Permanent Residency (PR) via Highly Skilled Professional Points

This page explains how to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) through the Highly Skilled Professional Points System — including category-specific point calculation, automatic score tools, and eligibility diagnostics.

• HSP (i)(a) Research / Education — Automatic Points Calculator
• HSP (i)(b) Technical / Specialized Fields — Automatic Points Calculator
• HSP (i)(c) Business Management — Automatic Points Calculator

Also try our Permanent Residency (PR) Eligibility Self-Check Tool to ensure you meet the general PR requirements (good conduct, stable income, tax and social insurance compliance, etc.).

1. Applying for Permanent Residency via Highly Skilled Professional Points

“Highly Skilled Professionals” are foreign nationals with advanced expertise who are expected to contribute to Japan’s academic research and economic development.

If you meet the requirements on the Immigration Services Agency’s official “Points Calculation Table” and your total reaches at least 70 points, you will be recognized as a Highly Skilled Professional.

There are multiple benefits under the HSP system. Among them, the relaxed conditions for Permanent Residency (PR) — shortening the required stay in Japan from 10 years to as little as 1 year — is particularly impactful. Many applicants aim to use Highly Skilled Professional Points to obtain PR faster.

In other words, even if you currently hold a regular work status (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Business Manager), if you meet the Highly Skilled Professional Points criteria, you can apply for Permanent Residency under the HSP relaxation without first changing to the HSP status.

The system has been in place since April 2017. At ACROSEED, more clients have used the Highly Skilled Professional Points system to obtain a PR visa from an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (work visa) after about one year of residence.

If you are considering PR through the standard 10-year residence route, please see the page below.

Permanent Residency (PR) Application Service

This service is for those who, in principle, have lived in Japan continuously for 10+ years, including 5+ years under a work or resident status, or those who have stayed 3+ years under a Spouse status.

Explanatory videos for applying for permanent residence

Yasmine Chang from Acroseed goes over the various types of residence statuses available for foreigners in Japan, and goes in-depth into the methods and risks associated with trying to obtain a status.

How to obtain permanent residency in Japan by 3 common methods. Living and working in Japan for years, having a child or spouse, or the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) point system in Japan.

2. How to Calculate Highly Skilled Professional Points

To be recognized as Highly Skilled, you must score at least 70 points on the official “Points Calculation Table” published by the Immigration Services Agency.

The “Points Calculation Table” evaluates applicants under the “HSP (i)” categories (a–c) based on the following items:

1. Academic background
2. Professional career
3. Annual income
4. Age
5. Japanese language proficiency
6. National qualifications
7. Graduation from designated institutions
8. Engagement in designated industries, etc.

Follow the steps below to see whether you meet the PR requirements via Highly Skilled Professional Points.

1. Identify Your HSP Category

Foreign nationals in Japan who qualify as Highly Skilled Professionals fall into the following three categories.

Confirm your category before calculating points.

In simple terms, (a) covers researchers and specialized educators, (b) covers white-collar professionals in private companies, and (c) covers corporate managers and executives.

1. Advanced Academic Research Activities — “HSP (i)(a)”

Applies to research, research guidance, education, and business management conducted alongside such activities.

2. Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities — “HSP (i)(b)”

Applies to work requiring knowledge/skills in natural sciences or humanities, and business management conducted alongside such activities.

3. Advanced Business Management Activities — “HSP (i)(c)”

Applies to engagement in the management or administration of trade or other businesses.

Because “HSP (i)(c)” presumes Business Manager–type activities, substance of management and financial soundness are especially important.

Following the legal revisions effective October 16, 2025 for Business Manager visas, reviews for PR applications and status renewals have become stricter. Requirements such as invested capital of JPY 30 million or more, at least one full-time employee, and Japanese language proficiency (around B2) are also expected for “HSP (i)(c).”

You may also be asked to submit an evaluation report from management professionals (SME consultants, CPAs, tax accountants, etc.).

If you plan to obtain HSP (i)(c) with PR in mind, it is essential to prepare your business substance, employment, and tax compliance early.

For the latest cautions, see the link below.

2. Automatic Calculation of Highly Skilled Professional Points

After confirming whether you fall under HSP (i)(a)/(b)/(c), calculate your score using the Points Table.

