In our previous article, we explained how to switch from a Business Manager Visa to a Work Visa, as well as the “Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services” status, which is one of the most common types of residence status.

However, if you’re considering a long-term career in Japan, there’s another status of residence you should be aware of.

That is the “Highly Skilled Professional” status.

“I’ve heard the term ‘Highly Skilled Professional,’ but I’m not sure if I qualify.”

“Isn’t the Highly Skilled Professional visa just for researchers and IT engineers?”

“I’m currently running a company on a Business Management visa—can I qualify for the Highly Skilled Professional status?”

Many foreign nationals have questions like these.

In fact, the Highly Skilled Professional status is not a system limited to company employees or researchers.

Foreign business owners who meet certain requirements may also be eligible for Highly Skilled Professional status.

In this article, we’ll explain the basic structure and benefits of the Highly Skilled Professional status, as well as “Highly Skilled Professional Type I-c,” which is relevant to foreign business owners.

What Is the Highly Skilled Professional Status?

“Highly Skilled Professional” is a residence status established to promote the acceptance of foreign talent with advanced specialized skills.

A major feature is the adoption of a point system.

Points are assigned for criteria such as educational background, work experience, annual income, age, and research achievements; a total of 70 points or more is the required standard for recognition as a Highly Skilled Professional.

There is no specific occupation designated as “Highly Skilled Professional.”

It is a system that comprehensively evaluates an individual’s background, abilities, and income, and provides various preferential measures—beyond those of a standard work visa—to foreign nationals who meet or exceed a certain point threshold.

There are three categories of activities under the Highly Skilled Professional visa

“Highly Skilled Professional Type I” is broadly divided into three categories based on the nature of the activities.

Highly Skilled Professional Type I (a)

Advanced Academic Research Activities

This category is primarily intended for individuals engaged in research and educational activities at universities and research institutions.

Highly Skilled Professional Type I (b)

Advanced Specialized / Technical Activities

This category is intended for individuals working at companies and other organizations who utilize specialized knowledge or technical skills in the fields of humanities or natural sciences.

Highly Skilled Professional Type Ⅰ (c)

Advanced Business Management Activities

This category is intended for individuals engaged in the management or administration of companies.

What are the benefits of the Highly Skilled Professional visa?

The Highly Skilled Professional visa offers several preferential measures not available under standard work visas.

Therefore, it is a very important option for foreign nationals considering working or living in Japan on a long-term basis.

1. A wide range of activities is permitted.

Under standard residence statuses, individuals may only engage in activities permitted within the scope of that specific status.

In contrast, the Highly Skilled Professional visa allows individuals to engage in multiple activities related to their primary occupation.

For example, it is possible to conduct research while managing a business related to that research.

2. A “5-year” period of stay is granted.

Under the Highly Skilled Professional (Category I) status, the 5-year period of stay—the maximum allowed by law—is granted uniformly to all applicants.

This is one of the major benefits for those planning a long-term career or life in Japan.

3. The period required to obtain permanent residency is shortened.

For individuals who meet certain point requirements as highly skilled professionals, there is a special provision regarding the period of stay required for permanent residency.

While standard permanent residency typically requires continuous residence in Japan for 10 years or more, holders of the Highly Skilled Professional visa can consider applying for permanent residency after a period shorter than 10 years.

This is a very significant benefit for foreign nationals who wish to live in Japan long-term.

4. Preferential measures regarding spousal employment.

If certain conditions are met, there is a system that allows the spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional to work within a broader scope than usual.

This is an important point not only for the individual but also when considering life and career paths in Japan for the entire family.

5. Permission to bring parents or domestic helpers under certain conditions.

Under the Highly Skilled Professional status, if certain requirements are met, you are permitted to bring your parents with you or hire a foreign domestic helper.

Since there are requirements such as income thresholds, this is not granted unconditionally to all Highly Skilled Professionals, but it is a preferential measure not available under standard work visas.

What is the difference between the Business Manager Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional Type I-c Visa?

Both the “Business Manager” and “Highly Skilled Professional Type I-c” visas relate to corporate management and administrative activities.

However, their conceptual frameworks differ.

For the Business Manager visa, applicants must meet requirements stipulated by the Immigration Control Act, such as minimum capital and the employment of full-time staff.

On the other hand, for the Highly Skilled Professional Type I-c visa, in addition to meeting the Business Manager requirements, a higher level of professional experience and annual income than that required for the Business Manager visa is evaluated through a point system.

This is because the Highly Skilled Professional status is a higher-level designation than that of a Business Manager.

Therefore, if you wish to switch to Highly Skilled Professional Category I-C now, you must meet the new requirements effective October 2025. Simply running a company does not automatically qualify you for Highly Skilled Professional status.

You must apply your career history and other qualifications to the points table to confirm that you meet the required points.

It is especially worth checking for those who currently hold a Business Manager visa.

Since the Business Manager requirements were revised in October 2025, we have received inquiries from people asking, “I want to switch to Highly Skilled Professional Category I-c.”

However, as explained in the previous section, to switch to Highly Skilled Professional Category I-c from now on, you must meet the new requirements.

So, if you cannot meet the new requirements, does that mean you shouldn’t consider the Highly Skilled Professional visa?

The Highly Skilled Professional visa allows for a wide range of activities. If your background and expertise align with the business you wish to pursue, you could consider taking a job under the Highly Skilled Professional Category I-b visa and, for example, managing a subsidiary.

Additionally, since you can apply for permanent residency sooner than with a standard work visa, you could consider working for several years under the Highly Skilled Professional Category I-b visa before applying for permanent residency.

• If you want to live in Japan long-term
• If you’re considering permanent residency in the future
• If you want to live in Japan with your family
• If your work history and annual income may meet the criteria for Highly Skilled Professionals

then it’s worth checking your points.

The most suitable status of residence may vary depending on your future goals.

The Paths Diverge Between “Those Seeking Employment” and “Those Continuing to Manage a Business”

In this series so far, we have introduced the option of “finding employment with a Japanese company” for those who find it difficult to meet the requirements for the Business Manager visa.

For example, this involves a career change such as:

Business Manager → Technical, Humanities, and International Services

Business Manager → Highly Skilled Professional Type 1-b

However, not all foreign business owners need to stop managing their businesses.

While continuing to manage the business,

some may consider transitioning from Business Manager to Highly Skilled Professional Type 1-c

In other words, the key point here is this perspective:

It’s not about “which visa is best,” but rather “what I think I can do going forward, and what I want to do.”

It’s important to think together about your current activities, your career to date, and your vision for the future in Japan

Professionai Tips

Recently, we’ve seen a significant increase in consultations from foreign business owners regarding the Highly Skilled Professional visa.

The Highly Skilled Professional visa offers important benefits for foreigners who wish to build a long-term career in Japan, such as preferential treatment regarding period of stay and family status, as well as special provisions regarding the timeframe for obtaining permanent residency.

Continue managing your business?

Get a job at a Japanese company?

Aim for the Highly Skilled Professional visa?

First aim for permanent residency, then start a business again?

There isn’t just one option.

Your future in Japan isn’t defined by a single visa. It’s defined by the choices you make.

What’s important is to consider not only your current situation but also what kind of life and career you want to build in Japan five or ten years from now, and to choose a status of residence that aligns with that future.