Japan · Work

Japan Highly Skilled Professional

First stay: 5 yrs

Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職 1(a) research, 1(b) specialised/technical, 1(c) business management; HSP 2)

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026Change log

Key facts

Highly Skilled Professional is a work route for Japan. Local work: limited. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

Government fees: ¥10k ≈ $63 · +6 more
Processing: 1–3 months
First stay: 5 yrs

Cost, time and long term

To apply: 7 government fees listed below; decision: 1–3 months. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

Government fees¥10k ≈ $63 · +6 more

JPY 10,000 (≈ $63)Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 months or less; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
JPY 15,000 (≈ $95)Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 3 months up to 6 months; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
JPY 21,000 (≈ $130)Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 6 months and under 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
JPY 27,000 (≈ $170)Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
JPY 42,000 (≈ $260)Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 1 year and under 3 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
JPY 56,000 (≈ $350)Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 years or more and under 5 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
JPY 65,000 (≈ $410)Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 5 years or more; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.

RenewalRenewable

HSP 1 is granted for 5 years and is renewable; HSP 2 after 3 years of HSP 1 activity has an indefinite period of stay.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Permanent residenceAfter 3 years of residence

Permanent residence is available after 3 years as a 70-point holder or after 1 year as an 80-point holder, with tax, pension and conduct conditions. Without enough points the general rule is 10 years.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan

CitizenshipAfter 10 years of residence

The Nationality Act (Article 5) sets a minimum of 5 consecutive years of lawful residence in Japan, plus conduct, livelihood and other conditions. The Ministry of Justice's naturalisation Q&A adds that integration into Japanese society is required, such as 10 years or more of residence and Japanese good enough for daily life (speaking, reading and writing). Meeting the conditions does not guarantee permission.

Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice of Japan

Processing1–3 months

Standard processing: 1 to 3 months for a Certificate of Eligibility, 1 to 2 months for a change of status inside Japan and 2 weeks to 1 month for an extension.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice

Where to applyAbroad or in-country

Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility through the sponsoring organisation in Japan and then the visa abroad, or change status inside Japan.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

Needs a job offer from an employer in Japan
Work rights are limited

What you'll need

Who can apply5

The activity falls under HSP 1(a) academic research, 1(b) specialised or technical work, or 1(c) business management.
The applicant scores 70 points or more on the points table (education, career, annual remuneration, age and bonus items).
Activities 1(a) and 1(b) are done under a contract with a Japanese public or private organisation.
Activity 1(c) is managing or administering a business at a Japanese organisation.
HSP 2 is open to those who carried out HSP 1 activity for at least 3 years.

What you must show and pay7

A fee of JPY 10,000 (≈ $63) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 months or less; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
A fee of JPY 15,000 (≈ $95) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 3 months up to 6 months; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
A fee of JPY 21,000 (≈ $130) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 6 months and under 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
A fee of JPY 27,000 (≈ $170) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
A fee of JPY 42,000 (≈ $260) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 1 year and under 3 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
A fee of JPY 56,000 (≈ $350) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 years or more and under 5 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.
A fee of JPY 65,000 (≈ $410) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 5 years or more; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.

After you arrive1

HSP holders can apply for permanent residence after 3 years with 70 points, or after 1 year with 80 points, plus the other permanent-residence conditions.

When you become tax resident

How Japan decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

Stay on this route

5 years at first, renewable

Tax residence

Resident individuals are domiciled in Japan or have continuous residence of 1 year or more.

Foreign-source income

Remittance basis

Non-permanent residents are taxed in Japan on Japan-source income and on foreign-source income paid in or remitted to Japan; foreign-source income paid and kept abroad is outside the Japanese tax base.

Special regime

Non-permanent resident foreign-source income treatment · Tax relief

All tax rules for Japan Tax records checked 11 Oct 2026

Official site

Full official text

Residence status for advanced academic research, advanced specialised or technical work, or advanced business management, granted on a points table with a 70-point minimum. ^{1 2 3 4 5 6}

What you must show and pay

A fee of JPY 10,000 (≈ $63) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 months or less; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. ⁸
A fee of JPY 15,000 (≈ $95) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 3 months up to 6 months; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. ⁸
A fee of JPY 21,000 (≈ $130) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 6 months and under 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. ⁸
A fee of JPY 27,000 (≈ $170) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. ⁸
A fee of JPY 42,000 (≈ $260) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 1 year and under 3 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. ⁸
A fee of JPY 56,000 (≈ $350) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 years or more and under 5 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. ⁸
A fee of JPY 65,000 (≈ $410) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 5 years or more; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. ⁸

Requirements

The activity falls under HSP 1(a) academic research, 1(b) specialised or technical work, or 1(c) business management. ¹
The applicant scores 70 points or more on the points table (education, career, annual remuneration, age and bonus items). ¹
Activities 1(a) and 1(b) are done under a contract with a Japanese public or private organisation. ^{7 1}
Activity 1(c) is managing or administering a business at a Japanese organisation. ^{7 1}
HSP 2 is open to those who carried out HSP 1 activity for at least 3 years. ^{1 2}
HSP holders can apply for permanent residence after 3 years with 70 points, or after 1 year with 80 points, plus the other permanent-residence conditions. ^{2 4}

Stay

HSP 1: 5-year period of stay. HSP 2: indefinite period of stay.
Initial permitted stay: 60 months.
Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

Work

HSP 1: the approved HSP activity plus related activities. HSP 2: almost all work-status activities in addition.

