Research Visa), or Business Management Visa who total 70 or more points when combining education, age, income, and other criteria, are considered specialists in their field and valuable human resources for Japan, and will be eligible for numerous preferential benefits.

The spouse and children of foreigners holding the Highly Skilled Professional status of residence are eligible for a Family Stay Visa, while the working spouse, domestic helper, and parents are eligible for a Designated Activities Visa.

Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1

If you can achieve 70 or more points, apply for Grade 1 first to obtain a 5-year status of residence.
You cannot apply directly for Grade 2.

Highly Skilled Professional Grade 2

After residing in Japan under Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 (or "Designated Activities" as a highly skilled professional) for a certain period, you become eligible to change to Grade 2. The general guideline is 3 or more years at 70 points or 1 or more year at 80 points. Upon obtaining Grade 2, virtually all work activities become permitted and the period of stay becomes unlimited.

After obtaining Grade 1, it is generally recommended to apply for Grade 2 when your period of stay expires, unless there is a particular reason not to do so.

Three Activity Categories for Highly Skilled Professionals

Advanced Academic Research Activities "Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 (Type A)" — For those engaged in research, research guidance, or education at public or private institutions in Japan who meet the 70-point threshold, this category applies for the Advanced Academic Research Activities status of residence.

Advanced Professional/Technical Activities "Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 (Type B)" — For those engaged in work requiring knowledge or skills in the natural or social sciences at public or private institutions in Japan who meet the 70-point threshold, this category applies for the Advanced Professional/Technical Activities status of residence.

Advanced Business Management Activities "Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 (Type C)" — For those engaged in business management or administration at public or private institutions in Japan who meet the 70-point threshold, this category applies for the Advanced Business Management Activities status of residence.

Preferential Benefits of the Advanced Professional Visa

Benefits of Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1

① Period of stay is 5 years.

While standard work visas are granted a period of stay ranging from 6 months to 5 years, the Advanced Professional Visa uniformly grants the maximum period of 5 years.
Obtaining "Highly Skilled Professional Grade 2" further extends the stay to unlimited.

② Multiple related activities become permitted.

While in general only the activities permitted under your visa are allowed, by obtaining the Advanced Professional Visa, you can engage in activities spanning multiple statuses of residence, such as managing a related business in addition to your primary residence status activities.

③ Your spouse may also work.

Even if your spouse resides in Japan on a visa that does not permit employment, the spouse of a foreign national residing in Japan on an Advanced Professional Visa is permitted to work.
The spouse must live with the highly skilled professional and receive remuneration equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national.

④ Early permanent residence application is possible.

While a standard work visa requires 10 or more years of residence before a permanent residency application, the Advanced Professional Visa significantly shortens this period. 3 years of residence at 70 or more points or 1 year of residence at 80 or more points enables a permanent residency application. Even without the Advanced Professional Visa, the same relaxation applies if you maintain 70 or more points on other work visas such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.

⑤ Under certain conditions, you may employ a domestic helper.

If conditions such as a household annual income of ¥10,000,000 or more, a monthly remuneration of ¥200,000 or more for the domestic helper, and a limit of one helper are met, it is possible to have a domestic helper brought from abroad or employed in Japan reside on a Designated Activities Visa (available in two types: accompanying entry and household circumstances).

⑥ Under certain conditions, you may bring a parent to Japan to live together.

In principle, residency options for a foreigner's parents are limited, but exceptions apply under the Advanced Professional Visa. If conditions such as a household annual income of ¥8,000,000 or more and caring for a child under age 7 or assisting a pregnant spouse (when required for 3 months or more) are met, the parent is granted a "Designated Activities (Notification No. 34)" status of residence and may live together. Only one parent — either the applicant's own parent or their spouse's parent — is eligible.

Benefits of Highly Skilled Professional Grade 2

Expanded Range of Activities

In addition to the activities permitted under Grade 1, the following statuses of residence also become available.
"Professor," "Artist," "Religious Activities," "Journalist," "Legal/Accounting Services," "Medical Services," "Education," "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services," "Entertainer," "Skilled Labor"

Unlimited Period of Stay

The period of stay becomes unlimited.

All Benefits of Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 Apply

All benefits available under Grade 1 also continue to apply under Grade 2.

