Highly Skilled Professional - Required Documents
The Highly Skilled Professional visa status is for foreign nationals with advanced professional abilities to engage in activities in Japan. It targets those who have achieved a certain score or higher under the Points-Based System for Highly Skilled Professionals.
| Category | Highly Skilled Professional (i) | Highly Skilled Professional (ii) |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Advanced academic research activities | - |
| (b) | Advanced specialized/technical activities | After 3 years with category (i) |
| (c) | Advanced business management activities | - |
| Period of Stay | 5 years | Indefinite |
Points-Based System for Highly Skilled Professionals
Points are calculated based on academic background, work experience, annual income, and other factors. A score of 70 points or more qualifies for Highly Skilled Professional (i), while 80 points or more allows for even more favorable residency conditions.
- Those who maintain 70 points or more for 3 years become eligible to apply for permanent residency
- Those who maintain 80 points or more for 1 year become eligible to apply for permanent residency
📋 Detailed Guide to Points-Based System (Japanese)
Application Forms by Activity Category
The application form differs depending on the type of activity for Highly Skilled Professional. Please use the form that corresponds to your activity category.
Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a) — Advanced Academic Research Activities
Use the following forms depending on your specific activity:
Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) — Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities
Use the following forms depending on your specific activity:
- Form N (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services): PDF / Excel
- Form L (Intra-company Transferee): PDF / Excel
- Form U (Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services): PDF / Excel
Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c) — Advanced Business Management Activities
Use the following forms depending on your specific activity:
Highly Skilled Professional (ii)
If there is no change in the activities from category (i), use the same form as used for the category (i) change of status application.
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility — Highly Skilled Professional (i) (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence — Highly Skilled Professional (i)
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay — Highly Skilled Professional (i)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence — Highly Skilled Professional (ii)
Important Notes Before Applying
- The application form and required documents differ depending on the activity category. Please check the Application Forms by Activity Category section above first.
- For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in processing or denial of permission.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months from the date of issuance.
- Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
- Submitted documents will not be returned in principle. If you wish to have them returned, please inform the office at the time of application.
- Additional documents may be requested during the review process.
- It is not necessary to provide proof for every item on the points calculation sheet. You only need to submit materials that demonstrate a total of 70 points or more.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility — Highly Skilled Professional (i) (New)
Requirements
- The activity falls under one of the Highly Skilled Professional (i) categories: (a), (b), or (c)
- Meets the criteria prescribed by the Ministry of Justice ordinance
- Total points of 70 or more
Required Documents
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility — 1 copy
The form differs depending on the activity category. Please refer to Application Forms by Activity Category above.
2. Photograph — 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within the last 6 months, front-facing, without hat, plain background.
3. Return envelope — 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard-size envelope and attach registered mail stamps (404 yen).
4. Documents related to the affiliated organization by activity category
Since Highly Skilled Professional (i) corresponds to activities under existing visa statuses, documents related to the affiliated organization required for those visa status applications must also be submitted.
- Category (i)(a): Documents required for Professor, Researcher, and similar visa status applications
- Category (i)(b): Documents required for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, and similar visa status applications
- Category (i)(c): Documents required for Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, and similar visa status applications
5. Points Calculation Sheet — 1 copy
Use the calculation sheet that matches your activity category (a/b/c). One file contains three sheets for categories (a), (b), and (c).
6. Supporting documents for each points item
Submit documents that prove a total of 70 points or more. It is not necessary to provide proof for every item; you only need to demonstrate that the total reaches 70 points or more.
Examples of supporting documents:
- Academic background: Graduation certificate, degree certificate
- Work experience: Employment certificate, career certificate
- Annual income: Employment contract, pay slips, withholding tax certificate
- Age: Copy of passport
- Research achievements: List of papers, copy of patent certificate, award certificate
- Japanese language ability: JLPT certificate, BJT score certificate
- University-related: Confirm whether the university graduated from qualifies for bonus points
Application for Change of Status of Residence — Highly Skilled Professional (i)
This application is for changing from another visa status to Highly Skilled Professional (i), or for holders of Highly Skilled Professional (i) who are changing their activities or affiliated organization.