Family

Spouse may work in qualifying occupations without the usual education or experience requirement if living with the HSP holder and paid at least the Japanese equivalent. Parents may enter to care for a child under 7 or for pregnancy if household income is at least JPY 8,000,000 (≈ $50,500). A domestic helper is possible if household income is at least JPY 10,000,000 (≈ $63,100). Your spouse or partner may work in Japan without a separate permit.

Checked 2026-10-12

Official sources

Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals: point system and eligibility · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Q&A on the Highly Skilled Professional point system · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Major Policies Related to Immigration Control Administration (HSP preferential treatment) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 2026-02-24) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-02-24
Designated Activities: working spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional or Special Highly Skilled Professional · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-12
Designated Activities Notification (MOJ Notice No. 131 of 1990, as amended 8 April 2026): items 40 and 41 and Annex 9 · Ministry of Justice, Japan · checked 2026-10-11
Special Highly Skilled Professional system J-Skip (ISA) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Fees for extension of stay, change of status and permanent residence applied for online from 1 October 2026 · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-11
Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 24 February 2026) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2026-02-24
Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 1 October 2026) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-10-01
Naturalization: conditions and procedure (Q&A) · Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice of Japan · checked 2026-10-12
Certificate of Eligibility application: standard processing period · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11
Application for change of status of residence: standard processing period · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11
Application for extension of period of stay: standard processing period · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11

Highly Skilled Professional and its alternatives

Route	Money needed	Stay	Work
Highly Skilled Professional	–	5 yr, renewable	Limited
Engineer/Specialist visa	–	5 yr, renewable	Limited
Instructor visa	–	5 yr, renewable	Limited
Intra-company transfer	–	5 yr, renewable	–
Legal/Accounting visa	–	5 yr, renewable	–

Questions people ask

How much money do I need for the Highly Skilled Professional?

A fee of JPY 10,000 (≈ $63). Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 months or less; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. A fee of JPY 15,000 (≈ $95). Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 3 months up to 6 months; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. A fee of JPY 21,000 (≈ $130). Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 6 months and under 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. A fee of JPY 27,000 (≈ $170). Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added.

How long can I stay on the Highly Skilled Professional?

HSP 1: 5-year period of stay.

How long does the Highly Skilled Professional take to process?

Standard processing: 1 to 3 months for a Certificate of Eligibility, 1 to 2 months for a change of status inside Japan and 2 weeks to 1 month for an extension.

Can I work on the Highly Skilled Professional?

Limited. HSP 1: the approved HSP activity plus related activities.

Can I bring my family on the Highly Skilled Professional?

Spouse may work in qualifying occupations without the usual education or experience requirement if living with the HSP holder and paid at least the Japanese equivalent.

Does the Highly Skilled Professional lead to permanent residence in Japan?

Time on the Highly Skilled Professional counts toward permanent residence in Japan, which the rules allow after 3 years of residence. Time on the Highly Skilled Professional counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence.

Is there a tax break for Highly Skilled Professional holders in Japan?

Non-permanent resident foreign-source income treatment: Non-permanent residents are taxed in Japan on Japan-source income and on foreign-source income paid in or remitted to Japan; foreign-source income paid and kept abroad is outside the Japanese tax base. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.

Tax

Special regime

Non-permanent resident foreign-source income treatment

Tax relief

Foreign-source income: Remittance basis

Details

Who: Resident: domicile or continuous residence in Japan for one year or more

Taxed on

Income tax on all Japan-source income plus foreign-source income that is paid in Japan or remitted to Japan from abroad, at the progressive national rates of 5% to 45%.

Who it applies to

Resident: domicile or continuous residence in Japan for one year or more.
Non-Japanese nationality.
Domicile or residence in Japan for an aggregate of five years or less within the preceding ten years.

Exclusions

Japan-source income, including pay for work performed in Japan, is taxed in full.
Residents who are not non-permanent residents are taxed on worldwide income.

Tax residence

Resident = domicile, or continuous residence of one year or more. Non-permanent resident = non-Japanese national resident for an aggregate of five years or less in the preceding ten years. Based on facts, not visa type.

Visas

No visa grants this treatment; it follows tax residence and nationality.

Other taxes

Consumption tax: standard rate 10% (7.8% national plus 2.2% local) and reduced rate 8% (6.24% national plus 1.76% local). Local inhabitant tax and social insurance are separate.

Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026Change log

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≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

Ask the AI about this route AI

An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.

How this was checked

Checked on 2026-10-12 against 14 official sources. Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals: point system and eligibility · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Q&A on the Highly Skilled Professional point system · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Major Policies Related to Immigration Control Administration (HSP preferential treatment) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 2026-02-24) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Designated Activities: working spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional or Special Highly Skilled Professional · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-12
Designated Activities Notification (MOJ Notice No. 131 of 1990, as amended 8 April 2026): items 40 and 41 and Annex 9 · Ministry of Justice, Japan · checked 2026-10-11
Special Highly Skilled Professional system J-Skip (ISA) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10
Fees for extension of stay, change of status and permanent residence applied for online from 1 October 2026 · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-11
Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 24 February 2026) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-11
Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 1 October 2026) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-12
Naturalization: conditions and procedure (Q&A) · Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice of Japan · checked 2026-10-12
Certificate of Eligibility application: standard processing period · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11
Application for change of status of residence: standard processing period · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11
Application for extension of period of stay: standard processing period · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the changes page, and the methodology page explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email contact@stayglobe.app with a link to the official source.