Advanced Professional Visa — Point Calculation Table

Advanced Academic Research Category

	Requirement	Points
Education	Doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees)	30
Education	Master's degree (including professional doctoral degrees) (※3)	20
Work History (Practical Experience) ※Limited to practical experience in research, research guidance, or education relevant to the intended activity	7 years or more	15
	5 years or more	10
	3 years or more	5
Annual Income Annual compensation received from the primary host institution In the case of a transfer from an overseas institution, include the compensation received from that institution Bonuses are also included in annual income	The minimum annual income required for points varies by age group. (See Appendix 2)	10～40
Age	Under 30	15
	Under 35	10
	Under 40	5
Bonus① (Research Achievements)	See Appendix ③	25
Bonus②	Employment at an institution receiving government support for promoting innovation (※1)	10
Bonus③	Employment at an SME with a research and development expense ratio exceeding 3%	5
Bonus④	Foreign qualifications related to duties	5
Bonus⑤	Degree obtained from a Japanese institution of higher education	10
Bonus⑥	Holder of JLPT N1 or equivalent level recognized by examination (※2) (e.g., BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 480 or above), or graduate of a foreign university with a Japanese language major	15
Passing Score		70 or more

Example: Advanced Academic Research Category

	Requirement	Points
Education	Doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees)	30
Work History (Practical Experience)	6 years	10
Annual Income	¥7,500,000	25
Age	32 years old	10
Bonus④	Foreign qualifications related to duties	5
Passing Score		80 points

Advanced Professional/Technical Category

	Requirement	Points
Education	Doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees)	30
	Master's degree (including professional doctoral degrees) (※3)	20
	Bachelor's degree or equivalent (excluding doctoral and master's degree holders)	10
Work History (Practical Experience) ※Limited to practical experience relevant to the intended work activities
	10 years or more	20
	7 years or more	15
	5 years or more	10
	3 years or more	5
Annual Income Annual compensation received from the primary host institution In the case of a transfer from an overseas institution, include the compensation received from that institution Bonuses are also included in annual income	The minimum annual income required for points varies by age group. (See Appendix 2)	10～40
Age	Under 30	15
	Under 35	10
	Under 40	5
Bonus① (Research Achievements)	See Appendix ③	25
Bonus②	Employment at an institution receiving government support for promoting innovation	10
Bonus③	Employment at an SME with a research and development expense ratio exceeding 3%	5
Bonus④	Foreign qualifications related to duties	5
Bonus⑤	Degree obtained from a Japanese institution of higher education	10
Bonus⑥	Holder of JLPT N1 or equivalent level recognized by examination (※2) (e.g., BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 480 or above), or graduate of a foreign university with a Japanese language major	15
Passing Score		70 or more

Example: Advanced Professional/Technical Category

	Requirement	Points
Education	Doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees)	30
Work History (Practical Experience)	5 years	10
Annual Income	¥8,000,000	30
Age	37 years old	5
Bonus (Research Achievements)	None	0
Passing Score		75 points

Advanced Business Management Category

	Requirement	Points
Education	Master's degree (including professional doctoral degrees) (※3)	20
Education	Bachelor's degree or equivalent (excluding doctoral and master's degree holders)	10
Work History (Practical Experience) ※Limited to practical experience relevant to the intended work activities
	10 years or more	25
	7 years or more	20
	5 years or more	15
	3 years or more	10
Annual Income Annual compensation received from the primary host institution In the case of a transfer from an overseas institution, include the compensation received from that institution Bonuses are also included in annual income	¥30,000,000 or more	50
	¥25,000,000 or more	40
	¥20,000,000 or more	30
	¥15,000,000 or more	20
	¥10,000,000 or more	10
Bonus① (Position)	Representative Director or Representative Executive Officer	10
Bonus① (Position)	Director or Executive Officer	5
Bonus②	Employment at an institution receiving government support for promoting innovation (※1)	10
Bonus③	Employment at an SME with a research and development expense ratio exceeding 3%	5
Bonus④	Foreign qualifications related to duties	5
Bonus⑤	Degree obtained from a Japanese institution of higher education	10
Bonus⑥	Holder of JLPT N1 or equivalent level recognized by examination (※2) (e.g., BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 480 or above), or graduate of a foreign university with a Japanese language major	15
Passing Score		70 or more

※1 Institutions receiving support for promoting innovation include: research institutions such as universities, incubation facilities, certified venture capital firms, etc.
※2 Equivalent to JLPT N1: BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 480 or above, etc.
※3 An additional 5 points are awarded for holding a professional degree in business management (MBA, MOT)
※ An additional 10 points are awarded if the employing institution is an SME (in the Advanced Business Management category)

Example: Advanced Business Management Category

	Requirement	Points
Education	Bachelor's degree or equivalent (excluding doctoral and master's degree holders)	10
Work History (Practical Experience)	10 years or more	25
Annual Income	¥16,500,000	20
Bonus① (Position)	Representative Director or Representative Executive Officer	10
Bonus⑥	JLPT N1 holder	15
Passing Score		80 points

① Minimum Annual Income Requirement and Remuneration Guidelines

Minimum Annual Income Requirement and Remuneration Guidelines
In the Advanced Professional/Technical and Advanced Business Management categories, an annual income of ¥3,000,000 or more is required. In the Advanced Academic Research category, applicants may qualify with 70 or more points even if annual income is ¥3,000,000 or less.
Remuneration includes base salary, performance allowances, adjustment allowances, and bonuses. Commuting allowance, dependent allowance, and housing allowance (non-taxable expense reimbursements) are not included in the point calculation remuneration. Applications are reviewed based on the projected annual income for the coming year.

