MIGRATION TO JAPAN

 “Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals” was introduced by the Japanese government to attract more foreign talent with advanced and specialised skills to work and do business in Japan, it is like the Japanese version of ‘Green Card’. Many people think that the threshold is very high, but the truth is that many people are eligible to apply. At the end of 2021, there were 10,309 Chinese (including Hong Kong SAR) and 873 American nationals holding this premium visa. Below we will introduce you to this premium visa so that you don't miss out on the opportunity to apply.

There are 2 categories of “Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals”:

1. Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals (i)
2. Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals (ii)

The main difference between the two categories is that the period of stay for Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional Visa (i) is 5 years and the period of stay for Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals Visa (ii) is indefinite. Holders of Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals Visa (i) can apply for upgrading to Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals Visa (ii) after 3 years in Japan or apply for permanent residency in Japan.

The three Categories of Activities of Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals Visa:

• [ Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals (i) (a)] Advanced academic research activities
• [ Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals (i) (b)] Advanced specialized/ technical activities
• [ Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals (i) (c)] Advanced business management activities

Each of the three categories above has its own Point Calculation Table, and the main items to be scored include:

1. Educational Attainment
2. Professional Experience
3. Annual Salary in Japan
4. Level of Japanese Language Proficiency, N1 or N2 level
5. Graduation from Overseas Universities Ranked above 300
6. Academic Research / Science and Technical Activities

The below attachment is the Point Calculation Tables of the 3 categories mentioned before. You can use it to calculate your points or ask us help you with the calculation. According to the Point Calculation Table, if you score 70 points or more and earn an annual salary of 3 million yen in Japan, you are eligible to apply.

• Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals (i) (a)
• Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals (i) (b)
• Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals (i) (c)

“Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals” Preferential Treatment

1. Grant five-years period of stay.
2. Those with 70 points can apply for permanent residency after 3 years living in Japan; those with 80 points or more can apply for permanent residency after 1 year living in Japan.
3. You can engage in activities that span multiple statuses of residence.
4. Spouse can apply for a full-time work permit.
5. During pregnancy or you have a child under 7 years old and have a household annual income of 8 million yen or more, ability to apply for parent(s) to come to Japan under certain conditions.
6. Ability to sponsor a housekeeper when meeting certain requirements.
7. Preferential processing visa procedures.

The ”Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals” visa is the fastest way to obtain a permanent residency in Japan.

If you are not sure if you have reached enough points to apply for “Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals”, please contact our experienced consultants today. We will be happy to assist and see whether you are currently eligible to apply. If you have not yet met the required 70 points, we can give you advice on what additional preparation you need. Let us work with you along the way to achieve all the requirements.