Highly Skilled Professional (i)
🇯🇵 Japan visas · Work
What it is
Points-based visa for highly skilled foreign professionals in advanced academic research (a), specialized/technical activities (b), or business management (c). Requires 70+ points on the government calculator.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- 5 years (initial grant)
- Processing time
- 3 months
- Maximum validity
- 5 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (band 14,900-15,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 15,100
- Application fee (band 29,900-30,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 30,100
Key requirements
- Score 70+ points on the HSP calculator (academic background, work experience, age, salary)
- Valid employment contract or letter of appointment from a Japanese organization
- Relevant degree or professional qualification
- Certificate of Eligibility obtained by employer/sponsor
Working on this visa
The status of residence permits only the activities listed for it in the Immigration Control Act's annexed table; other paid activity needs separate permission.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 22 July 2026.