② Annual Income Scoring Table (for Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1, Type B)

Annual Income Scoring Table
	Under 30	Under 35	Under 40	40 and over
¥10,000,000	40	40	40	40
¥9,000,000	35	35	35	35
¥8,000,000	30	30	30	30
¥7,000,000	25	25	25	-
¥6,000,000	20	20	20	-
¥5,000,000	15	15	-	-
¥4,000,000	10	-	-	-

③ Research Achievements (for Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1, Type A)

Research Achievements	Advanced Academic Research	Advanced Professional/Technical
Patent invention(s): 1 or more	20	15
Research conducted prior to entry based on grants from public institutions: 3 or more instances	20	15
Academic papers published in journals registered in Japan's national academic database, for which the applicant is the corresponding author: 3 or more papers	20	15
In cases where the applicant claims research achievements equivalent to the above but not covered by the listed items, the Minister of Justice individually determines the appropriateness of awarding points after consulting the heads of relevant administrative agencies.	20	15

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I would like to know whether I meet the application criteria for the Advanced Professional Visa.: You meet the criteria if you qualify under one of the three categories (Advanced Academic Research, Advanced Professional/Technical, or Advanced Business Management) and score 70 or more points on the points table. Points are calculated by adding up education, work history, annual income, age, and bonus items. For accurate calculation, using the Ministry of Justice's point calculation table (Excel format) is recommended. Please feel free to contact us by phone or email for more details.
Can I benefit from expedited permanent residency (1 year or 3 years) without holding the Advanced Professional Visa?: Yes. Even those residing in Japan on other work visas such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Business Management can benefit from the relaxed requirements if they have 70 or more points — enabling a permanent residency application after 3 years at 70 points or 1 year at 80 points. It is not necessarily required to change your visa to the Advanced Professional Visa.
Are graduates of junior colleges, technical colleges, or vocational schools (specialized courses) eligible for education points, even without a 4-year university degree?: Junior colleges are included in the definition of "university." Graduates of technical colleges and those who completed a specialized vocational course and received the "Advanced Specialist" (Koto Senmonshi) title are treated as having received education equivalent to a university degree, making them eligible for education points (10 points). However, those who hold only the "Specialist" (Senmonshi) title are not eligible.
If I receive compensation from an overseas company, is it included in the point calculation?: If you are transferred from an overseas company to a Japanese company and your compensation is paid by the overseas company, that compensation can be included in the point calculation. Documentation proving that the remuneration is from an overseas institution must be submitted.
What happens if my annual income decreases or my age increases, causing my points to fall below 70?: During your stay, you are not required to maintain 70 or more points at all times. A drop in income does not immediately disqualify you from residing in Japan as a highly skilled professional. However, at the time of your period-of-stay renewal, you must have 70 or more points. One option is to secure bonus points before your renewal application, such as by obtaining JLPT N1 (worth 15 points).
What is the minimum annual income requirement?: In the Advanced Professional/Technical and Advanced Business Management categories, an annual income below ¥3,000,000 means the applicant cannot be recognized as a highly skilled professional, even if other items total 70 or more points. In the Advanced Academic Research category, applicants may qualify with 70 or more points even if their annual income is ¥3,000,000 or less.
What is included in remuneration? Are overtime pay and bonuses included?: Base salary, performance allowances, adjustment allowances, and bonuses are included. Commuting allowance, dependent allowance, and housing allowance (non-taxable expense reimbursements) are not included. Overtime pay is not included in the point calculation remuneration because the amount of overtime is uncertain at the time of application. Applications are reviewed based on the projected annual income for the coming year.
What is the Special Highly Skilled Professional System (J-Skip) that does not use the point system?: This is a system that allows applicants who meet certain educational/work history and income thresholds to obtain Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 without the point calculation. Key requirements include an annual income of ¥20,000,000 or more with a master's degree or higher, or an annual income of ¥40,000,000 or more with 10 or more years of practical experience. Permanent residency application and transition to Grade 2 are also possible after 1 year. For details, please see the J-Skip page.

