I am Teruyoshi Yoneda, the representative of Yoneda Legal Servives and a certified immigration procedures specialist. My office specializes in international matters such as visa and naturalization applications. Based mainly in Hiroshima Prefecture, we support foreign nationals living in Japan with various immigration procedures, including work visas, spouse visas, permanent residency applications, and naturalization.The purpose of this article is to explain the requirements and key points for foreign nationals with the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) status when applying for permanent residence in Japan.
1.What is the “Highly Skilled Professional” Visa?
The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is a residence status granted to foreign nationals working in Japan who possess advanced abilities and qualities expected to contribute significantly to Japan’s economic growth and innovation. To promote the acceptance of such highly skilled foreign talent, Japan has introduced a points-based system that evaluates factors such as academic background, professional experience, and annual income. Foreign nationals who score 70 points or more are recognized as Highly Skilled Professionals. The HSP (i) visa is divided into three categories: HSP (i) – (a): Research activities at universities or research institutions HSP (i) – (b): Advanced technical or professional activities (e.g., IT engineers, technical specialists, finance professionals) HSP (i) – (c): Business management activities (e.g., company executives)
2.Requirements for Permanent Residence Application by Highly Skilled Professionals
Highly Skilled Professionals benefit from preferential treatment regarding the required period of stay. However, they must still meet the same fundamental requirements as ordinary applicants for permanent residence.
① Good Conduct Requirement: The applicant must have no criminal record or significant violations and must lead a socially acceptable life as a resident of Japan.
② Financial Stability Requirement: The applicant must have stable income and be able to maintain an independent livelihood in daily life.
③ Public Interest Requirement: The applicant must have fulfilled public obligations such as: Proper payment of taxes Enrollment and payment of public medical insurance Enrollment and payment of the national pension system
For details on permanent residence requirements and common reasons for denial, please refer to the blog article below.
3.Advantages of Obtaining Permanent Residence through the Highly Skilled Professional Visa
・Shortened Required Period of Stay
Under the standard permanent residence application process, applicants are generally required to have more than 10 years of residence in Japan.
However, Highly Skilled Professionals benefit from a significantly shortened required period.
| Regular work visa | HSP with 70 points or more (maintained for 3 consecutive years) | HSP with 80 points or more (maintained for 1 consecutive year) | |
| Required Period of Stay | 10 years | 3 years | 1 year |
・No More Visa Renewal Procedures
Permanent residents are not subject to visa renewal because their residence status has no fixed period of stay. (However, renewal of the residence card itself is still required.)
・Greater Freedom in Employment, Job Change, and Entrepreneurship
Permanent residents are not restricted in their activities. This means they can freely change job categories, switch employers, engage in side businesses, or start their own company. Unlike the HSP visa—which limits activities to those recognized under the points system—permanent residence allows for flexible long‑term career planning.
4. Important Points When Applying for Permanent Residence as a Highly Skilled Professional
(1) Maintaining the Required Points Continuously
To maintain HSP (i) status, temporary decreases in points due to age or income changes do not immediately affect the ability to stay in Japan. However, for permanent residence applications: Applicants with 70 points must maintain the score for 3 consecutive years. Applicants with 80 points must maintain the score for 1 consecutive year. Situations requiring careful timing include: Turning 30 and losing age-related points Changes in annual income affecting point calculation Job changes that alter income or job responsibilities
(2) Permanent Residence May Be Possible Even Without Holding an HSP Visa
Applicants do not necessarily need to hold an HSP visa at the time of application. Even those currently on a “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa may apply if: They have 70 points or more at the time of application and one year prior They have maintained 70 points or more throughout that period Such applicants may be treated as “Deemed Highly Skilled Professionals” for permanent residence purposes.
(3) Changing Jobs While Holding HSP (i)
The HSP (i) visa is tied to a specific employer. Therefore, when changing employers: A Change of Status of Residence application is required. Notification of the new affiliated organization must be submitted. Failure to submit job change/termination notifications may negatively affect the permanent residence examination.
(4) Overseas Business Trips
One requirement for permanent residence is continuous residence in Japan. As a general guideline: Staying abroad 90 days or more in a single trip, or Accumulating 150 days or more abroad within one year may reset the required period of stay. Highly Skilled Professionals often travel frequently due to the nature of their work, so careful planning is essential.
Although Highly Skilled Professionals benefit from shortened residence requirements, accurate point calculation and proper organization of supporting documents are crucial. At our office, we conduct thorough interviews to fully understand each applicant’s circumstances and provide tailored support. If you are considering applying for permanent residence in the Chugoku region (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori) or other areas, we offer free consultations. We will support you with full commitment until your permanent residence is approved.
