The fastest route to residency.
A points-based status for high-earning professionals, academics, and executives. Score 70 or more and you reach permanent residency in as little as one year, against the standard ten.
The standard route to permanent residency takes a decade. With 80 points or more, the HSP Visa collapses that to a single year, the fastest legal path Japan offers a skilled professional.
What it takes, and what you gain.
Qualify on income, experience, and points, and unlock the fastest permanent-residency timeline Japan offers.
Requirements
- ¥10,000,000 or more in annual salary, paid by the company for a year
- 3 or more years of experience in a management position
- ¥5,000,000 or more in company capital
- 70 points or more on Japan's points system; 80+ for PR in 1 year, 70–79 for PR in 3 years
Visa benefits
- Fast-track permanent residency, far quicker than the standard 10-year route
- Spouse may work without restrictions; children may attend school in Japan
- Longer initial validity, up to 5 years, with fewer renewals
- Priority entry and smoother immigration processing on every trip
We estimate your score before you commit, so you know your PR timeline up front.
Three categories, one fast-track.
The HSP Visa spans three professional categories, each with its own profile, but all share the same accelerated benefits.
The points reward how the file is built.
Two applicants with the same résumé can land on different PR timelines. It comes down to how the case is assessed, structured, and filed. That is the part we own.
You don't know your score, so you don't know if PR is one year away or three, or even reachable.
We score you before you spend a yen.
A full points assessment up front: academics, income, role, age, language, so your exact PR track is on the table before you commit.
You're a few points short of the 70 or 80 threshold and don't know where they'd come from.
We find the points you're leaving on the table.
Restructuring income, title, and timing legitimately tips borderline files over the line, and 79 to 80 turns three years into one.
HSP and J-Skip look identical from the outside. Pick wrong and you slow yourself down.
We route you to the faster of the two.
Points-based or income-and-academic, we map you to whichever reaches permanent residency soonest for your real profile.
The points sheet and bureau follow-up turn on Japanese legal nuance, not just translation.
Bilingual in the law, not just the language.
Documents, the calculation sheet, and every exchange with immigration handled by people fluent in both, so nothing stalls on a technicality.
Your path to permanent residence.
From the first points assessment to PR approval, we handle every step on your behalf.
Preparing
Points assessment, company setup if needed, and full document preparation.
Living in Japan
Establish residency and meet the qualification duration before applying.
PR application
We file and follow up on your permanent-residency application with immigration.
Permanent residence
Long-term stability in Japan, secured with expert handling end to end.
HSP or J-Skip?
Both fast-track permanent residency. The difference is how you qualify: a points calculation, or income and academic background alone.
HSP
高度専門職A points-based route for highly skilled professionals, ideal for long-term career development in Japan.
- ScreeningPoints-based; must score at least 70 to apply
- Permanent residency80+ points: 1 year · 70–79 points: 3 years
- Family benefitsSpouse can work; children can attend school
- Talent tier“Highly Skilled”, a tier below J-Skip
J-Skip
特別高度専門職A fast-track route for top-tier professionals based on income and academic background, no points required.
- ScreeningNo points needed: income + academic background
- Permanent residencyAs fast as 1 year
- Family benefitsSpouse can work; children can attend school
- Talent tierGovernment-defined “Specified Highly Skilled Talent”
HSP Visa FAQ.
Eligibility, the points system, benefits over a work visa, switching visas, and how we help.
Who is eligible for the HSP Visa?
The HSP (Highly Skilled Professional) Visa is for foreign professionals with strong qualifications: high education, work experience, and a competitive salary. You must reach at least 70 points on Japan's official scoring system; we help you calculate it.
How is the point system calculated?
Points are based on academic background, annual income, work experience, age, and Japanese-language ability. A master's or doctoral degree, a high salary, or younger age all raise your score. At least 70 points are required, and Aplash estimates your score and guides you through the calculation.
What are the benefits compared to a regular work visa?
The HSP Visa offers PR much faster, within one year at 80+ points, plus validity up to five years. Spouses may work freely, children can attend school in Japan, and holders enjoy smoother immigration procedures when entering or leaving the country.
Can I switch to an HSP Visa from another visa?
Yes. If you hold another valid visa and meet the minimum 70-point requirement, you can apply to switch. The process involves submitting updated documents and a points-calculation sheet to the immigration bureau, and our team supports the full transition.
How can Aplash support my HSP application?
End to end: assessing eligibility, calculating your points, preparing and reviewing every document, handling submission, and following up with immigration on your behalf. The whole journey, made smooth and stress-free.
Business Manager Visa.
If you're establishing or running a business in Japan, the Business Manager Visa is the route, and we handle incorporation and the visa as a single project.
Explore the Business Manager VisaCompare every pathway.
Six visa routes, side by side: income thresholds, key requirements, and PR timelines, so you can see exactly where your profile fits.
See all visa pathwaysFrom the journal.
Field notes on visas, residence status, and relocating to Japan, written by the team that handles the applications.
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Read articleFind out where you score.
Send us your background and we'll estimate your points, and map the fastest route to permanent residency for your profile.
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