Insights & Guides
Practical knowledge on Japan market entry — from company setup and visas to trade logistics and branding.
Does Changing Jobs Affect Your HSP Visa Points Score in Japan? (2026 Guide)
Yes. Your Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職) status is tied to the specific employer and role you scored 70 or more points on, not to the label in the abstract, so a new job can lower your score...
HSP Visa or Management Visa: Which Should a Foreign Company Executive in Japan Apply For? (2026)
Neither is automatically the easier route. The Highly Skilled Professional visa (HSP, 高度専門職) has its own executive and management category, called 高度経営・管理活動, but it qualifies on a personal points...
Can Your Children Get Dependent Status Under Japan's HSP Visa?
Yes. Children accompanying a Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職) visa holder qualify for Dependent status (家族滞在), which permits residence and enrollment in Japanese schools. The HSP program also...
How Does Japan's HSP Visa Work for Academic Researchers?
Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職) visa has a dedicated track for researchers, category 1号イ (academic research activities, 高度学術研究活動), covering work at universities and research...
Why Do Japan HSP Visa Applications Get Rejected?
Most Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP, 高度専門職) visa rejections trace back to five recurring causes: points miscalculation (usually overclaimed experience years or a misread income-by-age...
How Does Japan's HSP Visa Change Your Spouse's Work Rights in 2026?
The spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職, HSP) visa holder can apply for a dedicated status of residence that permits employment without the 28-hour weekly cap applied to an ordinary...
How Do You Upgrade from HSP-1 to HSP-2 in Japan? (2026)
HSP-1 holders qualify for HSP-2 after three years on HSP-1, or after just one year if their point score reaches 80 or more (against the 70-point threshold that qualifies for HSP-1 in the first...
How Many Points Do You Need for Japan's HSP Visa? A Worked Example (2026)
You need 70 or more points on the relevant category table to qualify for HSP-1 status under Japan's Highly Skilled Professional visa (高度専門職). Points come from education, professional experience,...
HSP Visa - Fast-Track to Permanent Residency
Score 70+ Points for Preferential Treatment. Combine with Incorporation for the Strongest Application.
HSP Visa — Fast-Track to Permanent Residency
Score 70+ Points for Preferential Treatment. Combine with Incorporation for the Strongest Application.