Fast-Track Permanent Residency in Japan:
The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) 80-Point Pathway

Permanent Residency for Highly Skilled Professionals (HSP 80+)

What Is the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa?

Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is designed to attract top global talent in fields such as technology(1b), research(1a), and business manager(1c). The system assigns points based on academic qualifications, professional experience, annual income, and language proficiency. Foreign nationals who accumulate 80 or more HSP points may apply for permanent residency (PR) after just one year of living in Japan.

Can You Apply for PR Without an HSP Visa?

Even if you do not hold an HSP visa, you can still apply for permanent residency as long as you meet the 80+ point requirement at the time of application and one year prior. This applies to professionals under other visa categories, such as the Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, International Services (ESHI) visa, or even a Spouse visa.

Eligibility Criteria for PR via HSP 80+

To qualify for PR under the HSP 80-point pathway, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

1. HSP Points Requirement: Must have 80+ points at the time of PR application and one year before the application date.
2. Legal and Financial Stability: Must demonstrate good conduct, stable income, and compliance with Japanese tax and social security laws.
3. Guarantor Requirement: A Japanese citizen or permanent resident must act as your guarantor.
4. Contribution to Japan’s National Interest: PR applicants must prove their professional and economic benefits to Japan.

HSP Points Calculation for PR Application

HSP points are calculated based on the following categories:

• Academic Background:
  • PhD: 30 points
  • MBA/Master’s: 20-25 points
  • Bachelor’s: 10 points
  • Degree from a QS/THE top-ranked university: +10 points
• Professional Career:
  • 10+ years: 20 points
  • 5+ years: 10 points
• Expected Annual Salary: Learn more about the income points
  • 10 million JPY+: 40 points
  • 8 million JPY+: 30 points
  • 6 million JPY+: 20 points

• Japanese Language Proficiency:
  • JLPT N1: 15 points
  • JLPT N2: 10 points
  • Graduate of a Japanese university: 10 points
• Age Factor:
  • Under 30 years old: 15 points
  • 30-34 years old: 10 points
  • 35-39 years old: 5 points
• Research & Certifications:
  • 3+ academic papers published on Scopus: 10-15 points
  • Patent registrations: 10 points
  • Recognized IT qualifications: 5-10 points

Who Qualifies for HSP PR? Case Examples

Case 1: Young IT Professional (20s, Master’s Degree, 6M JPY Salary)

• Master’s degree from a top Japanese university: 25 points
• Salary of 6M JPY: 20 points
• JLPT N1: 15 points
• Age (under 30): 15 points Total: 80+ points → Eligible for PR in 1 year

 

Case 2: Mid-Career Engineer (35-39, Bachelor’s, 10+ Years’ Experience, 10M JPY Salary)

• Bachelor’s degree: 10 points
• 10+ years of experience: 20 points
• Salary of 10M JPY: 40 points
• JLPT N2: 10 points Total: 80+ points → Eligible for PR in 1 year

Additional PR Requirements Beyond HSP Points

Achieving 80 points alone does not guarantee PR approval. Applicants must also fulfill the following legal and financial conditions:

1. Good Conduct & Legal Compliance

Applicants must demonstrate a clean legal record in Japan. Minor traffic offenses (e.g., repeated parking violations) may negatively impact the application.

2. Financial Stability

Applicants must show a stable annual income of at least 3 million JPY (higher if supporting dependents). Frequent job changes can negatively impact PR approval.

3. Contribution to Japan’s National Interest

Applicants must:

• Maintain 80+ HSP points for at least one continuous year.
• Pay all taxes and social insurance contributions on time.
• Hold a valid 3- or 5-year visa at the time of PR application.

4. Guarantor Requirement

Applicants must secure a guarantor (Mimoto Hosho Nin, 身元保証人) who is either a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident. The guarantor must be financially stable and have a history of tax compliance.

Necessary Documents for PR Application

Applying for permanent residency (PR) in Japan involves submitting numerous documents. These include national and local tax records, pension and insurance records, family-related documents, and proof of Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points if applicable. While many of these documents are publicly available online, immigration authorities may request additional materials on a case-by-case basis.
Required Documents List (Sample) :

 

Application Processing Time & PR Approval Rates

• The standard processing time for PR applications is 12–16 months.
• Stricter screening measures have reduced PR approval rates in recent years.
• Timely tax and pension payments significantly improve approval chances.

Maximizing Your PR Approval Chances

Navigating Japan’s immigration laws can be complex. Consulting an experienced immigration lawyer can help optimize your application and avoid common pitfalls.
*IF YOU HAVE 70-80 RANGE HSP POINTS: ALSO SEE HERE (For 70-80pt)

Need expert assistance with your PR application? Contact Continental Consulting today!

 

HSP-PR Application Fees

• PR Application with HSP Point System Fee: 170,000 JPY (including tax: 187,000 JPY)
• Government Document Handling & Residence Card Processing: +50,000 JPY

 

About Our Immigration Expert

Masakazu Murai – Immigration Consultant & Financial Advisor

• 18 years in Investment Banking (Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley)
• Certified Immigration Lawyer (Gyoseishoshi)
• CMA (Japanese Financial Analyst License), CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
• MBA in Entrepreneurship

Let us guide you on your pathway to permanent residency in Japan.