HSP 1(c) Automatic Points Calculator

Overview: HSP 1(c) Automatic Points Calculation and the 2025 Legal Amendments

This page lets you automatically calculate points for Highly Skilled Professional 1(c) (HSP 1(c)) and explains, in plain terms, how 70 or 80 points can qualify you for a PR fast-track (3 years / 1 year) and how the screening process works.

The Business Manager visa amendments effective October 16, 2025 mandate one full-time employee, capital of JPY 30 million or more, Japanese ability at B2 (JLPT N2) level, a relevant degree or 3+ years of management experience, and third-party confirmation of your business plan.

These changes affect not only “Business Manager” but also those conducting management activities under HSP 1(c). After the amendment, if you do not meet these standards, there is a real risk that PR approval or an upgrade to HSP 2 will not be granted.

For details, see Impact of the Business Manager Amendments Effective October 16, 2025.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office, we provide a free consultation to propose the optimal filing strategy across PR / HSP / Business Manager based on a combined assessment of your points and the post-amendment criteria.

Contents

HSP 1(c) Automatic Points Calculation
What Is HSP 1(c)?
Required Documents for HSP 1(c)
Process & Processing Time for HSP 1(c)
1. Application Flow for HSP 1(c)
2. Typical Processing Time
HSP 1(c) Q&A
Our HSP 1(c) Filing Services

HSP 1(c) Automatic Points Calculation

1. About the Automatic Points Calculator

This is the points calculation system for those engaged in “advanced management/administration activities” under Highly Skilled Professional 1(c) (often handled similarly to the Business Manager category).

If you are considering a PR application, after calculating your points, please use the PR Eligibility Self-Check (banner below the calculator). It helps you quickly see whether you meet the requirements and where potential issues may lie.

For HSP 1(a) and HSP 1(b), please see the following pages:

HSP 1(a) Requirements & Automatic Points Calculator

HSP 1(b) Requirements & Automatic Points Calculator

Check all items that apply to you. Your HSP points will appear at the bottom of the table.

With 70 points or more, those recognized as highly skilled professionals can have the required period of stay for a PR application shortened from 5 years to 3 years.

With 80 points or more, the required period of stay is shortened from 5 years to 1 year.

Details & cautions for HSP points calculation items

2. HSP 1(c) Automatic Points Calculation

Check all applicable items to automatically calculate your total points (※ Education, Income, and Age are mutually exclusive).
Education (※1)	Doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees)		30 pts
	Professional degree related to business administration/management (MBA, MOT)		25 pts
	Master’s degree or professional degree		20 pts
	Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (excluding Master’s/Doctorate)		10 pts
	Two or more graduate/professional degrees in different fields (※2)		5 pts
Career Practical experience in business management or administration	10 years or more		25 pts
	7 years to less than 10 years		20 pts
	5 years to less than 7 years		15 pts
	3 years to less than 5 years		10 pts
Annual Income (※3)	JPY 30 million or more		50 pts
	JPY 25–30 million		40 pts
	JPY 20–25 million		30 pts
	JPY 15–20 million		20 pts
	JPY 10–15 million		10 pts
Corporate Position	Representative Director/Executive, or member with representative authority		10 pts
Corporate Position	Director, Executive Officer, or Executive Member		5 pts
Special Add-ons — Contracting Organization	I. Receiving innovation-promotion support measures		10 pts
	II. Falls under I and is a “small or medium-sized enterprise” as defined by the SME Basic Act		10 pts
	III. Receiving support from a local government (certified by the Minister of Justice)		10 pts
	If the contracting organization is an SME and its R&D + development expenses exceed 3% of sales		5 pts
Special Add-on — Qualifications/Awards	Holds relevant foreign qualifications or awards (as recognized by the Minister of Justice)		5 pts
Special Add-on — Japanese University	Graduated from a Japanese university or completed a Japanese graduate program		10 pts
Special Add-on — Japanese Ability	I. Graduate of a foreign university with a Japanese major, or JLPT N1 equivalent		15 pts
Special Add-on — Japanese Ability	II. JLPT N2 equivalent (excluding those covered by I or Japanese university/graduate completion)		10 pts
Special Add-on — Projects	Engaged in an advanced project in a growth field involving relevant ministries		10 pts
Special Add-on — Alma Mater	I. Graduated from a university ranked within the top 300 in two or more of QS/THE/ARWU (※4)		10 pts
	II. Recipient university of the “Top Global University Project (Top Type)” subsidy		—
	III. Partner school under MOFA’s “Innovative Asia” initiative		—
Special Add-on — Training Completion	Completed JICA training (as part of Innovative Asia) for 1 year or longer (※5)		5 pts
Special Add-on — Investment	Invested JPY 100 million or more in public/private entities in Japan for trade or other business		5 pts
Special Add-on	Engaged in asset management/investment management business, etc.		10 pts
Your Highly Skilled Professional points:		points

