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How to Obtain a Permanent Resident Visa Using the Point System for Highly Skilled Human Resources

In order to apply for a Permanent Resident visa, in principle, you must have resided in Japan for at least 10 years, of which you must have resided in Japan for at least 5 years with a work or status qualification.
However, if you meet certain conditions, you may be able to apply for a Permanent Resident visa in as little as 1 year.
On this page, we will explain the Permanent Resident visa application from highly skilled personnel, which is one of the cases where the length of stay is relaxed.

1. What is highly skilled personnel?

Firstly, let me introduce the definition of highly skilled personnel as determined by the Immigration Bureau.

“Highly skilled personnel are individuals who complement domestic capital and labor and cannot be replaced.” “They are expected to bring innovation to our country’s industries, promote the development of specialized and technical labor markets through competition with Japanese nationals, and enhance the efficiency of our country’s labor market.”

(From the report of the Council for Promotion of Acceptance of Highly Skilled Personnel dated May 29, 2009)
In summary, this definition can be succinctly summarized as “talented individuals capable of advancing the Japanese economy through new ideas and skills.”
Highly skilled personnel are broadly categorized into three genres, each with different evaluation criteria:
1. Engaging in activities requiring knowledge or skills or conducting educational activities. (e.g., IT engineers)
2. Engaging in research, research guidance, or educational activities. (e.g., university professors)
3. Engaging in business management or administration. (e.g., company executives)

To be recognized as highly skilled personnel, individuals must achieve a certain number of points calculated according to the point calculation table established by the Immigration Bureau.

1-1. About the point system for highly skilled human resource

To be recognized as highly skilled personnel, individuals must achieve a score of “70 points” or higher on the following point table.
For more details, please refer to the following page:

Click here to view the page for obtaining highly skilled personnel

As you can see on the linked page, points are allocated for criteria such as “educational background,” “work experience,” “annual income,” and “Japanese language proficiency.” Accumulating points in each category contributes to meeting the overall threshold.
Therefore, aspiring individuals should aim to achieve at least “70 points” to be certified as highly skilled personnel.

1-2. About the preferential treatment for highly skilled personnel

What are the benefits of being certified as highly skilled personnel and obtaining the highly skilled professional visa?
Immigration Bureau have established the following 7 preferential treatments for highly skilled personnel:

1. Accompanying parents
2. Spouse employment
3. Accompanying domestic workers
4. Permission for complex residency activities
5. Granting the longest residency period of “5 years”
6. Priority processing of entry and residency procedures
7. Relaxation of requirements for Permanent Resident

In this column, we will specifically introduce the relaxation of requirements for Permanent Resident, listed as item 7 above.
But before that, let’s review the requirements for obtaining Permanent Resident.

2. Basic requirements for obtaining a Permanent Resident visa

In principle, the following 3 requirements must be met to obtain a Permanent Resident visa.

1.Good Conduct Requirements
Complying with the law and living a life that is not criticized by society as a resident in daily life
2. Financial Independence Requirement
Having assets or skills that allow for a stable future life without being a burden on public resources in daily life
3.Recognition of the Beneficial Nature of Permanent Resident
A. Generally having resided in Japan continuously for over 10 years.
Within this period, it is necessary to have resided continuously for at least 5 years holding a work permit (e.g., Technology/Humanities/International Affairs visa) or a residency permit (e.g., spouse visa)
B. Not having received fines or imprisonment sentences
C. Fulfilling public duties.
※ This includes fulfilling obligations such as taxation, public pension, public health insurance payments, as well as complying with notification obligations stipulated by Immigration Control Acts
D. Currently residing in Japan with the longest residency period as stipulated by Immigration Control Acts for the existing residence status.
※ For the time being, if one has a residency period of “3 years,” it will be treated as “residing with the longest residency period.”
E. No potential harm to public health

We have prepared a page that explains the requirements for a Permanent Resident visa in an easy-to-understand manner. Please refer to the following column:

Click here to view the Requirements for a Permanent Resident visa

2-1. What are the requirements for a Permanent Resident visa that are relaxed for highly skilled personnel?

We have introduced the requirements for a Permanent Resident visa above, but the requirements for a Permanent Resident visa that are relaxed for highly skilled personnel are as follows:

In principle, the applicant must have continued to reside in Japan for 10 years or more

Permanent Resident visas generally require a continuous residency of 10 years or more in Japan. However, individuals recognized as highly skilled personnel have their residency duration reduced to either “3 years” or “1 year” in Japan.
Therefore, individuals scoring between 70 and less than 80 points on the highly skilled human resource points calculation can apply for Permanent Resident after a minimum of “3 years” of residency, while those scoring 80 points or higher can apply after just “1 year” of residency.

