In a swift move marking Japan’s commitment to global talent mobility, the government announced a major relaxation of its Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points-based immigration system in 2025. The amendment preserves the original framework’s integrity but introduces key changes to increase flexibility and access—most notably, making it easier to reach the qualifying 70 points and to secure coveted fast-track permanent residency.

The following is an in-depth exploration of the revised HSP system as implemented in 2025, its structure, practical implications, and the broader context of Japanese immigration policy.

1. Background: What Is the Highly Skilled Professional Points System?

The Highly Skilled Professional status is central to Japan’s strategy to attract foreign individuals equipped to propel key sectors in academia, science and technology, and business management.

Assessment under this system is structured into three activity categories:

• HSP (i)(a): Advanced academic research
• HSP (i)(b): Advanced specialized or technical activities (engineers, humanities, international services)
• HSP (i)(c): Advanced business management

Points are assigned for demonstrable achievements in education, work history, income, age, research output, Japanese language proficiency, and additional qualifying criteria.

Applicants earning 70 points or more are recognized as Highly Skilled Professionals and may receive the corresponding residence status. More importantly, for those interested in settling in Japan long-term, the system offers a pathway to greatly accelerated permanent residency.

2. Key 2025 Update: Clarified Additional Points and Emphasis on Skills Evaluation

2.1 Relaxation of Point-Based Requirements

The 2025 overhaul marks Japan’s most significant recalibration of the HSP framework since its inception. By renewing the system, authorities have actively responded to the changing global talent landscape and Japan’s domestic needs.

The amendment introduces:

• Clarified additional points and more generous evaluation of skills and experience
• Additional points for individuals engaged in government-recognized advanced or growth sectors (for example, IT and renewable energy)
• Points that may be awarded for high-value investors establishing or expanding businesses in Japan, assessed on a case-by-case basis
• Inclusion of graduates from universities or training programs officially designated by the Minister of Justice

While the passing score remains at 70 points, the evaluation now places slightly more emphasis on recognized skills, experience, and engagement in advanced sectors, without major changes to the overall scoring system.

2.2 Shortened Residence Period for Permanent Residency

Traditionally, permanent residency in Japan required ten years of continuous lawful residence. Under the HSP scheme, the government has significantly shortened this timeline:

• If you accrue and maintain 80 or more points for at least one year prior to application, and at the time of application, you may apply for permanent residency after just one year in Japan.
• If you maintain 70 or more points for at least three years prior to application, you are eligible for permanent residency after three years of residence.

While the required residence period is shortened, standard requirements related to conduct, financial independence, and compliance with tax and social insurance obligations remain unchanged.

3. Structure of the Points: Core Items and 2025 Clarifications

The calculation method for HSP points remains rooted in foundational categories while expanding clarification of additional items that reflect modern talent profiles.

3.1 Education

Higher education is heavily weighted. A doctoral degree in a relevant field typically provides 30 points, while a master’s degree gives 20 points (25 points for category 2), with an additional 5 points for specialties such as an MBA or MOT.

A bachelor’s degree is recognized but awarded fewer points, particularly within the management category. Additional distinctions permit extra points for holding multiple advanced degrees in diverse fields.

3.2 Professional Experience

Years of relevant work experience yield incremental points depending on the category. In technical and specialized fields, points increase at three, five, and seven years of experience. In business management, longer tenure—particularly over a decade—is significantly rewarded, with up to 25 points available.

Only experience directly related to the intended work in Japan is counted.

3.3 Annual Salary

Japan’s salary evaluation reflects both market demand and retention of high-performing talent. In management roles, annual salaries starting from 10 million yen receive 10 points, increasing sharply to 50 points for salaries of 30 million yen or more.

In technical and research fields, salary thresholds are adjusted by age, with particular value placed on younger high earners.

3.4 Age

Younger applicants receive higher points, reflecting the government’s preference for long-term contribution. Those under 30 typically receive the highest scores, with points decreasing across age brackets.

3.5 Research Achievements

For academics and R&D professionals, research output—measured through publications, patents, and recognized innovations—can contribute up to 20 to 25 points, depending on quality and volume.

4. Additional Points Measures: Existing Criteria and 2025 Clarifications

Points continue to be awarded for:

• Involvement in recognized growth and innovation fields
• Substantial direct investment in Japanese businesses
• High-level Japanese language proficiency, such as JLPT N1
• Professional or nationally recognized qualifications

While no major new criteria were added in 2025, updated guidance clarifies how skills, experience, and recognized qualifications are evaluated.

5. Applying the Points System to Permanent Residency

5.1 Note on Use of the Points System

The fast-track permanent residency pathway applies only to individuals holding Highly Skilled Professional status, or those deemed to qualify based on past point assessments.

Standard visa categories such as Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, International Services, or Business Manager do not independently use the HSP point system to accelerate permanent residency.

5.2 General Permanent Residency Requirements Still Apply

Regardless of qualification method, applicants must satisfy core permanent residency requirements, including sound legal conduct, stable income and self-sufficiency, and full compliance with tax and social insurance obligations. These are assessed holistically during adjudication.

6. Practical Advantages of HSP Status Beyond Permanent Residency

The benefits of HSP status extend beyond permanent residency eligibility and reflect Japan’s broader immigration objectives:

• Broader activity scope, though employer changes require new HSP approval
• Longer initial stay periods, typically up to five years
• Enhanced spousal work permissions
• Ability to sponsor parents under specific conditions
• Permission to employ a foreign domestic helper
• Expedited immigration processing following successful point assessment

Collectively, the HSP platform provides a recognized pathway for international professionals—from researchers to startup founders—who are employed by Japanese companies or operate qualifying businesses, receive salary in Japan, and seek long-term integration.

7. Policy Context: Tightening of the Business Manager Visa Versus HSP Relaxation

The relaxation of the HSP points system coincides with a tightening of Business Manager visa requirements as of October 2025. The Ministry of Justice introduced stricter standards for business genuineness and sustainability, raising eligibility thresholds.

In contrast, the HSP system’s expanded scope functions as a counterbalance, allowing highly qualified managers and investor-entrepreneurs who meet elevated point requirements to retain broad work privileges and accelerated permanent residency access.

8. Official Basis and Further Guidance

The legal foundation for the Highly Skilled Professional system lies in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Detailed rules are issued by the Immigration Services Agency through ordinances and public notices.

Applicants typically must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility referencing the appropriate HSP category before applying for residence status. Due to the technical nature of point allocation, expert guidance using updated official tables is strongly recommended.

Conclusion: 2025 and Beyond—A Broadened Path for Global Talent

With its 2025 clarifications, Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional points system remains a cornerstone of the country’s modern immigration policy. The 70-point threshold remains unchanged, with clearer guidance on how existing achievements are assessed.

This reflects a pragmatic approach to global mobility, supporting internationally minded professionals while providing a structured and accelerated path to long-term participation in Japanese society.

About the Author

Junko Ishibashi has 17 years of experience practicing Japanese immigration law as a licensed professional Gyosei Shoshi and as a California Attorney. She specializes in assisting foreign nationals with Japanese visas, residence certificates, and the establishment of corporate entities in both Japan and the United States.

To explore eligibility under the HSP system or request tailored guidance on a Japan immigration pathway, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out directly.