Guide to Obtaining Permanent Residency for Highly-Skilled Professionals in Japan
Guide to Obtaining Permanent Residency for Highly-Skilled Professionals in Japan
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process for highly-skilled professionals seeking permanent residency (PR) in Japan. Due to relaxed requirements for highly-skilled professionals, individuals in this category can obtain PR faster than general foreign residents. Here’s everything you need to know about securing your PR in Japan.
Fast-Track Permanent Residency: 1 to 3 Years for Highly-Skilled Professionals
Highly-skilled professionals in Japan, identified through the Highly-Skilled Professional (HSP) points system, may apply for PR after a minimum stay of just 1 or 3 years. Even if you are currently on a visa other than HSP, you can still qualify if your HSP points are 70 or more. However, meeting the points criteria is just the first step; additional requirements must be met to secure PR.
Advantages of Obtaining Permanent Residency for Highly-Skilled Professionals
1. Freedom of Work and Activity
With permanent residency, restrictions on employment and work sectors that apply to the HSP visa are lifted. You can freely switch jobs, start a business, or even retire without affecting your residency status.
2. Indefinite Stay
Permanent residency eliminates the need for visa renewals, allowing you to live in Japan without the stress of regular immigration processes. Even highly-skilled professionals on a 5-year visa need to renew, but PR holders do not.
3. Employment Freedom for Family Members
Family members, such as spouses or children, will also benefit from fewer work restrictions, giving your household greater flexibility and more career opportunities.
4. Enhanced Financial Opportunities
PR status makes it easier to secure loans from banks for housing or business ventures. In fact, some banks only lend to business owners who are permanent residents, making PR essential for entrepreneurs.
Eligibility for Permanent Residency: Criteria for Highly-Skilled Professionals
1. 70+ Points for a 3-Year Stay
If you have an HSP score of 70 or more, the standard 10-year residency requirement is shortened to just 3 years.
2. 80+ Points for a 1-Year Stay
For those with 80 or more points, the required period is reduced further to just 1 year. Importantly, you do not need to hold an HSP visa to qualify; other visas like Professor or Engineer also count, as long as the points are met.
How to Calculate HSP Points
- HSP (1a): For academic professionals like university professor.
- HSP (1b): For corporate employees or engineers.
Permanent Residency Requirements: Key Evaluation Factors
Beyond scoring 70 or 80 points, applicants must fulfill additional requirements to qualify for PR. These include:
1. Good Conduct (Behavioral Requirement)
Applicants must adhere to Japanese laws, with no history of serious criminal activity. Traffic violations, while not criminal, can still impact your application if they are frequent.
2. Financial Independence (Economic Requirement)
You must demonstrate financial stability, typically with an annual income of at least 3 million JPY. For families, this figure increases by approximately 700,000–800,000 JPY per dependent.
3. Contribution to Japan’s National Interest (Public Interest Requirement)
Your continued residence must align with Japan’s national interests, particularly if you have maintained 80+ points for at least 1 year or 70+ points for 3 years.
4. Guarantor Requirement
You will need a guarantor who is either a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident. This guarantor must have a stable income and no outstanding tax obligations.
Detailed Review of Additional Requirements
1. Behavioral Requirement
You must not have any serious legal violations such as imprisonment or fines for five years preceding the application. Repeated minor infractions, such as traffic tickets, could negatively impact your application.
2. Financial Independence
You must show that you are financially stable, with no reliance on public assistance. Your annual income should be no less than 3 million JPY. For applicants with dependents, additional income is required, roughly 70,000 to 80,000 JPY per dependent.
3. Stability After Job Changes
If you change jobs frequently, it may be seen as a lack of stability. It is recommended to wait at least one year after changing jobs before applying for PR.
4. National Interest Requirement
Your PR application will be evaluated based on whether it benefits Japan. Factors include your HSP score (70+ for 3 years, 80+ for 1 year), and proper tax and social insurance payments.
5. Guarantor Obligations
A guarantor must ensure that the applicant can cover living and return expenses and comply with Japanese laws. Though the guarantor does not bear legal responsibility for these, failure in their moral obligation could impact future applications.
Examination Period for Permanent Residency Applications
While the official processing time is listed as 4 months, current trends suggest that it can take between 10 and 15 months due to increasing scrutiny and application volumes. This timeline can vary depending on your specific situation and the immigration office processing your case.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step Toward Permanent Residency
For highly-skilled professionals, obtaining permanent residency in Japan offers numerous benefits, including job flexibility, financial security, and long-term stability. By fulfilling the points-based criteria and additional requirements, you can make Japan your permanent home. Be sure to check your eligibility, prepare the necessary documents, and consult a specialist if you have any concerns.
If you need further assistance with your PR application, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for guidance.
