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）
You can apply for permanent residence once 1 year has passed from the point at which you reached 80 points. If you stay on 70 points, 3 years from entry are needed, so depending on when you reach 80 points, the date on which you can apply may come earlier. However, you also need to meet the other requirements for permission for permanent residence, not only the points.
Someone due to come to Japan on 高度専門職1号（ハ） with 70 points asks when they can apply if they pass JLPT N2 and reach 80 points.
Yes. You can apply for permanent residence once 1 year has passed from the point at which you reached 80 points.
Your understanding is correct. A person who enters Japan on 高度専門職1号（ハ） with 70 points meets the requirement for an application for permanent residence when 3 years have passed since entry, which is April 2028 (2028年4月).
If, on the other hand, additional points bring the total to 80, the required period for an application for permanent residence is shortened, and you can apply once 1 year has passed from that point.
If you pass 日本語能力試験 N2 in July 2025 (2025年7月) and your points reach 80, you can apply for permanent residence from July 2026 (2026年7月) onwards.
They are calculated as of the date 3 years or 1 year before the date of the application for permanent residence, and you need to have maintained the score throughout that period.
You also need to still be living in Japan after you have met the points requirement.
Yes. You also need to meet the other requirements for permission for permanent residence, such as good conduct and having sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living.
Meeting the points requirement alone is not enough. You also need to meet the other requirements for permission for permanent residence, such as good conduct and having sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living.
Screening for permanent residence looks at the whole picture, not only the points. Please think carefully about your own situation when deciding when to apply. If anything is unclear, we recommend consulting the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) with jurisdiction over your area in advance.
When 3 years have passed since entry. If you entered in April 2025 (2025年4月), that is April 2028 (2028年4月).
Yes. You can apply once 1 year has passed from the point at which you reached 80 points. If you reach 80 points in July 2025 (2025年7月), you can apply from July 2026 (2026年7月) onwards.
You need to be recognised as having had 70 points or more as of the date 3 years before the date of the application for permanent residence, or 80 points or more as of the date 1 year before, and to have lived in Japan maintaining that score throughout that period.
No. You also need to meet the other requirements for permission for permanent residence, such as good conduct and having sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living, and the whole picture is taken into account.
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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.