How to Obtain a Permanent Resident Visa Using the Point System for Highly Skilled Human Resources

In order to apply for a Permanent Resident visa, you typically need to have resided in Japan for at least 10 years. However, if you qualify as highly skilled personnel under Japan's point system, the residency requirement can be reduced to as little as 1 year.

Definition of Highly Skilled Personnel

According to Japan's Immigration Bureau, highly skilled personnel are individuals whose expertise and abilities are expected to contribute significantly to the Japanese economy through innovation and competition with local talent. These individuals are categorized into three main groups:

• Engaging in advanced professional or technical activities (e.g., IT engineers)
• Engaging in academic research or education (e.g., university professors)
• Engaging in business management or administration (e.g., corporate executives)

To qualify as highly skilled personnel, individuals must achieve a score of at least 70 points on the point calculation table, which evaluates factors such as education, work experience, income, and Japanese language proficiency.

About Japan's Point System for Highly Skilled Human Resources

The Japanese government has introduced a point system to recognize highly skilled human resources, aiming to attract individuals with specialized expertise. Points are allocated based on factors such as educational background, work experience, annual income, and Japanese language proficiency. To be classified as highly skilled personnel, individuals need to score at least 70 points. Those who meet this threshold can benefit from various preferential treatments, including faster eligibility for Permanent Resident status.

Benefits and Preferential Treatment for Highly Skilled Professionals in Japan

Highly skilled professionals in Japan enjoy several advantages. These include the ability to bring family members to Japan, employment authorization for their spouse, and permission to hire domestic workers. Additionally, highly skilled personnel can benefit from a reduced residency period to apply for Permanent Resident status. For individuals scoring 80 points or more, the minimum residency requirement is reduced to just 1 year, significantly shortening the pathway to obtaining Permanent Residency in Japan.

General Requirements for a Permanent Resident Visa

To qualify for a Permanent Resident visa in Japan, applicants must meet the following core requirements. These requirements ensure that individuals have established a stable life in Japan and are contributing positively to society.

• Good Conduct Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate adherence to Japanese laws, have no criminal record, and live in a manner that upholds social responsibility. This includes fulfilling all legal obligations during residency.
• Financial Independence Requirement: Applicants must show they can financially support themselves and their families without relying on public welfare. This is usually evidenced by stable income or significant financial assets.
• Continuous Residence Requirement: In general, applicants must have continuously resided in Japan for a minimum of 10 years, with at least 5 years under a work visa or other qualifying status (e.g., spouse visa).
  • A. The applicant must not have received fines or prison sentences during their stay in Japan.
  • B. The applicant must have met all public obligations, including paying taxes, contributing to the pension system, and maintaining public health insurance.
  • C. The applicant must currently hold the maximum residency period allowed for their visa status (typically 3 or 5 years).
  • D. The applicant must not pose any risk to public health.

Relaxed Visa Requirements for Highly Skilled Personnel

Japan offers a fast-track process for highly skilled professionals under its point-based immigration system. Instead of the usual 10-year residency requirement, highly skilled personnel can qualify for Permanent Resident status after a much shorter period:

• Individuals scoring between 70 and 79 points on the points table may apply after 3 years of continuous residence.
• Individuals scoring 80 points or higher can apply after just 1 year of continuous residence.

The points system evaluates a range of criteria, including your educational background, work experience, annual income, and proficiency in the Japanese language. Achieving a high score not only shortens the residency requirement but also offers additional benefits and preferential treatment.

Can You Apply for a Japan Permanent Resident Visa Without Being Highly Skilled?

Many people believe that to apply for a Japan Permanent Resident visa, you need to be classified as "Highly Skilled Personnel." However, even if you are not categorized as highly skilled, it is still possible to qualify for the Permanent Resident visa if you meet certain criteria through Japan's points-based system. Let's explore the key factors that contribute to achieving the required points for Permanent Resident eligibility.

Explanation of the Points Calculation for Highly Skilled Personnel

Japan's points-based immigration system allows individuals to accumulate points based on factors such as education, work experience, income, and Japanese language proficiency. Achieving a score of 70 points or more can provide significant advantages when applying for Permanent Residency. Here are the main criteria and how points are calculated:

• Educational Background: A doctoral degree earns 30 points, the highest available. A master's degree awards 20 points, and additional points are granted for those who graduated from Japanese universities or other recognized institutions.
• Work Experience: Applicants with over 10 years of experience in their professional field can earn up to 20 points. This emphasizes the value of practical, long-term expertise in your field.
• Annual Income: Annual earnings above 10 million yen can contribute up to 40 points. Even lower income brackets provide points, but higher income levels yield more.
• Age: Individuals under 30 years old receive 15 points. Points gradually decrease as age increases, with no points awarded for those over 40 years old.
• Japanese Language Proficiency: Passing the JLPT N1 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) awards 15 points. Additionally, scoring 480 or higher on the BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) can provide further points for those with business-level Japanese skills.

Is it Necessary to Switch to a Highly Skilled Personnel Visa?

You may be wondering if it is necessary to switch to a Highly Skilled Personnel visa to take advantage of the points system. The good news is, it is not always required. If you already hold a visa such as the Technology/Humanities/International Affairs visa and meet the points threshold (70 points or higher), you can still benefit from the shortened residency requirement without changing your visa category.

For example, if you score between 70 and 79 points, you can apply for Permanent Resident status after just 3 years of continuous residence. If you score 80 points or more, the required residency period is reduced to only 1 year. This relaxation applies even if you do not hold a specific Highly Skilled Personnel visa.

