Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP - 高度専門職)
Category: Work / Accelerated Residency · Processing time: 1-3 months (COE issuance).
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Apply through official authority
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-10-03.
Visa type
Work / Accelerated Residency
Processing time
1-3 months (COE issuance).
Fees
COE_Application: Free
Validity
5 years (standard grant).
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
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Overview
The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa in Japan offers preferential immigration treatment to attract exceptional global talent. This visa includes pathways for fast-track permanent reside
- Leads to permanent residency: No
- Requires job offer: Yes
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or higher (or 10+ years professional experience).
- Financial requirement: Points awarded for salary (e.g., ¥10M+ = 40 pts).
- Accommodation proof: Yes (Registered address required within 14 days of arrival).
Estimated Costs
- - COE_Application: Free
- - VisaApplicationFee: Confirm via local embassy (Standard work visa fees apply)
Required Documents
- - Official Points Calculation Table (breakdown + evidence)
- - Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- - Signed employment contract
- - University degree / Academic transcripts
- - Evidence of all claimed points (Tax records, bonus letters, patent certificates)
- - Compliance proof (No record of tax/pension delinquency)
Application Steps
- Calculate score using the official [ISA Points Calculation Table](https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/guide/hsp.html).
- Secure a job offer and verify that the employer can support the HSP visa requirements.
- Employer submits the Points Calculation Table and supporting evidence (degrees, salary proof, etc.) for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Receive the COE and apply for the HSP visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate.
- Enter Japan and receive your HSP residence card.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration Services Agency of Japan →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Browse foreign embassies in Japan (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Up to 5 years per permit
- - Multiple permitted activities
- - PR fast-track
- - Spousal work permission
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In Japan, obtaining the appropriate visa is important for anyone planning to work. Not all visas that allow entry into the country permit employment. For instance, a student visa allows limited work hours, while a work…
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
In Japan, tax residency is determined by your physical presence in the country. If you live in Japan for more than one year, you are considered a tax resident. This applies to various groups, including workers,…
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
In Japan, your right to stay is strictly tied to the type of visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa exemption you possess. You should understand that factors such as pending applications, job offers, or school…
Active scam alerts
In Japan, many newcomers, including visa applicants, families, students, and workers, may find themselves targeted by fraudulent agents who overcharge for services related to document translation, notarization, or…
In Japan, a common scam involves individuals impersonating airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents. These scammers may approach tourists, first-time travelers, workers, and students, claiming that a…
In Japan, prospective students and their families are increasingly targeted by fraudsters offering fake university admissions, scholarships, or student visa packages. These scams often originate from unofficial agents…
In Japan, newcomers sometimes hit housing scams where fake apartments are advertised to pressure them into paying a deposit before they have a chance to view the property or sign a legitimate contract. This scam is…
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Highly Skilled Professional. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Insufficient points accumulated based on the Official Points Calculation Table.
- - Inadequate or missing documentation, particularly concerning employment or educational qualifications.
- - Failure to meet compliance requirements, such as a record of tax or pension delinquency.
Application Tips
- - Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in processing.
- - Gather supporting evidence for each point claimed to strengthen your application.
- - Consider consulting an immigration specialist for guidance on the points calculation.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for applicants matching Work / Accelerated Residency pathway criteria.
Typical processing time is 1-3 months (COE issuance)., subject to documentation quality and application volume.
Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.