Advantages of Holding IT Certifications for Japan’s Permanent Residency Applications: Eligibility and Benefits
What IT qualifications can be counted towards HSP points in an permanent residence application?
IT qualification holders recognised by Japan (IT KOKUJI) may be granted PR after only 1 year’s stay in Japan.
IT Qualifications That Count Towards HSP Points for Permanent Residency in Japan
When applying for permanent residency (PR) in Japan through the Highly-Skilled Professional (HSP) points system, IT qualifications recognized by the Japanese government under the “IT KOKUJI” system can play a significant role in boosting your points. This preferential treatment for IT professionals is designed to attract skilled individuals and simplify their path to PR.
The Role of IT Qualifications in HSP Points for PR Applications
For applicants seeking PR through the HSP points system, a key advantage lies in holding IT qualifications recognized under the IT KOKUJI law. Here’s how it works:
- If you score 70 or more points: You may apply for PR after 3 years of stay in Japan.
- If you score 80 or more points: You may apply for PR after just 1 year of stay.
Holding IT qualifications can add up to 10 points to your total HSP score, which can be crucial for applicants who might fall short in other areas such as income or language skills.
IT Points Breakdown for HSP System
- One IT qualification: Adds 5 points to your HSP score.
- Multiple IT qualifications: Adds 10 points to your HSP score.
These points can make the difference between qualifying for PR in 1 or 3 years, especially if other factors like annual income or Japanese language proficiency aren’t enough to reach the 70 or 80-point thresholds.
Eligible IT Qualifications for HSP Points
Japan recognizes specific IT certifications under the IT KOKUJI law, many of which are part of mutual recognition agreements with IT certification bodies from 12 Asian countries. Notably, popular private certifications such as those from Microsoft, CISCO, or AWS are not covered.
The countries with mutual recognition agreements include:
- India
- Singapore
- South Korea
- China
- The Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Myanmar
- Malaysia
- Taiwan
- Mongolia
- Bangladesh
These countries, along with Japan’s Information-Technology Promotion Agency (IPA), collaborate to ensure that IT professionals with relevant certifications receive preferential treatment.
How IT Qualifications Can Boost Your PR Application
If your current HSP points fall short due to factors such as salary, work experience, or language skills, possessing recognized IT qualifications can significantly improve your chances of meeting the required 70 or 80 points. For example:
- A professional with insufficient work experience may use an IT qualification to bridge the gap in their points.
- Those who lack advanced Japanese language skills but hold recognized IT certifications can still qualify for PR.
(Application for permanent residence using HSP points).
Passed an examination or held a qualification as specified in the IT KOKUJI
You have One IT certification：５ point
More than 2 IT certifications：10 point
Examples of eligible IT qualifications
Japan (IPA) has signed a commitment for mutual recognition of IT qualifications with IT examinations bodies in 12 Asian countries (India, Singapore, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia and Bangladesh).
Japanese IT Certificate
イ 情報処理の促進に関する法律（昭和四十五年法律第九十号）に基づき経済産業大臣が実施する情報処理安全確保支援士試験
ロ 情報処理の促進に関する法律に基づき経済産業大臣が実施する情報処理技術者試験のうち次に掲げるもの
ITストラテジスト試験
システムアーキテクト試験
プロジェクトマネージャ試験
ネットワークスペシャリスト試験
データベーススペシャリスト試験
エンベデッドシステムスペシャリスト試験
ＩＴサービスマネージャ試験
システム監査技術者試験
応用情報技術者試験
基本情報技術者試験
情報セキュリティマネジメント試験
ハ 通商産業大臣又は経済産業大臣が実施した情報処理技術者試験で次に掲げるもの
第一種情報処理技術者認定試験
第二種情報処理技術者認定試験
第一種情報処理技術者試験
第二種情報処理技術者試験
特種情報処理技術者試験
情報処理システム監査技術者試験
オンライン情報処理技術者試験
ネットワークスペシャリスト試験
システム運用管理エンジニア試験
プロダクションエンジニア試験
データベーススペシャリスト試験
マイコン応用システムエンジニア試験
システムアナリスト試験
システム監査技術者試験
アプリケーションエンジニア試験
プロジェクトマネージャ試験
上級システムアドミニストレータ試験
ソフトウェア開発技術者試験
テクニカルエンジニア（ネットワーク）試験
テクニカルエンジニア（データベース）試験
テクニカルエンジニア（システム管理）試験
テクニカルエンジニア（エンベデッドシステム）試験
テクニカルエンジニア（情報セキュリティ）試験
情報セキュリティアドミニストレータ試験
情報セキュリティスペシャリスト試験
Chinese IT Certificate
a.中国工業和信息化部教育与考試中心
系統分析師（System Analyst）
信息系統項目管理師（Information System Project Manager）
系統架構設計師（システム・アーキテクト）
軟件設計師（ソフトウェア設計エンジニア）
網絡工程師（Network Engineer）
数据庫系統工程師（Database System Engineer）
程序員（プログラマ）
b.中国信息産業部電子教育中心 or 中国工業和信息化部電子教育与考試中心
系統分析員（System Analyst）
高級程序員（Software Engineer）
系統分析師（System Analyst）
軟件設計師（ソフトウェア設計エンジニア）
網絡工程師（Network Engineer）
数据庫系統工程師（Database System Engineer）
程序員（プログラマ）
Korian IT Certificate
Given by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea(HRD, 韓国産業人力公団)
- 기술사, Professional Engineer
- 기능장, Master Craftsman
- 기사, 技師, Engineer
- 산업기사, 産業技師, Industrial Engineer
Taiwan IT Certificate
a.軟体設計専業人員
b.網路通訊専業人員
c.資訊安全管理専業人員
Singapore IT Certificate
Given by the Singapore Computer Society
- CITPM (Certified IT Project Manager)
Professional
Masakazu Murai
18 years experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley(JV, MUFG Bank and Morgan Stanley). He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
During his tenure, he worked as an employee union executive committee member in promoting diversity, including the active participation of foreigners and women in the office, and engaged in activities to improve the working environment. He specializes in financial consulting and VISA/PR consulting.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