3. Is it possible to apply for Permanent Resident visa without being highly skilled personnel?

It has been mentioned that recognition as highly skilled personnel leads to relaxation of the residency requirements for a Permanent Resident visa.
Now, the question arises: Is it necessary to change to the visa for highly skilled personnel before applying for a Permanent Resident visa if one wants to obtain it as quickly as possible?
For instance, for those holding a visa such as the Technology/Humanities/International Affairs visa and scoring above 70 points, would they need to obtain the visa for highly skilled personnel to benefit from the relaxation of the requirements for a Permanent Resident visa?
The conclusion is that even for those who do not hold a visa for highly skilled personnel, if they score above a certain number of points according to the highly skilled professional points calculation, they are eligible for the relaxation of the residency duration requirement when applying for a Permanent Resident visa, equivalent to the visa for highly skilled personnel.
In other words, even individuals holding visas such as the Technology/Humanities/International Affairs visa can apply for a Permanent Resident visa utilizing the relaxation of the residency duration requirement granted under the preferential treatment for highly skilled personnel, without needing to switch to the visa for highly skilled personnel.

4.Explanation of the Points calculation table for highly skilled personnel

Now, let’s focus on explaining the method for calculating points to be recognized as highly skilled personnel, highlighting the items that are additional scored.

【Educational background】
Points are awarded vary depending on the degree you have obtained.
Points are awarded for having received education at the university level or higher, with the highest points being 30 for a doctoral degree.
Additionally, individuals who have graduated from “Japanese universities” or “universities specified by the Minister of Justice through notification” may be eligible for additional points.
【Work Experience】
Points are awarded based on the number of years of practical work experience in the current occupation.
Points are awarded for practical work experience of 3 years or more, with the highest points being 20 for those with over 10 years of experience.
【Annual Income】
Points are awarded based on the annual income from 1 or 3 years prior and the projected income for the next year.
The points awarded for income vary based on age.
Individuals aged 29 or younger receive points for incomes exceeding 4 million yen, while those aged 34 or younger receive points for incomes exceeding 5 million yen.
The highest points, 40, are awarded for incomes exceeding 10 million yen regardless of age.
【Age】
Points are awarded based on age, with individuals up to 39 years old eligible for point allocation.
The highest points, 15, are awarded for individuals aged 29 or younger.
【Japanese Language Proficiency】
15 points are awarded for certification at the JLPT N1 level.
Additionally, obtaining a score of 480 or higher on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test, which demonstrates equivalent Japanese language proficiency, also earns points. There is a possibility of point allocation even for individuals certified at the JLPT N2 level.

5.Cases where Permanent Resident visa can be applied for using the points system for highly skilled human resource

Here are some cases of individuals who would be recognized as highly skilled personnel based on the points system for highly skilled human resource.
Please check to see if any of these cases apply to you:

①Individuals under 30 years old at present + Graduation from a university in Japan (eligible university for additional points) + JLPT N1 certification + Annual income exceeding 4 million yen at present and 3 years ago

② Individuals under 34 years old at present + Graduation from a university overseas (eligible university for additional points) + JLPT N1 certification + Over 5 years of practical work experience + Annual income exceeding 5 million yen at present and 3 years ago

③ Individuals under 39 years old at present + Completion of a Master’s degree + Over 10 years of practical work experience + Annual income exceeding 7 million yen at present and 3 years ago

We also offer free initial consultations regarding point calculations for highly skilled personnel so please feel free to contact us clicking the picture below.

06-6226-8120
03-6275-6038

6.Cases where points system for highly skilled human resource may pose challenges

Utilizing the point system for highly skilled human resource for applying for Permanent Resident involves considering the points both at the time of application, referred to as the “present,” and either 1 or 3 years prior, denoted as the “past.”
As time passes, changes in income and work history may lead to variations in points. Therefore, in this discussion, we will explore 4 scenarios to illustrate cases where Permanent Resident application is feasible or not.

6-1. Cases where Permanent Resident visa can be applied for using points system for highly skilled human resource

Case1

In the above cases, although the points temporarily dropped to 65 within the 3 years period, both the points at the time of application and those from 3 years prior are at 70 points, making the Permanent Resident application feasible under the points system for highly skilled human resource.

Case2

Similarly, in the above case, despite the points at the time of application being lower than those from 1 year prior, both the points at the time of application and those from 1 year prior are at 80 points, making the Permanent Resident application feasible under the points system for highly skilled human resource.

6-2. Cases where Permanent Resident visa can NOT be applied for using the points system for highly skilled human resource

Case1

In the above cases, although the points from 1 year prior exceed “80 points,” the points at the time of application do not exceed “80 points,” thus making it impossible to apply for Permanent Resident under the points system for highly skilled human resource.
Furthermore, although the points at the time of application exceed “70 points,” the points from 3 years prior are below “70 points,” thus making it impossible to apply for Permanent Resident under the points system for highly skilled human resource.

