If you are an international student or graduate planning to build a long-term career in Japan, the Highly Skilled Professional visa offers a fast-track route to permanent residency and other major benefits through a points-based system. By scoring at least 70 points based on your academic background, work history, and expected salary, you can bypass traditional visa limitations and secure a stable status in Japan. This guide explains how the system works in 2026 and how you can transition to this status after graduation.
What is the Highly Skilled Professional visa in Japan?
The Japanese government introduced the Points-based System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals (PBS) in 2012 to attract top global talent and boost economic competitiveness. This system categorizes eligible activities into three main areas:
- Advanced academic research activities (Highly Skilled Professional 1-a)
- Advanced specialized or technical activities (Highly Skilled Professional 1-b)
- Advanced business management activities (Highly Skilled Professional 1-c)
Unlike conventional work visas, which restrict you to a single job category and limit your stay to a maximum of five years, the Highly Skilled Professional status grants significant flexibility and preferential treatment.
What are the benefits of the points-based system?
If you qualify for the Highly Skilled Professional (i) status, you receive several key immigration benefits:
- Multiple activities allowed: You can engage in multiple activities across different visa categories simultaneously.
- Five-year stay: You are granted a guaranteed five-year period of stay.
- Faster permanent residency: The standard residency requirement for permanent residency is relaxed. Under the system introduced in 2017, highly skilled professionals can apply for permanent residence after just one year of stay if they have 80 points or more, or after three years if they have 70 points or more.
- Spouse employment: Your spouse can work in Japan under certain conditions.
- Bringing parents: You can bring your parents to Japan to help with childcare or household needs under specific conditions.
- Domestic helpers: You can bring a domestic worker under certain conditions.
- Priority processing: Your entry and residence applications are processed preferentially.
After working under this status for at least three years, you can transition to Highly Skilled Professional (ii). This advanced status grants an indefinite period of stay and allows you to perform almost any work activity alongside your primary role.
How do I calculate my points to qualify?
To qualify, you must score a total of 70 points or more. Points are awarded based on specific criteria set by the Ministry of Justice, including:
- Academic background: Degrees such as a master's or doctorate.
- Professional career history: Years of relevant work experience.
- Annual salary: Your expected yearly earnings in Japan.
- Other factors: Special bonuses, such as graduating from designated universities or holding specific certifications.
It is important to note that you do not need to maintain 70 points at every single moment of your stay. For example, if your points drop below 70 due to an increase in your age or a change in salary during your stay, you will not lose your visa immediately. However, you must meet the 70-point threshold at the time of your visa renewal or extension.
How can international graduates apply for this status?
If you are currently studying in Japan and have secured a job offer, you can apply for a Change of Status of Residence to transition from a student visa to the Highly Skilled Professional (i) status. If you are applying from outside Japan, your employer must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).
When preparing your application, keep the following rules in mind:
- All certificates issued in Japan must be dated within three months of your submission.
- Any documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
- You must submit a completed point calculation sheet along with supporting evidence for each point category you claim. You only need to submit evidence for the points required to reach the 70-point threshold; you do not need to prove every single category if you already exceed the minimum.
Because immigration rules are complex, you should always confirm your individual eligibility with official immigration authorities. For general inquiries about forms and procedures, you can contact the Foreign Residency Information Center at 0570-013904 (or 03-5796-7112 from overseas).
What documents are needed for the indefinite stay status?
When transitioning to the Highly Skilled Professional (ii) status after three years, the documentation requirements are extensive. You must provide:
- Tax records: Resident tax certificates for the past three years (or the past year if you qualify under the 80-point fast-track rule), showing your total income and tax payment history.
- National tax certificates: Tax Certificate Part 3 from your local tax office, proving you have no outstanding national taxes (including income tax, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax).
- Social insurance records: Proof of public pension and health insurance payments for the past two years (or the past year if under the 80-point rule).
Finding a place to stay
When preparing to transition to your new professional life in Japan, arranging your accommodation is a crucial step. It is best to secure your housing after your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) or visa change is officially approved, but before you actually arrive or start your new job. For a smooth transition, many newcomers choose to stay in a furnished monthly apartment first. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, making it easy to settle in without immediate long-term commitments. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). Additionally, there is no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. This allows you to focus entirely on your job hunting or visa transition procedures.
FAQ
How many points do I need to qualify for the Highly Skilled Professional visa?
You need a total of at least 70 points, calculated based on your academic background, professional history, annual salary, and other criteria.
Do I need to maintain 70 points at all times during my stay?
No, you do not need to maintain 70 points at every moment of your stay. However, you must meet the 70-point threshold when you apply to renew or extend your visa.
Can my spouse work if I hold this visa?
Yes, under the Highly Skilled Professional status, your spouse is permitted to work in Japan under certain conditions.
Sources
- www.japan.go.jp「Points System Aims to Attract Foreign Talent to Japan / The Government of Japan - JapanGov -」(checked 2026-10-10)
- 出入国在留管理庁「高度人材ポイント制とは？ | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-10)
- 出入国在留管理庁「高度人材ポイント制とは？ | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-10)
- 出入国在留管理庁「在留資格「高度専門職」（高度人材ポイント制） | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-10)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication. Facts are summarized in our own words; see the linked pages for the official details.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.