What is the point-based system for highly skilled professionals?

1. Overview and purpose of the system

• The Immigration Services Agency introduced this system of preferential immigration treatment based on the point-based system for highly skilled foreign professionals on May 7, 2012 in order to promote the acceptance of more highly skilled foreign professionals.

• The activities of highly skilled foreign professionals are divided into three categories: "Advanced academic research activities," "Advanced specialized/technical activities," and "Advanced business and management activities." Depending on the nature of their activities, points are allocated according to academic background, employment background, and annual income. In order to promote the acceptance of highly skilled foreign professionals to Japan, preferential immigration treatment will be granted if they score 70 points or higher.

2. What is a "highly skilled foreign professional?"
Highly skilled foreign professionals that Japan should actively accept are... "High-quality, irreplaceable human resources who contribute to capital and labor in Japan"; and "Human resources who are expected to generate innovation in industries in Japan, promote the development of expert/technical labor markets through their diligence and working with their Japanese colleagues, and increase the efficiency of the labor market of Japan." (Acceptance of highly skilled professionals promotion meeting report; May 29, 2009.)

 

3. Details regarding preferential Immigration Control and Residency Management treatment

Highly Skilled Professional (i)
1. Allowing multiple activities during residence
2. Period of stay: five years
3. Relaxation of residency history requirements for permission for permanent residence
4. Spouse's employment
5. Bringing parents under certain conditions
6. Bringing housekeepers under certain conditions
7. Priority handling of procedures for entry and residence

Highly Skilled Professional (ii)
1. a. Can perform activities classified under almost all work statuses of residence along with the activities of "Highly Skilled Professional (i)"
2. b. Unlimited period of stay
3. c. Can receive preferential treatment for points 3 to 6 above
4. Someone who has been active as a Highly Skilled Professional (i) for three years or more can qualify as a Highly Skilled Professional (ii).

4. Position under laws and ordinances
• Assessment criteria and point allocation in the point system is determined by the Ministry of Justice ordinance.
• Those who fulfill the requirements for work statuses of residence (eligibility for status of residence and fulfillment of landing permission criteria) and are certified as highly skilled foreign professionals are granted the "Highly Skilled Professional" status of residence.