1. HSP (i)(a) — Advanced Academic Research (e.g., researchers, specialized educators)

2. HSP (i)(b) — Advanced Specialized/Technical (commonly Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)

3. HSP (i)(c) — Advanced Business Management (commonly Business Manager)

Reference: Official Points Calculation Table (Immigration Services Agency)

3. PR Eligibility Self-Check

Before applying for PR, first confirm that you meet the general PR requirements.

This test quickly checks whether you currently meet PR conditions from the perspectives of years of residence, conduct, income, tax, social insurance, and family composition.

All questions are Yes/No, and the results page highlights items that may need improvement. It is also useful if you aim to meet the shortened PR pathway through Highly Skilled Professional Points (70 points → 3 years / 80 points → 1 year).

Start with the button below to try the PR Eligibility Self-Check.

PR Eligibility Self-Check

3. Benefits Beyond PR Requirement Relaxation under Highly Skilled Professional Points

Foreign nationals recognized as Highly Skilled Professionals receive major advantages that differ from ordinary work statuses.

Key Benefits for Highly Skilled Professionals


• Broader scope of permitted activities (types of work)
• Guaranteed 5-year residence period
• Ability to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) much sooner
• Expanded work opportunities for your spouse in Japan
• Permission to bring parents for childcare/maternity support under conditions
• Eligibility to employ a foreign domestic helper under conditions
• Expedited processing for visa/residence applications

Broader scope of permitted activities

Ordinary work statuses restrict you to activities tied to that single status. Under the Highly Skilled Professional Points system, combinations such as conducting research while running a company that leverages your expertise can be permitted.

Guaranteed 5-year residence period

While ordinary work statuses may be issued for 1 or 3 years, Highly Skilled Professionals are granted the maximum 5-year period.

Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) sooner

Typically, PR requires 10 years of residence in Japan. With Highly Skilled Professional Points, you can apply after 3 years (70 points) or just 1 year (80 points).

Expanded work opportunities for your spouse

With ordinary work statuses, a spouse must qualify and change to an appropriate work status to be employed. As the spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional, it is possible to work in white-collar positions even if they do not independently qualify for a standard work status.

Bringing your parents to Japan

Generally, Japan does not provide a status specifically for inviting foreign parents. However, if the Highly Skilled Professional (or spouse) is raising a child under 7 years old (including adopted children), or if the spouse is pregnant, or the HSP herself/himself is pregnant, and care/housework/other necessary assistance is needed, the parents (including adoptive parents) of the HSP or spouse may be allowed to enter and stay in Japan.
If certain conditions are met, you may live long-term in Japan together with your parents.

Employing a domestic helper

Bringing a domestic helper from overseas to Japan used to be limited to certain people such as company executives, diplomats, or attorneys. With Highly Skilled Professional status, you may employ a foreign domestic helper if you meet specified conditions.

・Household annual income of JPY 10 million or more
・Up to one helper
・Pay the helper at least JPY 200,000 per month
・The helper must depart Japan together with the family upon exit, etc. (other conditions apply)

Preferential/expedited processing for applications

Applications by Highly Skilled Professionals are prioritized and may be processed in about 5–10 days. Ordinary work status applications often take around 30–60 days.

Family-related Advantages (Highly Skilled Professionals)

• Spouse’s employment options: Under “Designated Activities (Spouse of HSP),” full-time employment can be permitted (subject to application details and approval).
• Parents’ accompaniment: Allowed if requirements are met, such as raising a child under 7 or maternity/pregnancy care.
• Foreign domestic helper: One helper may be permitted under household income and other conditions.

4. Documents Required for PR Application by Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals

Because required documents may change due to legal revisions, always confirm the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency website.

If you engage our services, we will prepare a set of documents tailored to your situation—based on the official list—designed to maximize the likelihood of approval.

1. If you have 80+ points at the time of applying for PR

2. If you have 70+ points at the time of applying for PR (other than the cases in 1)

3. Documents for changing your status to Highly Skilled Professional

5. Q&A on Highly Skilled Professional Points and Permanent Residency (PR)

Q. Once I reach 70/80 points, when can I apply for Permanent Residency?

Guidelines are as follows.