(※1) Only your highest completed education is counted (if you hold both a Doctorate and a Master’s, 30 pts).
(※2) Submit documents showing different majors/fields (degree certificate(s); transcript(s) if needed).
(※3) If your annual income is below JPY 3,000,000, you cannot be recognized as a Highly Skilled Professional even if your total exceeds 70 pts.
(※4) This can be added together with the “Graduated from a Japanese university / completed graduate school in Japan” add-on.
(※5) 1) Those who completed JICA training (≥ 1 year) may omit part of the required documents with the prescribed certificate. Additional proof is required if claiming career points.
2) If you participated in training conducted through classes at a Japanese university or graduate school, you cannot double-count this with “Graduated from a Japanese university / completed graduate school in Japan.”

3. Permanent Residency Eligibility Self-Check

The Business Manager visa amendments effective October 16, 2025 mandate one full-time employee, capital of JPY 30 million or more, Japanese ability at B2 (JLPT N2) level, a relevant degree or 3+ years of management experience, and third-party confirmation of your business plan.

These changes affect not only “Business Manager,” but also those engaged in management activities under HSP 1(c). If you do not meet these standards after the amendment, PR approval and an upgrade to HSP 2 may not be granted.

For details, see Impact of the Business Manager Amendments Effective October 16, 2025.

If you are considering PR, first confirm that you satisfy the general PR requirements.

This self-check allows you to quickly assess—based on years of stay, good conduct, income, tax records, social insurance, and family composition—whether you currently meet PR eligibility.

All questions are yes/no. On the results page, you will also see specific items that may need improvement. The tool is also useful for those targeting the HSP points fast-track (70 pts → 3 years / 80 pts → 1 year).

Please click the button below to try the PR Eligibility Self-Check.

2. What Is HSP 1(c)?

1. Scope of Activities under HSP 1(c)

Activities to operate or engage in the management of trade or other business at Japanese public or private organizations designated by the Minister of Justice, or, together with such principal activities, to operate on one’s own a business related to those activities.

Relevant statuses of residence include “Business Manager,” “Legal/Accounting Services,” and “Entertainer,” etc.

Under HSP 1(c), the phrase “together with such activities, to operate on one’s own a business related to those activities” contemplates cases where, as your principal activity, you serve as an officer of a designated company and, in addition, you also act as an outside director of another company in the same line of business, or you establish and run a subsidiary other than the specified company.

In such cases, a relationship to the principal management activity is required. For example, an officer of an IT company running a restaurant business would fall outside the scope.

Furthermore, because the law says “together with the principal activity,” it is not permitted to conduct only those ancillary activities without performing the principal activity.

2. Differences & Advantages: HSP 1(c) vs. Business Manager

Item	HSP 1(c)	Business Manager
Target Applicants	Highly skilled senior managers / corporate officers	Foreign nationals who start/run a business or establish a company in Japan
Points System	Yes (available from 70 points)	No
Period of Stay	5 years	Usually 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years
Permanent Residency (PR)	Eligible to apply in as short as 1 or 3 years	After 10 years of residence
Family Accompaniment	Parents and a household helper may accompany (subject to conditions)	Spouse and children only
Spouse’s Employment	“Designated Activities.” Full-time white-collar work permitted	“Dependent.” Up to 28 hours/week with work-permit authorization
Capital Requirement	No capital requirement	Capital of JPY 5 million+ or employment of two full-time staff
Preferential Processing	Approx. 5–10 days	Approx. 30–60 days

Bringing Your Parents to Japan

With limited exceptions, Japan does not have a visa specifically for bringing a foreign national’s parents to live in Japan.

However, for highly skilled professionals, if the HSP principal or their spouse is raising a child under 7 (including adopted children), or if the HSP’s spouse is pregnant, or the HSP themself is pregnant, then—for the purpose of providing care, household support, and other necessary assistance—the parents of the HSP or of the spouse (including adoptive parents) may be permitted to enter and stay in Japan.

If the following conditions are met, you may live in Japan long-term together with your parent(s):

・Household annual income of JPY 8,000,000 or more
・Live together with the parent(s)
・Limited to the parent(s) of either the principal or the spouse

Employing a Household Helper

It used to be that only certain categories—such as company owners, diplomats, and attorneys—could bring a helper employed overseas to Japan. If you are a highly skilled professional, you may hire a foreign household helper in Japan if certain conditions are met.

