This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
在留資格「高度専門職」 (Highly Skilled Professional) turns your education, work experience, annual income and other items into points. Once you pass a set score, you can live in Japan on terms more favourable than an ordinary work visa. The biggest advantage is that the number of years before you can apply for permanent residence becomes shorter (3 years with 70 points or more, 1 year with 80 points or more). Others are that there is no restriction on the work you may do, that your spouse can work, and that you may bring a parent or a domestic worker with you.
Normally 10 years; it becomes 3 years with 70 points or more, and 1 year with 80 points or more.
Under an ordinary work visa, the basic requirement for applying for permanent residence is that you have lived in Japan for at least 10 years. With 高度専門職, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence after a much shorter period: 3 years with 70 points or more, and 1 year if you have 80 points or more.
1号 is 5 years; 2号 is indefinite.
Your spouse becomes able to work, and, subject to conditions, you may also bring a parent or a domestic worker.
Under an ordinary work visa, a spouse who wants to work needs a separate status of residence that allows work. The spouse of a person with 高度専門職 can obtain 在留資格「特定活動」 (Designated Activities), and work in a wide range of fields is then permitted as a rule.
Where certain conditions are met, bringing a dependent parent may be permitted.
Where certain conditions are met, bringing a domestic worker whom you employ may be permitted in some cases.
As a rule, no. You may also combine several activities.
Under an ordinary work visa, work is permitted only within the scope of the status of residence you hold. With 在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services), for example, you have to be engaged in work connected with that field. With 高度専門職, as a rule there is no restriction on the work you may do.
With 1号 it is also possible, as a rule, to combine several activities, for example carrying out research at a university and starting a business that uses the results. With 2号 you may carry out, in addition to the activities permitted under 1号, almost all activities permitted under the statuses of residence that allow work.
Education, work experience, annual income, research results, Japanese ability and other items are added up. The Ministry of Justice publishes the calculation sheet.
To obtain 高度専門職, items such as education, work experience, annual income, research results and Japanese ability are turned into points, and the total has to reach a set level. There are detailed rules for each item; for example, the points for annual income change with your age.
Please check your own score on the points calculation sheet published by the Ministry of Justice. Even if you do not reach the level now, you may reach it later by passing the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test or by increasing your annual income.
We can look at your score with you, and at which items you might gain points on, once we have heard about your situation. Please ask us in a free consultation.
Calculate your points, and if you meet the level, prepare the documents and apply.
This article is based on information as at April 2025 (2025年4月). Please check the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the latest information.
The period of stay differs. 1号 is 5 years; 2号 is indefinite. The range of activities you may carry out is also wider under 2号.
You need to pass a set score. With 70 points or more the wait before you can apply for permanent residence is 3 years, and with 80 points or more it is 1 year.
By obtaining 在留資格「特定活動」 (Designated Activities), work in a wide range of fields is permitted as a rule.
You may reach the level later, for example by passing the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test or by increasing your annual income. Please talk to us about whether there is any item on which you could gain points.
Tell us your situation and we will answer it directly. Available in Japanese and English.
Get a free consultationThis article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.