Requirements
- The activity falls under one of the Highly Skilled Professional (i) categories: (a), (b), or (c)
- Meets the criteria prescribed by the Ministry of Justice ordinance
- Total points of 70 or more
Required Documents
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence — 1 copy
The form differs depending on the activity category. Please refer to Application Forms by Activity Category above.
2. Photograph — 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within the last 6 months, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
For presentation (if unable to present a passport, submit a written statement explaining the reason).
4. Documents related to the affiliated organization by activity category
Since Highly Skilled Professional (i) corresponds to activities under existing visa statuses, documents related to the affiliated organization required for those visa status applications must also be submitted.
- Category (i)(a): Documents required for Professor, Researcher, and similar visa status applications
- Category (i)(b): Documents required for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, and similar visa status applications
- Category (i)(c): Documents required for Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, and similar visa status applications
5. Points Calculation Sheet — 1 copy
Use the calculation sheet that matches your activity category (a/b/c). One file contains three sheets for categories (a), (b), and (c).
6. Supporting documents for each points item
Submit documents that prove a total of 70 points or more. It is not necessary to provide proof for every item; you only need to demonstrate that the total reaches 70 points or more.
Examples of supporting documents:
- Academic background: Graduation certificate, degree certificate
- Work experience: Employment certificate, career certificate
- Annual income: Employment contract, pay slips, withholding tax certificate
- Age: Copy of passport
- Research achievements: List of papers, copy of patent certificate, award certificate
- Japanese language ability: JLPT certificate, BJT score certificate
- University-related: Confirm whether the university graduated from qualifies for bonus points
Application for Extension of Period of Stay — Highly Skilled Professional (i)
This application is for holders of Highly Skilled Professional (i) who wish to extend their period of stay.
Requirements
- The applicant will continue the relevant activities
- Total points of 70 or more (it is not necessary to maintain 70 points or more throughout the entire period of stay, but the applicant must have 70 points or more at the time of the extension application)
- Good residency status
Required Documents
1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay — 1 copy
The form differs depending on the activity category. Please refer to Application Forms by Activity Category above.
2. Photograph — 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within the last 6 months, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
4. Documents related to the affiliated organization by activity category
Since Highly Skilled Professional (i) corresponds to activities under existing visa statuses, documents related to the affiliated organization required for those visa status applications must also be submitted.
- Category (i)(a): Documents required for Professor, Researcher, and similar visa status applications
- Category (i)(b): Documents required for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, and similar visa status applications
- Category (i)(c): Documents required for Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, and similar visa status applications
5. Points Calculation Sheet — 1 copy
Use the calculation sheet that matches your activity category (a/b/c). One file contains three sheets for categories (a), (b), and (c).
6. Supporting documents for each points item
Submit documents that prove a total of 70 points or more. It is not necessary to provide proof for every item; you only need to demonstrate that the total reaches 70 points or more.
Examples of supporting documents:
- Academic background: Graduation certificate, degree certificate
- Work experience: Employment certificate, career certificate
- Annual income: Employment contract, pay slips, withholding tax certificate
- Age: Copy of passport
- Research achievements: List of papers, copy of patent certificate, award certificate
- Japanese language ability: JLPT certificate, BJT score certificate
- University-related: Confirm whether the university graduated from qualifies for bonus points
Application for Change of Status of Residence — Highly Skilled Professional (ii)
This application is for holders of Highly Skilled Professional (i) or Designated Activities (Highly Skilled Professional) who wish to change to Highly Skilled Professional (ii) (indefinite period of stay).
Requirements
- The activity falls under Highly Skilled Professional (ii)
- Total points of 70 or more
- Has resided in Japan for 3 years or more under Highly Skilled Professional (i) or Designated Activities (Highly Skilled Professional)
- Good conduct
- The foreign national’s stay in Japan is recognized as being in the interest of Japan
- The relevant activities do not have an adverse effect on Japan’s industry or the lives of its citizens
Required Documents
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence — 1 copy
If there is no change in activities from category (i), use the same form as used for the category (i) change of status application.
2. Photograph — 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within the last 6 months, front-facing, without hat, plain background. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
For presentation (if unable to present a passport, submit a written statement explaining the reason).
4. Documents related to the affiliated organization by activity category
Follow the required documents for the corresponding visa status (Professor, Researcher, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Business Manager, etc.).
5. Points Calculation Sheet — 1 copy
To receive document reduction benefits with 80 points or more, you must demonstrate 80 points or more. One file contains three sheets for categories (a), (b), and (c).