・Household annual income of JPY 10,000,000 or more
・Only one helper permitted
・Pay the helper JPY 200,000 or more per month
・The helper must depart Japan together with you when you leave, etc. (additional conditions apply)

3. Impact of the Business Manager Amendments Effective October 16, 2025 (for HSP 1(c))

This amendment substantially raises the permission criteria for the status of residence “Business Manager.” It also has practical implications for those conducting management/administration under HSP 1(c) (HSP 1(c)).

In particular, for PR (including the 1-year/3-year fast-track) and for status change to HSP 2, applications may be refused if the new post-amendment standards are not satisfied.

Conclusion:
On and after October 16, 2025 (Reiwa 7), even for HSP 1(c), where examinations are based on the substance of “management/administration” (e.g., PR, change to HSP 2), meeting the following new standards is a prerequisite.

A. New Mandatory Requirements for “Business Manager” (Key Points)

Hire at least one full-time employee
・Eligible employees include Japanese nationals, Special Permanent Residents, and those under Table II (Permanent Resident / Spouse or Child of Japanese National / Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident / Long-Term Resident).
・The “full-time employee” relevant to the Japanese-language condition may also include foreign nationals with Table I statuses.
Capital etc.: JPY 30,000,000 or more
・Corporations: for a stock company, paid-in capital; for an LLC/GP/LP, total contributions.
・Sole proprietors: total funds invested necessary to run the business (office acquisition costs, one year of personnel expenses, equipment, etc.).
Japanese ability (either the applicant or a full-time employee): B2 equivalent (e.g., JLPT N2)
・Verification by any of the following: JLPT N2+ / BJT 400+ / long-term residence (20+ years) / graduation from a Japanese university etc. / completion of compulsory education plus high school in Japan.
Background (education/work experience):
・A Doctorate/Master’s/Professional degree in business management or a field necessary to the business, or 3+ years of management/administration experience (including time spent on business start-up preparations).
Business plan confirmation by a professional: mandatory
・A Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant, CPA, or Tax Accountant must confirm the specificity, rationality, and feasibility of the plan (note: drafting documents for pay by persons other than attorneys or Immigration Lawyers may violate the Immigration Lawyer Act).

B. Additional Filing/Operational Considerations

Substantive role as a manager is required: if your work is mainly outsourcing with insufficient substance as “management,” it will not qualify.
Business premises: home offices are generally not permitted. You must secure premises appropriate to the business scale.
Extended absence from Japan during stay: long absences without just cause risk a finding of no substantive activity and result in renewal refusals.
Public dues & social compliance: strengthened checks on labor insurance/employment insurance, social insurance (health/pension), withholding/corporate tax, consumption tax, local taxes—both enrollment and payment status.
Licenses/permits: you may be required to submit evidence of obtaining the necessary licenses for your business (with valid reasons, submission by the next renewal may be accepted).

C. Direct Impacts on “HSP 1(c)”

PR (including the fast-track of 70 pts = 3 years / 80 pts = 1 year)
After the effective date, if you do not meet the new standards, PR will not be granted from “Business Manager” / “HSP 1(c)” / “HSP 2 (when premised on management/administration activities).”
⇒ Even with a high score, without 1 full-time employee, JPY 30 million capital, and Japanese B2/N2, etc., you cannot realize the benefits of the PR fast-track.
Change of status to HSP 2
A change from HSP 1(c) to HSP 2 will not be approved unless you meet the new standards.
Position of the Points Calculator (this page)
Even if this tool shows you meet 70/80 points, lacking the gate conditions (1 full-time employee, JPY 30 million capital, Japanese B2/N2, etc.) will put you at a disadvantage for PR and HSP 2 status changes.
⇒ You must satisfy both “points” and the “new substantive standards.”

D. Transitional Measures

For those already staying under “HSP 1(c),” if you file an extension of period of stay during the three-year window ending on October 16, 2028 (Reiwa 10), your case may still be adjudicated by taking into account your business condition and prospects of meeting the post-amendment standards, even if you do not yet meet them. During examination, you may be asked to submit documents that include an evaluation by a management professional.

Extensions filed after three years have elapsed from the effective date must meet the post-amendment standards.

E. New-Standards Check Tool (for HSP 1(c) with a Business Manager–type profile)

※ This section is provided so that users of the “HSP 1(c) Automatic Points Calculation” can continue to aim for PR / HSP 2 even after the amendments by understanding the substantive criteria that run in parallel with the points requirements. The optimal path varies depending on individual circumstances (employment setup, capital raising, language arrangements, timing of permits, etc.). If in doubt, please use our free consultation.

