Q&A How many points are required to apply for a Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
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Supervised by an Administrative ScrivenerBased on official information from the Immigration Services Agency and practical experience. Last updated: April 2026
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many points are required
to apply for a Highly Skilled Professional visa?
to apply for a Highly Skilled Professional visa?
✅ CONCLUSION
In principle, you can apply with 70 points or more. If you have 80 points or more, you can use the "fastest route" to apply for permanent residency in one year. However, if your annual income is less than 3 million yen, you cannot apply regardless of your score.
70 points vs 80 points: What's the difference?
| Points | Benefits | Permanent Residency Application |
|---|---|---|
| 70 points or more | Highly Skilled Professional visa acquisition, 5-year period of stay, spouse eligible to work | Eligible to apply after 3 years |
| 80 points or more | All of the above + fastest route | Eligible to apply after 1 year |
Main Point Categories (Technical/Humanities Fields)
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate degree | 30 points |
| Master's degree | 20 points |
| Annual income of 10 million yen or more | 40 points |
| Annual income of 8 million to 10 million yen | 30 points |
| 10+ years of work experience | 20 points |
| JLPT N1 / Graduate of a Japanese university | +15 points |
| Under 30 years old | 15 points |
💡 Deemed Highly Skilled Professional System (Many are unaware)Even if you don't currently hold a Highly Skilled Professional visa, you may be able to use the expedited route for permanent residency if you can prove that you had 70 points or more in the past.
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