・If you have maintained 70+ points for the most recent 3 years and still have 70+ points at filing ⇒ you may apply for PR after 3 years of residence.

・If you have maintained 80+ points for the most recent 1 year and still have 80+ points at filing ⇒ you may apply for PR after 1 year of residence.

Both are “special measures via Highly Skilled Professional Points,” and you must also satisfy the general PR guidelines such as good conduct (no violations), stable and independent livelihood (steady income), and proper public obligations (tax, pension, and health insurance payments).

Q. Can I apply for PR via points without changing my status to “Highly Skilled Professional”?

Yes. Even if you remain under Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Business Manager, you may apply for PR under the relaxation measures as long as you meet the points conditions (continuous 70/80 points).

When filing, you will substantiate that you met the requirements at filing and retroactively for 1 year (80-point track) or 3 years (70-point track) with points sheets, employment/income certificates, qualification proofs, and other reasonable evidence.

Q. Are there preferential measures for family (spouse/parents)?

Yes. The Highly Skilled Professional Points framework includes family-related advantages. For example:

・Spouse employment: Under Designated Activities (Spouse of HSP), full-time employment can be permitted with fewer restrictions on job type.

・Parents’ accompaniment: Possible when the purpose is raising a child under 7 or pregnancy/maternity care (e.g., household income guideline: JPY 8 million+, cohabitation and other conditions apply).

・Domestic helper: If conditions such as household income are met, one helper may be accompanied (minimum pay and other requirements apply).

Details vary by case, so it is important to design evidence around your purpose, income thresholds, and cohabitation conditions.

Q. Where can I confirm the latest processing times?

The Immigration Services Agency’s monthly “Processing Times” page publishes updates.

Because PR (Permanent Residency) tends to take longer than other procedures, we recommend a filing plan that leaves buffer before your current status expiry (and renewing in parallel if needed).

6. Process & Review Period for Obtaining the HSP Visa / Permanent Residency

1. Typical process toward HSP visa and PR using the Points System

When you use the Highly Skilled Professional Points System to obtain a status and aim for PR, the general flow is as follows.

First, a free consultation to assess your HSP points (education, income, career, Japanese ability, etc.) and to confirm which status is feasible now and the outlook toward PR. After contract and payment, our immigration specialists prepare application forms and supporting evidence.

When applying, in addition to meeting 70/80 points, authorities examine residence record, tax/social insurance compliance, employer stability, and family composition holistically.

At ACROSEED, we provide end-to-end support from obtaining the Highly Skilled Professional status to applying for PR. Depending on your case, we may recommend a “step-by-step route” (obtain HSP first, then apply for PR after 1 or 3 years) or a “direct PR route” (apply for PR directly by leveraging HSP points if you already meet requirements).

We stay current with operational practices and screening trends, and file with the optimal document structure combining point evidence, employer letters, and tax certificates.

2. Review periods for HSP and PR applications

Processing times are published with monthly updates. Check the latest averages below.

7. Our Representation Services for HSP and PR Applications

1. Service Overview

This service supports obtaining the status of “Highly Skilled Professional” or “Permanent Resident” from the Immigration Services Agency.

We maximize your chance of approval and help you obtain HSP or PR smoothly.

We handle the following cases:

For PR applications via the standard 10-year route, see the page below:

PR Application from Work Visa in Japan

Comprehensive guide for obtaining permanent residency from a work visa in Japan.

2. What’s Included

1. Proposal and preparation of the document set with the highest likelihood of approval
2. Submission to Immigration and visa stamping procedures upon approval
3. Obtaining re-entry permission at the same time (upon request)
4. Status checks during review and handling additional document requests
5. Free re-application if not approved

3. Why choose ACROSEED

Why clients choose ACROSEED


• Founded in 1986; industry-leading 40,000+ visa filings
• 99.9% approval rate; trusted by many clients
• No travel expenses; flat fees nationwide
• Extensive track record in complex/re-application after refusal cases
• No add-on fees; transparent pricing
• Free re-application until approval if refused
• Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese

Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications

ACROSEED was founded in 1986. Since 1990—the first year administrative scriveners were allowed to handle immigration under the law—we have specialized in immigration work. Our total filings exceed 40,000 (as of March 2025).

