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.)
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(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:
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Master's degree or higher and annual income of at least 20 million yen
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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:
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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"
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Permitting multiple residence activities
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Granting a period of stay of 5 years
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Relaxation of permanent residency requirements concerning residence history
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Allowing for spouse employment
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Inviting parents to Japan under certain conditions
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Employment of domestic servants under certain conditions
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Use of priority lanes at large airports, etc.
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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.
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Can perform almost all work qualification activities in conjunction with "Highly Skilled Professional I"
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Indefinite period of stay
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Preferential measures from 3 to 7 above also apply