Points Calculation Table for Japan's Highly Skilled Human Resources

Japan's immigration system uses a points-based framework to evaluate highly skilled professionals seeking Permanent Resident status. By achieving a certain score, individuals may qualify for Permanent Residency after 1 or 3 years of residence in Japan. Points are awarded based on educational background, work experience, annual income, age, and Japanese language proficiency.

Example Cases for Permanent Resident Eligibility

Below are example cases of individuals who meet the points system requirements and can apply for Permanent Resident status:

• Case 1 - Recent Graduate with JLPT N1: A 29-year-old graduate from a Japanese university with JLPT N1 certification and an annual income exceeding 4 million yen for the past 3 years. This individual meets the 70-point requirement due to their educational background, language skills, and income.
• Case 2 - Experienced Professional: A 34-year-old with over 5 years of work experience, earning more than 5 million yen annually, and possessing JLPT N1 certification. This professional qualifies with over 70 points through their combination of experience, income, and language proficiency.
• Case 3 - Advanced Degree and High Income: A 39-year-old with a Master's degree, over 10 years of work experience, and an annual income exceeding 7 million yen. This individual qualifies with 80 points, allowing them to apply for Permanent Resident status after just 1 year of residency.

Breakdown of Points Calculation

The points system evaluates multiple factors, including educational qualifications, work experience, income, age, and Japanese language proficiency. Here's a detailed breakdown of how points are calculated:

• Educational Background: A doctoral degree earns 30 points, while a Master's degree provides 20 points. Additional points are available for graduates from Japanese universities or other institutions specified by the Minister of Justice.
• Work Experience: Practical work experience of 3 years or more earns points, with the highest points (20) awarded for individuals with over 10 years of experience in their field.
• Annual Income: Income is an important factor in the points system. For example, individuals aged 29 or younger earn points for incomes exceeding 4 million yen, and those aged 34 or younger earn points for incomes exceeding 5 million yen. The highest points (40) are awarded for incomes exceeding 10 million yen.
• Age: Individuals up to 39 years old are eligible for point allocation, with the highest points (15) awarded to individuals aged 29 or younger.
• Japanese Language Proficiency: Certification at the JLPT N1 level provides 15 points. Additional points may also be awarded for business-level proficiency, such as scoring 480 or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test.

By meeting these criteria, individuals can achieve a score of 70 points or more, making them eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status after 3 years of residency. Those who score 80 points or more can apply after just 1 year of residency.

Cases Eligible for Japan Permanent Resident Visa Through Points System

The points system for highly skilled human resources in Japan allows certain individuals to apply for Permanent Resident status after a shortened period of residence. Below are some example cases of individuals who qualify under this system. If any of these cases match your situation, you may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident visa.

• Case 1 - Young Graduate with JLPT N1: Individuals under 30 years old, who have graduated from a university in Japan (earning additional points), possess JLPT N1 certification, and have an annual income exceeding 4 million yen both currently and 3 years ago. This combination typically meets the 70-point threshold for eligibility.
• Case 2 - Experienced Professional: Individuals under 34 years old, who have graduated from a recognized overseas university, hold JLPT N1 certification, have over 5 years of work experience, and earn an annual income exceeding 5 million yen both currently and 3 years ago. This individual likely meets or exceeds the 70-point requirement.
• Case 3 - Advanced Degree Holder: Individuals under 39 years old, who have completed a Master's degree, have over 10 years of practical work experience, and an annual income exceeding 7 million yen both currently and 3 years ago. This individual qualifies for the 80-point threshold, which allows them to apply for Permanent Resident status after just 1 year of residence.

Challenges of Japan's Points System for Highly Skilled Visa Applications

Applying for a Permanent Resident visa through Japan's points system for highly skilled human resources can present challenges. The points considered at the time of application ("present") and those from either 1 or 3 years prior ("past") are both crucial in determining eligibility. Fluctuations in factors such as income, work experience, or qualifications can impact point totals over time. Below are scenarios that demonstrate when a Permanent Resident application is feasible and when it is not, based on the points system.

6-1. When You Can Apply for Japan Permanent Resident Visa Using Points System

• Case 1: Even though the applicant's points temporarily dropped to 65 within the 3-year period, both the points at the time of application and those from 3 years ago were 70 points. Therefore, the application for Permanent Resident status is feasible under the points system.
• Case 2: Despite the points at the time of application being lower than those from 1 year prior, both the current points and the points from 1 year ago were 80 points. Thus, the applicant is eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status under the points system for highly skilled personnel.

6-2. When You Cannot Apply for Japan Permanent Resident Visa Using Points System

• Case 1: Although the points from 1 year ago exceed 80 points, the current points at the time of application do not. Therefore, the applicant is ineligible to apply for Permanent Resident status under the points system. Additionally, even though the current points exceed 70 points, the points from 3 years ago fall below 70, making the application ineligible.
• Case 2: In this case, while the current points at the time of application are 80 points, the points from 1 year ago do not exceed 80 points, disqualifying the applicant from applying for Permanent Resident status. Similarly, even if the current points are above 70 points, if the points from 3 years ago are below 70, the application will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary: Japan Permanent Resident Visa for Highly Skilled Human Resources

Even if you do not currently hold a highly skilled personnel visa, you may still be eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status in Japan. By achieving the required score on the highly skilled human resource points table, you could qualify for Permanent Residency even if you haven't completed the full 10-year residency period.

Many individuals who have graduated from a Japanese university or graduate school and hold JLPT N1 certification are often able to surpass the 70-point threshold. However, because the points system assesses a wide range of factors, calculating your total score accurately can be challenging.

In addition to reaching the necessary points, the timing of your Permanent Resident visa application plays a crucial role. Seeking expert advice can help you streamline the application process and potentially shorten the time required to obtain Permanent Resident status.