Highly Skilled Professional

　Highly Skilled Professional is categorized into four types: Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a), (i)(b), (i)(c), and Highly Skilled Professional (ii).

　This visa category was established to promote the acceptance of highly skilled foreign professionals by offering various preferential immigration benefits that are not available under other visa types.

　As a result, it is drawing attention from top-tier global talent and companies seeking to drive business growth through international recruitment.

⑴　Period of stay

　The "Highly Skilled Professional" offers the following benefits:1) Period of Stay For holders of the Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a), (i)(b), and (i)(c), the maximum period of stay permitted under immigration law—five years—is uniformly granted.

　This period can be renewed, allowing holders to continue residing in Japan under the Highly Skilled Professional (i) status by renewing their visa every five years.

　For holders of the Highly Skilled Professional (ii) visa, the period of stay is unlimited, which means there is no need to renew the visa.

　This is a significant benefit of the (ii) status.

⑵　 Combined Activities of Residence

　Generally, foreign nationals are only permitted to engage in activities allowed under a single designated status of residence.

　However, holders of the Highly Skilled Professional (i) visa are allowed to conduct multiple activities across different status categories.

　For example, in addition to their main permitted activities, they may also manage related business operations.

　Furthermore, once they obtain the Highly Skilled Professional (ii) status, they gain the significant benefit of being able to engage in activities permitted under nearly all work-related visa categories.　

⑶　Other Benefits

　Highly Skilled Professionals enjoy various additional preferential treatments, such as relaxed restrictions on employment for accompanying family members and eased requirements for obtaining permanent residency.

　The Highly Skilled Professional is granted based on a points system that evaluates the applicant’s academic background, work experience, annual income, age, and other factors.

　To be approved for this visa, the total points must exceed a certain threshold.

　The points calculation system is complex, and various documents are required to prove the eligibility for each point category.

　Managing this process solely by the applicant or company personnel can be very challenging.

　Therefore, when considering applying for the Highly Skilled Professional, it is recommended to first consult with a lawyer who has expertise in handling this type of visa application.