6. Supporting documents for each points item
Submit documents that prove a total of 70 points or more (or 80 points or more).
7. Resident Tax Taxation/Non-Taxation Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate
Certificates for the most recent 5 years are required. However, the period may be shortened in the following cases:
- If 70 points or more have been maintained for 3 years or more: most recent 3 years
- If 80 points or more have been maintained for 1 year or more: most recent 1 year
Additionally, if there are periods where taxes were not collected through special collection (payroll deduction), documents proving payment for those periods (receipts, bank statements, etc.) are also required.
8. National Tax Payment Status Confirmation Documents
Submit the Tax Payment Certificate (No. 3) issued by the tax office. No. 3 is a document that certifies there are no outstanding tax payments for the relevant tax items. Certification for the following 5 tax items is required:
- Withholding income tax and special income tax for reconstruction
- Self-assessed income tax and special income tax for reconstruction
- Consumption tax and local consumption tax
- Inheritance tax
- Gift tax
9. Documents proving income
Submit copies of bank passbooks, etc.
10. Public pension insurance premium payment status certification documents
Most recent 2 years (if 80 points or more have been maintained for 1 year or more, most recent 1 year)
Submit one of the following:
- Insured person’s record inquiry response issued by the pension office, or
- Nenkin Teikibin (Pension Regular Notice) — full period version, or
- Nenkin Net printout of “Monthly Pension Records”, or
- Copy of National Pension insurance premium receipts (if there is a period of National Pension enrollment)
11. Public health insurance premium payment status certification documents
Most recent 2 years (if 80 points or more have been maintained for 1 year or more, most recent 1 year)
Submit the following documents depending on your insurance enrollment status:
If enrolled in employer-provided health insurance:
- Copy of health insurance card (if continuously enrolled for the most recent 2 years, this alone is sufficient)
If enrolled in National Health Insurance:
- Copy of National Health Insurance card
- National Health Insurance premium (tax) payment certificate
- Copy of National Health Insurance premium (tax) receipts
If you are the business owner of a workplace subject to social insurance:
- Copy of health insurance/employees’ pension insurance premium receipts (most recent 2 years), or
- Social insurance premium payment certificate or social insurance premium payment confirmation (application) form
Points Calculation Sheet Bonus Items
In addition to the basic items (academic background, work experience, annual income, age), the following bonus items can provide additional points.
Bonus 1 Research achievements — up to 25 points (category (a)) / up to 20 points (category (b))
One or more patented inventions, publicly funded research achievements, three or more academic papers, etc. Not applicable to category (c).
Bonus 2 Position — up to 10 points (category (c) only)
Representative Director/Representative Executive Officer: 10 points, Director/Executive Officer: 5 points.
Bonus 3 Job-related Japanese national qualifications — up to 10 points (category (b) only)
5 points per qualification, up to 10 points maximum.
Bonus 4 Employment at an organization receiving innovation promotion support measures — 10 points
An additional 10 points if the organization is a small or medium-sized enterprise.
Bonus 5 Employment at a small or medium-sized enterprise with R&D expenditure ratio exceeding 3% — 5 points
Bonus 6 Job-related foreign qualifications, etc. — 5 points
Bonus 7 Degree obtained from a Japanese higher education institution — 10 points
Bonus 8 JLPT N1 holders — 15 points
BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 480 or above is also recognized as equivalent. Includes those who graduated from a foreign university with a major in Japanese language.
Bonus 9 JLPT N2 holders — 10 points
BJT score of 400 or above is also recognized as equivalent. However, those who have earned points under Bonus 7 or Bonus 8 are excluded.
Bonus 10 Engagement in cutting-edge projects in growth fields — 10 points
Limited to projects recognized by the Minister of Justice.
Bonus 11 Graduates of universities designated by the Minister of Justice — 10 points
Applies to universities in world university rankings, Super Global Universities, and Innovative Asia partner universities.
Bonus 12 Completion of training programs designated by the Minister of Justice — 5 points
Bonus 13 Investment of 100 million yen or more in a managed business — 5 points (category (c) only)
Bonus 14 Engagement in investment management and related services — 10 points
Bonus 15 Employment at an organization receiving highly skilled professional acceptance promotion support measures from a local government — 10 points
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