Highly Skilled Professional 1c (Business Owner) VISA
Expert Guidance for Highly Skilled Professional Visa 1c in Japan
At Continental Immigration, we assist professionals seeking the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa 1c and those aiming for Permanent Residency in Japan efficiently and successfully.
The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa 1c is an elite visa category designed for top-level business executives. It grants a 5-year residence status from the outset and offers exceptional benefits, such as the ability to bring parents to Japan for child-rearing support and the possibility of obtaining permanent residency in as little as one year.
Who Qualifies for the HSP Visa 1c?
Many believe the HSP Visa 1c is only available for senior executives at large corporations. In reality, eligibility extends to professionals engaged in key management roles, business execution, and auditing—regardless of company size or directorial status.
Typically, if the applicant is a business owner with a high income, holds an MBA or a master’s degree or higher, has prior study experience in Japan, or has extensive experience as a manager, they may be eligible for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) 1(c) visa.
Challenges for Startups and Small Businesses
While eligibility is broad, obtaining the HSP Visa 1c is more challenging for entrepreneurs and directors of small enterprises. The Immigration Bureau closely evaluates these applications, particularly since many startups face financial challenges within their first few years.
Therefore, when the applicant is not the owner of a large corporation, the Immigration Bureau will examine the following factors to assess the stability of the business before granting an HSP 1(c) visa:
- The scale of the applicant’s company overseas
- The amount of paid-in capital
- The staffing structure of the Japanese entity
- Whether the applicant concurrently holds positions in the foreign company
- Business relationships and revenue structure (e.g., stable income from a parent or affiliated company)
Scoring High is Not Enough
Achieving over 70 points through qualifications such as an MBA from a Japanese university or JLPT N1 does not guarantee approval. The stability and financial viability of the business are key factors in the evaluation process.
International Business Experience: A Key Advantage
Applicants managing a business overseas may have an edge. Revenue from affiliated companies abroad enhances the credibility of an application and demonstrates financial stability, which can be crucial for approval.
Trusted Legal Support for Your Visa Application
Continental Immigration provides expert legal assistance from professionals with investment banking and immigration law expertise. Our team ensures a seamless process for obtaining the HSP Visa 1c and achieving Permanent Residency in Japan.
Understanding the intricacies of Japan’s immigration system is essential for success. Our experienced team offers tailored support to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While a score of 70+ points is the baseline for HSP eligibility, this alone does not guarantee approval. Immigration officials also evaluate your business’s financial viability, organizational structure, and continuity—especially for startups and small firms.
Meet Our Lead Consultant
Masakazu Murai
With 18 years of investment banking experience at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Masakazu Murai has advised over 500 entrepreneurs and executives. He has actively promoted workplace diversity and specializes in financial and immigration consulting.
- Certified Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
- CMA (Certified Financial Analyst, Japan)
- CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
- MBA in Entrepreneurship
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