Japan Permanent Residency for Academic Professionals
Special Path to Permanent Residency
for Academic Professionals in Japan
Preferential Treatment for Professors and Academic Staff
Foreign nationals working as professors, associate professors, or full-time lecturers in Japan can benefit from preferential treatment when applying for permanent residency. Depending on their Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points and contributions to Japan, academic professionals may secure permanent residency in as short as 1, 3, or 5 years.
Expedited Permanent Residency for Academic Visa Holders
Typically, permanent residency in Japan requires a minimum of 10 years of continuous residence, including at least 5 years under a working visa. However, academic professionals holding a Professor Visa enjoy considerably relaxed conditions.
If you hold a Professor Visa and score over 80 points on the HSP 1a scale, you become eligible for permanent residency after just 1 year. Scoring over 70 points allows eligibility after 3 years. This advantage applies even if your current visa is a Professor Visa rather than the HSP visa itself. Additionally, the previous minimum income requirement for HSP 1a applicants has been removed, enabling academic professionals with lower incomes to qualify as well.
Significant Contributions to Japan as a Key Eligibility Factor
Even if you fall slightly short of the HSP points threshold, significant contributions to Japan’s academic or research fields could still qualify you for permanent residency after a 5-year residence period.
Advantages for Professor Visa Holders:
- HSP 1a scores above 70 points enable permanent residency after just 1 or 3 years of residency.
- Recognized contributions to Japan’s educational or research sectors allow eligibility after 5 years of residency.
Expertise in Supporting Professor Visa Holders for Permanent Residency
Continental Immigration has extensive experience successfully assisting professors and academic researchers with obtaining permanent residency in Japan. We encourage you to leverage your academic achievements and contributions to Japan, the Asia-Pacific region, and global academic development.
If you’re an academic professional aiming for permanent residency in Japan, reviewing your situation and utilizing available preferential pathways could be a transformative step for your career and life. Continental Immigration is here to expertly guide you throughout this important process.
Professional Consultant
Masakazu Murai
Immigration Consultant & Financial Advisor
With 18 years of investment banking experience at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Murai has advised over 500 entrepreneurs and senior management professionals.
As an advocate for diversity in workplaces, he specializes in immigration consulting, financial advisory, and obtaining visas and permanent residency in Japan.
- Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
- CMA (Certified Member Analyst, Japan)
- CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
- MBA in Entrepreneurship
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