3. Required Documents for HSP 1(c)

Because required documents may change frequently due to legal revisions, please confirm the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) website.

If you engage our services, we will prepare the documents most likely to maximize your approval chances, based on the ISA website list and tailored to your specific circumstances.

4. Process & Processing Time to Obtain HSP 1(c)

This section explains the practical steps to obtain (new or change) the status of residence “HSP 1(c) (management/administration field)”, from free consultation through return of documents after approval.

At the first consultation, we confirm your points (70 / 80) and the substance of your activities (management/administration), relevance to your duties, and satisfaction of the JPY 3,000,000 minimum annual income. From there, the keys are “evidencing the basis for each points add-on” and “sequencing the filing timeline (submission order anticipating preferential review).”

※ Processing time varies depending on the season and case content. Please plan your schedule with sufficient buffer.
※ Due to the Business Manager criteria revisions effective October 16, 2025, some cases may be affected when seeking PR or change to HSP 2 from HSP 1(c) (e.g., full-time employee, Japanese ability, payment of public dues). For details, see “Impact of the Business Manager Amendments Effective October 16, 2025” on this page.

1. Application Flow for HSP 1(c)

1

Free consultation (initial diagnosis of points and requirements)

We hear about your education, work history (years of practical experience in management/administration), projected income, position (with/without representative authority), Japanese/JLPT, qualifications/awards, university ranking category, and contracting organization (innovation support, etc.), then provide a points estimate (70/80) and outlook on approval.
Consultation methods: (1) Phone (2) Email (3) Online (Zoom/Teams/LINE/WeChat, etc.) (4) In-person.
2

Engagement & Kickoff (designing the submission plan)

We explain the workflow, fees, and indicative timeline. After engagement, we clarify the list of documents to be submitted and who will prepare/obtain each item.
Examples: company registry records & proof of office/position, employment/appointment contracts (including officer remuneration) / salary rules, withholding slips / payroll ledger, job description, degree certificates, proof of qualifications/awards, JLPT/N1 etc., evidence for world university rankings, and (if applicable) simultaneous filing items for accompanying family, household helper, and accompanying parent(s).
3

Preparing application documents (evidencing points add-ons)

We structure a coherent narrative (education/work history → job relevance → contribution to management → salary equivalency) aligned with the points system.
・Alignment between the points sheet and annotations/evidence for each add-on
・Proof of position (e.g., Representative Director) and of the hosting/contracting organization (innovation support, local government support, etc.)
・Income evidence (projected income/payment basis) and confirmation of minimum JPY 3,000,000 annual income (without which HSP recognition is not granted)
・Proofs for Japanese ability (N1/N2, etc.), qualifications/awards, and world university rankings
After your draft review, we guide you on forms requiring signatures/seals.
4

Filing with the Immigration Services Agency (use of preferential review)

An Immigration Lawyer files with the competent ISA office. HSP cases receive preferential review (timeframes vary by case). After acceptance, we share the receipt. If the examiner requests additional documents, we respond with targeted, minimal, and appropriate evidence.
※ We coordinate in advance with your travel plans and current status expiry.
5

Approval & visa stamping procedures

After approval, we handle stamping/issuance at ISA (residence card issuance/renewal, sticker, etc.). We confirm your employment start date, status validity, and activity scope (management/administration + self-operated business related to the principal activity), and advise on internal storage/notifications of the residence card copy as needed.
Family accompaniment (spouse/children) and accompanying parents / household helper—benefits unique to HSP—can be filed simultaneously/subsequently if conditions are met.
6

Return of documents & next-step support

We return your residence card, passport, and filing copies to complete the case. On request, we also propose plans for PR (80 pts = 1 year / 70 pts = 3 years), change to HSP 2, family accompaniment & spouse employment, renewals/notifications, and compliance with public dues.
※ After the October 16, 2025 amendments, examinations for PR / change to HSP 2 place even greater emphasis on business substance and compliance with public dues.

2. Processing Time for HSP 1(c)

Processing times are published and updated monthly. Please check the latest average days below.

Processing Times for Residence Examinations (ISA — Monthly)

5. Q&A on HSP 1(c)

How many points are required to be recognized under HSP 1(c)?

Recognition as a highly skilled professional generally requires a total of 70 points or more. If you are recognized with 80 points or more, the required period of stay for a PR application is shortened to 1 year; with 70+ points, it is shortened to 3 years.
Note that beyond points, examinations also consider the substance of your management/administration activities (e.g., duties as an officer, involvement in decision-making) and general requirements such as conduct, tax payment, and public insurance.

