The Japan System for Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) was introduced in April 2023. Applicants will be granted the visa status of "Highly Skilled Professional" if their academic (or professional) background and annual income are above a certain level, in addition to the existing Highly Skilled Professional Point System.
J-Skip Application Requirements
The "Highly Skilled Professional" status of residence has three sub-types depending on the activity the foreign national is to engage in while in Japan.
(a) "Advanced academic research activities"
Research, teaching, or teaching activities based on a contract with a Japanese public or private organization (e.g., professor or researcher at a university, etc.)
(b) "Advanced specialized/technical activities"
Activities to engage in work requiring knowledge or skills in the natural sciences or humanities based on a contract with a Japanese public or private organization (e.g., persons engaged in the development of new products in a company, international lawyers, etc.)
(c) "Advanced business management activities"
Activities to engage in business managerial or administrative activities at a Japanese public or private organization (e.g., a business manager of a company engaged in global business development, etc.)
For the Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) visa, in addition to the above (a) to (c), the following requirements are required for each type of activity.
Those in (a) and (b) must meet one of the following requirements:
- Master's degree or higher and annual income of at least 20 million yen
- At least 10 years of work experience and an annual income of at least 20 million yen
Those who meet the following criteria for (c) must have the following:
- At least 5 years of experience in business management or administration and annual income of at least 40 million yen
The Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) visa is a Japanese work visa that must be applied for and obtained for the purpose of working while staying in Japan. The applicant must have a contracting organization (a place of employment) or an activity organization (a company, etc., that manages and administers the business) in Japan. In addition, the annual income requirement for the application must be the expected annual income paid by the organization where the foreigner plans to work or conduct activities in Japan.
Therefore, a foreign national abroad can only apply for Special Highly Skilled Professionals Visa if they have an employment contract with an organization in Japan (the company where they will be employed). This is not a visa that can be applied for directly in order to simply come to Japan.
Alternatively, if you wish to conduct business in Japan, you can establish a company in Japan and apply for the Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) visa as a manager. In this case, you must first satisfy the requirements for the Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) visa in addition to the requirements for Business Manager visa status. Please refer to the following for more information on the "Business Manager" status of residence.
J-Skip Preferential Treatment
Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) visa holders are entitled to the following preferential treatment, which is more extensive than the preferential treatment under the Highly Skilled Professionals Point System.
* If recognized as a Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip), a Special Highly Skilled Professionals Certificate will be issued and "Special Highly Skilled Professional" will be written on the back of the residence card in the margin.
"Highly Skilled Professional I"
- Permitting multiple residence activities
- Granting a period of stay of 5 years
- Relaxation of permanent residency requirements concerning residence history
- Allowing for spouse employment
- Inviting parents to Japan under certain conditions
- Employment of domestic servants under certain conditions
- Use of priority lanes at large airports, etc.
- Priority processing for immigration and visa procedures
"Highly Skilled Professional II"
* "Highly Skilled Professional II" is a status of residence that can be transferred to those who have been working as a "Highly Skilled Professional I" (Special Highly Skilled Professional) for one year or more.
- Can perform almost all work qualification activities in conjunction with "Highly Skilled Professional I"
- Indefinite period of stay
- Preferential measures from 3 to 7 above also apply
J-Skip Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the official visa name for the Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) visa?
A: The name of the status of residence is the "Highly Skilled Professional" visa. Initially, you will apply under either "Highly Skilled Professional I" (a), (b), or (c).
Q: Can I apply if I currently reside abroad and meet the education and annual income requirements?
A: You can only apply if you have an employer in Japan or an institution capable of managing your business.
Q: Can I apply even if I do not have a company in Japan that employs me?
A: Since this is a work visa, you can only apply for it if you have a company that will employ you in Japan.
Q: Where does the annual income mentioned in the annual income requirement come from?
A: The annual income required for the J-Skip application is the estimated annual income you will receive from your employer in Japan.
Q: I don't have a company in Japan that employs me. Can I apply if I establish a company in Japan?
A: Yes, you can apply if you establish a company in Japan and meet the requirements for both a "Business Manager" visa and a J-Skip visa. Please refer to the following for more information on the "Business Manager" visa.
Q: Can I apply for a "Highly Skilled Professional II" from the start?
A: First, you must apply for a "Highly Skilled Professional I (5-year)" visa. If you have been working in Japan for more than one year under the "Highly Skilled Professional I (5-year)" status, you can apply for a "Highly Skilled Professional II" visa.
Q: I have a company that will employ me in Japan. Who will apply for the visa?
A: If you reside overseas, an employee of the company in Japan will act as your representative to apply for the "Certificate of Eligibility (COE)".
Q: I established a company in Japan a few years ago. Can I apply for J-Skip?
A: You may apply if you meet the requirements for both a "Business Manager" visa and a J-Skip visa. Please refer to the following for more information on the "Business Manager" visa.