Period of Stay

Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1　5 years
Highly Skilled Professional Grade 2　Unlimited

Required Documents for the Advanced Professional Visa

The required documents vary depending on the type of application (method of entry, current status of residence, etc.). The following are the primary documents based on the Immigration Services Agency's guidelines. For the latest details, please refer to the Required Documents for "Highly Skilled Professional" Status of Residence (Immigration Services Agency).

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1)

For those entering Japan from abroad as a highly skilled professional. The host institution submits the application to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Point calculation table (reference format): 1 copy (for the applicable activity category: Type A, B, or C)
Supporting documents for each item on the point calculation table (documents confirming 70 or more points; not all applicable items required)
Documents required for the status of residence corresponding to the intended activity ("Professor" through "Journalist" or "Business Management" through "Skilled Labor"; refer to the respective status of residence guidance pages)
Application for Certificate of Eligibility: 1 copy (format corresponding to activity and status of residence)
Photo: 1 (specified size)
Return envelope (standard size, with registered mail postage): 1

※ Certificates issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of the application. Foreign-language documents must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.

2. Application for Change of Status of Residence (Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1)

For those currently residing in Japan who wish to change their status of residence to Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1.

Point calculation table (reference format): 1 copy
Supporting documents for each item on the point calculation table
Documents required for the status of residence corresponding to the intended activity (same as above)
Application for Change of Status of Residence: 1 copy (format corresponding to activity and status of residence)
Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)
Photo: 1 (not required for those under 16)

3. Application for Renewal of Period of Stay (Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1)

For those currently residing in Japan under Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 who wish to renew their period of stay under the same status. 70 or more points are required at the time of renewal.

Point calculation table (reference format): 1 copy
Supporting documents for each item on the point calculation table
Documents required for the status of residence corresponding to the intended activity
Application for Renewal of Period of Stay: 1 copy (format corresponding to activity and status of residence)
Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)
Photo: 1 (not required for those under 16)

4. Application for Change of Status of Residence (Highly Skilled Professional Grade 2)

For those who have resided in Japan for 3 or more years under Highly Skilled Professional Grade 1 (or "Designated Activities" as a highly skilled professional) and wish to change to Grade 2. Grade 2 offers an unlimited period of stay and an expanded scope of activities.

Point calculation table, supporting documents, and documents for the applicable status of residence (same as Application 2 above)
Application for Change of Status of Residence (for Highly Skilled Professional Grade 2): 1 copy
Passport and Residence Card (to be presented)
Photo: 1
Income and tax documentation for the most recent 5 years (3 years if stayed 3+ years at 70 points; 1 year if stayed 1+ year at 80 points):
- Municipal tax assessment (or non-assessment) certificate and tax payment certificate (showing total annual income and tax payment status)
- Documents proving municipal tax payment (bank passbook copies, receipts, etc.); may not be required in the case of special withholding
- Tax payment certificate (Form 3) related to withholding income tax, self-assessed income tax, consumption tax, etc.
- Bank passbook copies, etc. (for income verification)
Social insurance documentation for the most recent 2 years (1 year if stayed 1+ year at 80 points):
- Public pension: Nenkin Teikibin (full period), printout of "Monthly Pension Records" from Nenkin Net, National Pension Insurance premium receipts (copies), etc.
- Public health insurance: Health Insurance Card (copy), National Health Insurance Card (copy), insurance premium payment certificates/receipts (copies), etc.
If you are a business owner: documents proving payment of health insurance and employee pension insurance premiums for the most recent 2 years (premium receipt copies, social insurance payment certificates, etc.)

※ The period and format of certificates may vary depending on your points and length of stay. Please confirm with the Immigration Services Agency's guidance.

5. Documents Required for Visa Application (After Obtaining Certificate of Eligibility)

The following are the primary documents required when applying for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad after the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued.

Passport
Visa application form: 1 copy (2 copies for applicants from Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia)
Photo: 1 (2 for applicants from Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia)
Certificate of Eligibility: original and 1 copy

Chinese nationals additionally require the following documents.

Household Registration (Hukou) copy
Temporary Residence Permit or Certificate of Residence (if the applicant's permanent address is not within the jurisdiction of the applying Japanese embassy or consulate)

Depending on the applicant's nationality, additional documents may be required.
A Certificate of Eligibility is a document issued in advance by the Regional Immigration Services Bureau certifying that a foreigner's intended activities comply with the conditions for landing under the Immigration Control Act. Applications may be submitted by a representative within Japan.
For highly skilled professionals, a point calculation is conducted during the review process. If recognized as having 70 or more points, the Certificate of Eligibility will state the total points and activity category (Type A, B, or C). A visa application cannot be submitted without a Certificate of Eligibility bearing this notation.