Short answer: A score of 70 points allows Highly Skilled Professional status; 80 points maintained for about one year can support the shortened permanent-residence residence-period exception (about three years at 70). For Taiwanese applicants, the levers they can most actively improve are usually Japanese (N1 often +15, N2 +10), crossing the next salary band, and education or designated-university bonuses. Calculate on the official table first, then decide whether to prioritise the language exam or a salary discussion.
Why does 80 points matter so much more than 70?
Seventy points is the basic threshold for HSP status. Eighty points links directly to the permanent-residence exception: when other PR conditions are met, maintaining 80 points for about one year can support a shorter residence-period requirement, versus about three years on the 70-point track. For Taiwanese already working in Japan who want status stability sooner, ten extra points often mean two fewer years of waiting. See Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa HSP.
Most effective controllable boosts for Taiwanese applicants
Japanese: JLPT N1 (or BJT 480+) is usually +15; N2 (or BJT 400+) +10. N1 can stack with a Japanese-university graduation bonus; N2 cannot be combined with certain Japanese-related bonuses. Salary: each band crossed often adds about 5 points depending on age, for example moving from the ¥6 million band toward ¥7–8 million. Education: master’s 20, doctorate 30; designated world-ranked or Japanese universities add further points. Some Taiwan IT-related exams appear on official lists and may add points—always check the latest table.
How to prioritise common score-building combinations
If you sit at 65–75: prioritise N2 or N1; language gains are often faster than the next raise. If you already hold N2 and salary is near the next band: negotiate with the employer or move to a higher-paid role that still fits an HSP activity type. If you hold only a bachelor’s: consider a master’s or research achievements. Every point needs certificates, employment letters, tax or pay evidence; undocumented points do not count.
70-point vs 80-point path
| Item | 70-point path | 80-point path |
|---|---|---|
| Obtain HSP | Yes | Yes |
| PR residence-period exception | About 3 years in principle | About 1 year in principle |
| Common gap | Japanese or one salary band | One further bonus |
| Best for | Already eligible, secure status first | Aiming for fastest PR |
Global Immigrate’s recommendation
Run a full calculation on the latest Immigration Services Agency points table and list “already provable” versus “achievable within six months.” Taiwanese applicants often over-weight years of experience and under-weight the marginal effect of Japanese and salary bands. When changing jobs, confirm the new role still falls under an HSP activity type, or status and points may both be affected. Those targeting 80 points should plan evidence at the same time as the change or renewal so the score is reachable and documentable.
Data current as of October 2026.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.