Case2

Similarly, in the above case, although the points at the time of application are “80 points,” the points from 1 year prior do not exceed “80 points,” hence making it impossible to apply for Permanent Resident under the points system for highly skilled human resource.
Additionally, although the points at the time of application exceed “70 points,” the points from 3 years prior are below “70 points,” thus making it impossible to apply for Permanent Resident under the points system for highly skilled human resource.

7. Q&A for Permanent Resident visa application by highly skilled personnel

Below, we have summarized frequently asked questions when applying for a Permanent Resident visa for highly skilled personnel.

Q1. If the result of the highly skilled human resource point calculation table shows 80 points both at the time of application and 1 year prior to the application date, and the granted residency period is 1 year, can I apply for Permanent Resident?


A. As you do not meet the requirements for Permanent Resident application at the current moment, you cannot apply. It is true that having 80 points or more relaxes the residency period requirement, allowing you to apply for Permanent Resident after residing in Japan for 1 year or more. However, you must also meet the requirement of “residing with the longest residency period.” Therefore, you will need to wait until you are granted a residency period of “3 years” or “5 years” before applying.

Q2. If as highly skilled personnel with 80 points or more resides in Japan for more than 1 year and is granted permission for Permanent Resident, will their spouse and children also be granted Permanent Resident at the same time?


A. The provision allowing Permanent Resident with a minimum 1 year residency period applies only to highly skilled personnel. Spouses and children are not included in the preferential treatment regarding the residency period for highly skilled personnel. Therefore, family members will not be granted Permanent Resident concurrently; instead, they will initially be granted a residence status such as “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident.” After approximately 3 years of residency and confirmation of their settlement in Japan, a decision regarding Permanent Resident will be made for them.

Q3. I currently hold a highly skilled personnel visa. Are there any benefits to obtaining Permanent Resident visa?


A. Yes, there are benefits. While there are similarities between the highly skilled personnel visa and Permanent Resident there are significant differences.
The key difference lies in the “residence period” and “restrictions on employment activities” with the highly skilled personnel visa. With this visa, a uniform residence period of 5 years is granted, requiring renewal every 5 years through immigration procedures. Additionally, employment activities are limited to those recognized under Immigration Control Acts, meaning individuals cannot engage in any job but only within the approved scope of employment.
Furthermore, individuals holding a highly skilled personnel visa need to go through visa modification procedures if changing employers. It’s also essential to note that if a person with this visa does not engage in highly skilled activities for 6 months or more, it may be considered grounds for visa cancellation. In contrast, with Permanent Resident, there is no fixed residence period, and there are no restrictions on the scope of employment activities. Therefore, the need for renewal every 5 years is eliminated, and individuals are free to work in any field, including those not recognized as highly skilled.
Moreover, Permanent Residents can establish their own businesses and find it easier to secure business funding. This increased stability in residence enhances credibility in banking transactions, such as applying for housing loans, compared to the highly skilled personnel visa. However, it’s essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages correctly when comparing Permanent Resident to the highly skilled personnel visa, as the latter offers preferential treatment, such as allowing complex residency activities.

Q4. Can I bring my parents to Japan after obtaining Permanent Resident?


A. Generally, even with Permanent Resident, you cannot bring your parents to Japan.
In this regard, with a highly skilled personnel visa, there are certain conditions under which you can bring your parents or domestic workers. If you wish to bring your parents, it may be worth considering the highly skilled personnel visa.
For details on the practical requirements for bringing parents, please refer to the following page:

Click here to view Designated Activities visa (elderly parent support)

8. Summary

Even if you don’t have a highly skilled personnel visa, you may actually meet the requirements for applying for Permanent Resident if you score above a certain threshold on the highly skilled human resource points calculation table, even if you haven’t resided in Japan for over 10 years.
This article might prompt you to calculate your highly skilled human resource points.
Especially for those who have graduated from a Japanese university or graduate school and have obtained JLPT N1 certification, many cases show that they reach a score of 70 points or higher.
However, the highly skilled human resource points calculation table has many items, making it challenging to accurately calculate your own score.
Moreover, while meeting the score is important, it’s also crucial to determine the best timing for applying for Permanent Resident after meeting the score.
At Administrative Scrivener Daiichi Sogo Office, we will conduct a professional calculation of your points based on hearing your situation and assess whether you meet the requirements for Permanent Resident. By consulting with experts, it’s possible to obtain Permanent Resident earlier than anticipated.
We offer free consultations for questions and inquiries about Permanent Resident using the points system for highly skilled professionals, so please feel free to contact us.

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