Short answer: Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional visa generally requires a total of 70 points or more. Points are awarded mainly for academic background, relevant work experience, annual salary, age and Japanese-language ability, with additional bonus items available. Weightings differ slightly across activity types, and some categories set a minimum income floor.
How many points can education provide?
Education forms a core part of the score. Doctorates usually attract the highest points, followed by master’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees. Graduating from a designated world-ranked university or a Japanese university can add further points. Dual degrees or certain professional degrees (such as an MBA) may also earn extra points in some categories. See Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa HSP.
How are work experience and salary scored?
Longer periods of relevant work experience yield higher points, up to a defined maximum. Salary points are linked to age: younger applicants can earn points at lower salary levels, while older applicants need higher income for the same score. Certain activity types also require a minimum annual income of roughly ¥3 million.
What are the common bonus items?
Frequent bonuses include JLPT N1 or N2, graduation from a Japanese university, designated innovation-support measures, specific professional qualifications, research achievements or patents, and a spouse who also meets highly skilled criteria. Bonus lists are updated from time to time, so the latest official tables should be checked before applying.
Overview of main point categories
| Item | General direction | Points to note |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Graduated scale for doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s | Designated universities may add extra points |
| Work experience | Increases with relevant years | Must relate to the intended activity |
| Annual salary | Combined with age bands | Some categories have a minimum income rule |
| Age | Higher points for younger applicants | Points decrease with age |
| Japanese | N1 or N2 can add points | Some Japanese-related bonuses cannot be combined |
Global Immigrate’s recommendation
Start by calculating base points from education, experience and expected salary, then see whether Japanese tests, designated-university status or other bonuses can close any gap. Applicants close to 70 points should ensure every claimed item is fully documented. Always verify figures against the latest official points table rather than older summaries.
Data current as of October 2026.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.