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JapanSkilled migrationLast checked October 16, 2026

Highly Skilled Professional (i) (高度専門職1号) under the points-based system

Japan's points-based status for highly skilled foreign nationals. There are three activity types: academic research (イ), specialised/technical work (ロ) and business management (ハ). Applicants who score 70 points or more on the official table get a 5-year stay and preferential treatment, including a faster route to permanent residence. After 3 years in HSP (i), holders can move to HSP (ii), which has no fixed period of stay.

See requirements ↓

Life in Japan

Money

3

Currency

Japanese Yen

JPY

Japanese Yen

Cost of living

69

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

5–45%

Income tax (national)

Consumption tax 10%

Plus 2.1% reconstruction surtax on national tax and about 10% local inhabitant tax; 45% applies above JPY 40 million.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.1

#59 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Your edge here Members

What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties

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Who it’s for

Researchers, engineers, specialists and managers with a contract with an organisation in Japan who can reach 70 points for education, experience, salary, age and bonus items.

Eligibility

  • Points score of 70 or more

    You need 70 points or more on the official ISA points table for your chosen activity type.

    70 points

    Points needed

    • Points cover education, work experience, annual salary, age, research record and bonus items
    Official wording

    Points are counted on the official ISA table for the chosen activity type, covering education, work experience, annual salary, age, research record and bonus items.

  • Minimum annual salaryHSP (i)(ロ) and (i)(ハ)

    You need an annual salary of at least 3 million yen for specialised/technical and business management activities.

    3 million yen

    Minimum annual salary · per year

    • Applies to HSP (i)(ロ) and (i)(ハ)
    • Applies whatever the points total
    • Bonuses count as annual income
    Official wording

    An annual salary of at least 3 million yen is required for specialised/technical and business management activities, whatever the points total. Bonuses count as annual income.

  • Contract with an organisation in Japan

    Carry out your activity under a contract with a public or private organisation in Japan.

    • Covers research/teaching, specialised work in natural or human sciences, or business management
    Official wording

    The activity must be carried out under a contract with a public or private organisation in Japan (research/teaching, specialised work in natural or human sciences, or business management).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementEducation points
  • Document checklistApplication form (COE, change of status or extension)
  • FeesVisa fee, single entry (approx.)

The full requirements are for members

Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.

  • 6 more requirements
  • 9 documents
  • 4 fees
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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