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J-SKIP VISA
J-Skip (Japan System for Special Highly Skilled Professionals)

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

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"

  1. Permitting multiple residence activities

  2. Granting a period of stay of 5 years

  3. Relaxation of permanent residency requirements concerning residence history

  4. Allowing for spouse employment

  5. Inviting parents to Japan under certain conditions

  6. Employment of domestic servants under certain conditions

  7. Use of priority lanes at large airports, etc.

  8. Priority processing for immigration and visa procedures

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"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.

  1. Can perform almost all work qualification activities in conjunction with "Highly Skilled Professional I"

  2. Indefinite period of stay

  3. Preferential measures from 3 to 7 above also apply

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