Short answer: the Special Highly Skilled Professional system (J-Skip), launched in April 2023, skips the HSP points test and looks only at education or experience plus pay. If you qualify you get the Highly Skilled Professional visa, can apply for permanent residence after one year in Japan, and get more benefits than regular HSP holders.
J-Skip requirements
| Category | Examples | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced academic research | Professors, researchers | Master’s or above, or ten years’ relevant experience; JPY 20 million+ a year |
| Advanced specialised or technical | Corporate engineers, professionals | Master’s or above, or ten years’ relevant experience; JPY 20 million+ a year |
| Advanced business management | Business owners, executives | Five years’ management experience; JPY 40 million+ a year |
Pay means remuneration for the relevant activity in Japan.
J-Skip vs regular HSP
| Regular HSP | J-Skip | |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | 70+ points | Education or experience plus pay |
| PR | One year at 80 points, three at 70 | One year |
| HSP No. 2 | After three years on No. 1 | After one year on No. 1 |
| Domestic helpers | One if conditions are met | Up to two with household income of JPY 30 million+, no family-circumstance conditions |
| Airport priority lanes | No | At major airports |
Who it suits
- Senior professionals or executives with high pay who may not reach the points.
- Those who’d rather not compile extensive points evidence.
- Taiwanese and Hong Kong talent already employed or hired on a high salary by a Japanese company.
Points to note
- Pay must come from a Japanese employer or business, with evidence.
- After PR, leaving Japan requires a re-entry permit — see leaving Japan as a permanent resident.
If you don’t meet J-Skip, apply for regular HSP on points — see how HSP points work. As of October 2026; subject to the Immigration Services Agency’s latest announcements.