If my annual income is under JPY 3,000,000 but my total points exceed 70, can I still be recognized?

No. Under HSP 1(c), if your annual income is below JPY 3,000,000, you will not be recognized as highly skilled even if your total points are 70 or more. Income is verified by your contract/salary terms at the time of application.
Prepare supporting evidence such as your officer (employment) contract, board minutes (remuneration decision), salary rules/compensation table, and withholding slips/payroll ledger.

Do the October 16, 2025 “Business Manager” revisions affect HSP 1(c)?

Yes. They can affect examinations when you seek PR or a change to HSP 2. In particular, if you do not satisfy the post-amendment standards—hiring a full-time employee, securing Japanese ability (B2/JLPT N2 or equivalent), professional confirmation of your business plan, and compliance with public dues—PR from HSP 1(c) or a change to HSP 2 may be refused.
Even if you are operating within the HSP 1(c) framework, we recommend strengthening your company and personal setup in line with the revised standards if you aim for PR or HSP 2 over the mid- to long term.

What are the main benefits available under HSP 1(c)?

Key benefits include the ability to conduct composite activities (operate on your own a business related to your principal management activity), a 5-year period of stay, PR fast-track (80 pts = 1 year; 70 pts = 3 years), relaxed employment for spouses (full-time white-collar work permitted), ability to bring parents or employ a household helper under certain conditions, and preferential processing.
Accompanying parents/household helpers require conditions such as household income and cohabitation (e.g., for parents: household income ≥ JPY 8,000,000 and cohabitation; for household helpers: household income ≥ JPY 10,000,000, one helper only, monthly pay ≥ JPY 200,000, etc.).

What is the approximate processing time?

HSP cases are subject to preferential review, but actual timelines vary by season (busy periods), case details, and whether additional inquiries are issued.
As a rough guide, around 1–2 months for CoE, extension, or change. Please prepare with sufficient time if you have travel plans or status expiry considerations.

6. Introduction to Our HSP 1(c) Application Agency Service

1. Service Overview

Overview of HSP 1(c) application agency service

This service supports obtaining the status of residence “Highly Skilled Professional” from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

We maximize your chance of approval and support you for a smooth acquisition of the status “HSP 1(c).”

We handle the following cases:

・Changing from an existing work visa to an HSP visa
・Inviting talent from overseas under the HSP category

If you plan to apply for PR using the HSP points system, see the page below.

If you are applying for HSP 1(a), see the page below.

If you are applying for HSP 1(b), see the page below.

2. What’s Included

Proposal and preparation of the submission set that yields the highest approval probability
Filing with the Immigration Services Agency and handling stamping/issuance upon approval
Obtaining a re-entry permit at the same time (upon request)
Status checks during examination and responses to requests for additional documents
Free re-filing if the application is refused

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

Consulting for obtaining a Business Manager visa

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

Pricing system for the Business Manager visa

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

Free re-application 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. Agency Fees (Excl. Tax) for Status “HSP 1(c)”

No additional charges based on client circumstances.

ACROSEED’s services are available nationwide. Clients outside the Tokyo area can engage us at the same fees.

Payment by Visa or Mastercard is available.

Change from another work visa to HSP 1(c)	100,000JPY
Applications for Permanent Residence from standard working visas Using Highly Skilled Points	130,000JPY

Supervisor

Gyoseishoshi Hojin ACROSEED
Managing Partner: Makoto Sano
Japan Federation of Administrative Scriveners Associations (Registration No. 01080685)
Tokyo Administrative Scriveners Association (Member No. 4568)

Founded in 1986
Now in our 39th year, a two-generation firm dedicated to immigration law for foreign nationals.
Administrative Scrivener since 2001
23 years of experience as an international administrative scrivener.
Appointed to the International Affairs Committee, 2023
Contributing to the development and training of administrative scriveners in the Tokyo Administrative Scriveners Association.

Track Record
ACROSEED’s legal services are trusted by more than 1,000 companies, including listed and global firms. We also have extensive experience as lecturers for corporate seminars and as authors/contributors on immigration topics.

See our case record
See our publications

Related Services

Free consultation/inquiry for visa application

Since opening our practice in 1986, we have been involved in consulting on visa applications for foreigners for nearly 40 years as an immigration lawyer.
Telephone consultation, email consultation, online consultation, and consultation at our office are available.

03-6905-6371 Contact us 　

HSP 1(c) Automatic Points Calculation, Requirements, and Benefits