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa filings annually, visiting immigration twice a week to stay current on examinations and legal changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you get services based on the latest examination trends and the industry’s deepest practical experience.

99.9% approval rate—peace of mind backed by clients’ trust

Since opening in 1986, ACROSEED has always prioritized trustworthy services. At the free consultation stage, if approval seems unlikely, we explain this and decline the engagement.

As a result, we have maintained an approval rate of 99%+ (including re-applications) since opening.

However, for cases with a viable chance where clients wish to proceed, we will make a maximum effort together.

Our attentive, tailored service has earned broad support from clients.

No travel fees—flat rates nationwide

Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle immigration cases nationwide at flat rates with no travel expenses.

For distant clients, we offer online consultations via Skype or Zoom so you can speak face-to-face with your consultant just like an in-person visit.

Strong results in difficult and re-application cases

We have many approvals for cases repeatedly refused by clients on their own or by other law firms.

ACROSEED’s track record is unparalleled, and we are often referred the most difficult cases from around the country—operating like a “general hospital” for the industry.

Don’t give up—consult us even for seemingly difficult cases.

No add-on fees—transparent pricing

Our service fees are only those listed on our website.

We do not add fees due to client circumstances such as frequent travel or prior refusals.

We provide a transparent pricing system for your peace of mind.

Free re-application until approval if refused

If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.

While some competitors offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem.

Accepting a case casually and leaving a refusal record in your filing history can make approval much harder later.

Clients who choose ACROSEED from among many firms deserve our stance of “getting the fastest approval possible—and if refused, supporting relentlessly until approval.”

4. Fees for Highly Skilled Professional Visa / PR Application (Excluding Tax)

・No additional or hidden fees will be charged regardless of your individual circumstances.

・ACROSEED’s services are available nationwide. Even clients living outside the Tokyo area can request our services at the same price.

・Payment by Visa or MasterCard is also accepted.

Change from “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” to Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)	JPY 100,000
Permanent Residency (PR) application for those meeting HSP points under “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services”	JPY 130,000

8. Popular Pages Related to Permanent Residency Applications

Japan Permanent Residency Application Guide

A comprehensive overview of permanent residency applications in Japan: key requirements (income, years of stay, taxes / pension compliance), typical patterns by status of residence, and how to respond to refusals.

Permanent Residency Guide from a Work Visa

An up-to-date guide for those who aim to obtain permanent residency in Japan from a work visa. Includes a self-check tool for work-visa holders on PR requirements.

Obtaining a PR Visa via Highly Skilled Professional Points

A service for those who wish to obtain a Highly Skilled Professional visa or permanent residency in Japan using the Highly Skilled Professional points system.

Permanent Residency Guide for Spouses of Japanese Nationals

For applicants moving from a spouse visa to permanent residency, this guide explains requirements, documents, and common refusal cases, with a PR self-check tool for spouse visa holders.

Permanent Residency Requirements Self-Check Tool

A 30-second self-diagnosis tool to check whether you meet Japan’s permanent residency requirements: Highly Skilled 70/80 points, work visa, spouse visa, and Long-Term Resident.

Reapplication Guide After Permanent Residency Refusal

What to do if your PR application is refused and how to prepare for reapplication.

Tell me more about the detailed conditions for a permanent residency (PR) application in Japan

Naturalization vs. Permanent Residency: A Complete Comparison【2025 Updated Guide】

Is an annual income of 3 million yen really necessary for permanent residency?【Stricter for work visas, more flexible for family-based statuses】

【2025 Edition】Days Abroad and Permanent Residency Application: How many days are acceptable? Criteria, cautions, and countermeasures

Permanent Residency and Unpaid Taxes / Pension / Health Insurance: Impact, required documents, and strategies

Permanent residency applications and traffic violations: Will fines, blue tickets, or red tickets lead to refusal?

The scope of a guarantor’s responsibility in a permanent residency application

【From Dependent to Permanent Residency】2025 Edition: Requirements, simultaneous applications with family, and key cautions

【2025/10 Amendment Ready】Key points for obtaining permanent residency from a Business Manager visa

【2025 Edition】Permanent residency from a Long-Term Resident status: income, years of stay, and settlement