Highly Skilled Professionals to Obtain Permanent Residency in Japan After One Year
Pathways for Highly Skilled Professionals
to Obtain Permanent Residency in Japan
After One Year
Highly skilled foreign professionals may qualify for permanent residency in Japan just after one year of residence, through two main routes:
- Applying for Permanent Residency with 80 or More Points in the Highly Skilled Professional Points System.
- Applying as a Designated Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip).
Achieving Permanent Residency Through High Skill Points
Most foreign professionals will apply for permanent residency after accumulating 80 or more points in the Highly Skilled Professional Points System within a year of landing in Japan. This system assesses factors such as educational qualifications, professional experience, income, Japanese language proficiency, research achievements, and the status of the employer to calculate points. If you can prove to have maintained or reached 80 points at the time of your first arrival and one year thereafter, you can apply for permanent residency as soon as one year after your arrival in Japan. *Please refer to the system’s details for more information.
Designated Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip) for Faster Residency
The J-Skip system is designed to offer even more benefits than the current Highly Skilled Professional visa. If you meet certain educational, professional, and income criteria, you’re granted a five-year residency status as a “Special Highly Skilled Professional” with expanded privileges including employing up to two domestic workers, significantly relaxed activity restrictions for spouses, and access to priority lanes at airports. This pathway also allows for permanent residency after just one year of residence in Japan.
Other Pathways to Permanent Residency Within One Year
Even if you do not qualify as a highly skilled professional, other individuals such as those married to a Japanese citizen or permanent resident for at least three years, or former Japanese citizens, may also be eligible for permanent residency after a minimum of one year’s residence in Japan.
Given the complexity and stringent review process of Japan’s permanent residency system, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from specialized administrative lawyers to navigate the application process successfully.
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
