The HSP (Highly Skilled Professional / 高度専門職) visa is Japan's fastest PR pathway. After standard PR tightened on February 24, 2026, HSP has become more valuable than ever.
1. THE HSP POINTS SYSTEM (2026)
Education (max 30 points)
| Degree | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) | 30 points |
| Master's | 20 points |
| Bachelor's | 10 points |
| + Top 300 world university grad | +10 points |
Experience (max 25 points)
| Years | Points |
|---|---|
| ≥10 years | 25 points |
| ≥7 years | 20 points |
| ≥5 years | 15 points |
| ≥3 years | 10 points |
Annual Salary (max 40 points)
| JPY/year | Points |
|---|---|
| ≥¥30M | 40 points |
| ≥¥20M | 30 points |
| ≥¥15M | 25 points |
| ≥¥10M | 20 points |
Age (bonus)
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | +15 points |
| 30-35 | +10 points |
| 35-40 | +5 points |
Japanese Language
| Level | Points |
|---|---|
| JLPT N1 | +15 points |
| JLPT N2 | +10 points |
2. REAL EXAMPLES
IT Engineer, 28 y/o, Master's, 6 yrs exp, ¥8M salary, N2:
- Master's: 20 + 6yrs: 15 + Salary: ~15 + Age <30: +15 + N2: +10
- Total ≈ 75 pts → HSP Level 1, PR in 3 years ✅
Researcher, PhD, 32 y/o, 8yrs exp, ¥12M salary:
- PhD: 30 + Exp: 20 + Salary ¥12M: 22 + Age 32: +10
- Total ≈ 82 pts → HSP Level 2, PR in 1 year ✅✅
3. WHY HSP IS MORE IMPORTANT AFTER FEB 24, 2026
Standard PR now requires 5 continuous years under the same visa status. HSP is unaffected, retaining:
- HSP 70+ pts: PR after 3 years.
- HSP 80+ pts: PR after just 1 year.
4. HSP EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
- Spouse works in ANY job, no separate visa needed.
- Permission to hire domestic workers (with conditions).
- Priority processing at immigration offices.
- Can operate side businesses in the same field.
5. QUICK POINTS-BOOSTING TIPS
- JLPT N2: +10 points — achievable in 6-12 months of study.
- Age under 30: +15 automatic — apply early to maximize this.
- Raise salary from ¥8M → ¥10M: Adds ~5 points through negotiation.
Check the official points calculator at: moj.go.jp
📋 Required Documents Checklist
Passport (valid > 6 months)
Photo 4x3 (taken within 6 months)
Visa application form
Employment certificate
Latest 3 months salary slips
Residence registration
Health insurance
Financial proof
#Skilled Visa #PR 1 year Japan #HSP Points #Japan PR #Japan HSP Visa
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