Short answer: Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) system is points-based. Education, annual income, experience, age and Japanese ability are scored. 70 points qualifies for HSP status; 80 points can shorten the permanent-residence timeline when other conditions are met. A Japanese institutional sponsor is required. This is work residence, not investment migration.
Information current as of October 2026.
What does the points table measure?
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor / master / doctorate levels |
| Income | Age-linked salary bands |
| Experience | Relevant years |
| Age | Younger profiles often score better |
| Bonuses | Japanese, Japan degrees, research record |
Follow the Immigration Services Agency points table. See Japan HSP.
What is the difference between 70 and 80 points?
Both can obtain HSP status; 80+ can reduce the residence years needed for permanent residence when other tests are met.
How does it compare with the Business Manager visa?
HSP fits high-education high-income employment or research; Business Manager fits those establishing and running a company in Japan. See Japan Business Manager.
Global Immigrate note
Self-score on the official table before requesting employer certificates. Applications are handled by Global Immigrate’s in-house team; income evidence must match tax records.
Use programme matching or contact advisors.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.