Highly Skilled Professional: Fast Track to PR
Answer Box
Fast-track PR: Score 80+ points → eligible for PR after just 1 year in Japan. Score 70-79 points → eligible after 3 years. Points are based on age, salary, education, and Japanese ability. This is the fastest legal route to Permanent Residence.
Point Calculation System
| Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Education | PhD | 30 |
| Education | Master's | 20 |
| Education | Bachelor's | 10 |
| Annual Salary | 10M+ yen | 40 |
| Annual Salary | 8-9.99M yen | 30 |
| Annual Salary | 5-7.99M yen | 10-25 |
| Age | Under 30 | 15 |
| Age | 30-34 | 10 |
| Age | 35-39 | 5 |
| Japanese Ability | JLPT N1 | 15 |
| Japanese Ability | JLPT N2 | 10 |
| Research/Patents | 3+ achievements | 25 |
This is a simplified overview. Full point tables are available on the Immigration Services Agency website.
PR Eligibility by Points
| Points | PR Eligible After |
|---|---|
| 80+ | 1 year in Japan |
| 70-79 | 3 years in Japan |
| Below 70 | Standard 10-year route |
How to Maximize Your Points
- Get JLPT N1 or N2: Easy 10-15 points with language study
- Graduate from a Japanese university: Bonus 10 points
- Work at a company receiving government subsidies: Bonus points
- University ranked in top 300 globally: Bonus 10 points
Application Strategy
- Calculate your current points using the official worksheet
- If below 70, identify which areas to improve
- Apply for HSP visa change first, then PR after 1 or 3 years
- You can retroactively claim HSP status when applying for PR directly
Q: Can I apply for PR directly without switching to HSP visa first?
Yes. You can apply for PR and claim HSP-equivalent points at that time. You do not need to hold the HSP visa formally — you need to prove you would have qualified for the points during the required period.
Q: Does my spouse benefit from HSP?
Yes. HSP visa holders' spouses can work in Japan without activity restrictions, even on a dependent visa.
※ This article is for informational purposes only. Point criteria may change. Use the official calculator on the ISA website.
