Hello. I’m Yukiko Horiuchi, a certified administrative scrivener at the Horiuchi Administrative Scrivener Office.
To obtain a permanent residence permit, you are generally required to have lived in Japan for at least 10 years. However, for those who have accumulated a certain number of points under the Highly Skilled Professionals Program, this requirement is significantly reduced. Many of you are probably wondering, “Could I qualify?”
In this article, let’s take a look at the special provisions for permanent residency applications using the Highly Skilled Professional Points System (3 years for 70 points, 1 year for 80 points) and what changes have been made to the Permanent Residency Guidelines revised in October 2026.
Three key points of this article
- pointA score of 70 or higher for 3 years, orA score of 80 or higher for one yearIf you continue to meet the requirements, the 10-year residency period requirement will generally be shortened.
- Even if your current status of residence is not “Highly Skilled Professional,” you may still be eligible if you met the point requirements at an earlier point in time.
- The guidelines revised in October 2026 clarified the criteria for assessing household income, pensions, and taxes and public charges. For highly skilled professionals and their families, Japanese language proficiency (equivalent to B1) is no longer a factor in the assessment.
1. What Is the Special Permanent Residency Program for Highly Skilled Professionals?
The Permanent Residence Guidelines stipulate the following special provisions for highly skilled professionals regarding the 10-year period of stay, which is the general rule.
| point | Required Period of Stay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 70 points or more | 3 years or more | The applicant must have resided in Japan continuously for at least three years as a highly skilled professional, or must have consistently scored 70 points or more for the past three years. |
| 80 points or more | More than 1 year | The applicant must have been residing in Japan continuously for at least one year as a highly skilled professional, or must have consistently scored 80 points or more for the past year. |
In other words, it's not just about high scores, but also—How long have you maintained that score?...will be a key factor in the review.
2. Are individuals eligible even if they do not hold the “Highly Skilled Professional” status of residence?
The guidelines also specify that individuals who “met the point requirement three years ago (or one year ago, in the case of 80 points) and have continued to meet it since then” are eligible. Therefore, even those currently residing in Japan under the “Technical, Humanistic Knowledge, and International Business” or “Management and Administration” categories may be able to apply for permanent residency under this special provision if they meet the requirements based on their point calculation.
Things to Check Before Applying
- Do you have 70 points (or 80 points) or more at the time of application?
- Did you meet the same score requirement three years ago (or one year ago)?
- Can you provide documentation (such as a tax certificate or proof of employment) to verify your annual income and employment history during that period?
It’s common for scores to vary depending on the time period—for example, “I have an 80 now, but a year ago my annual income was lower, so my score was in the 70s.” The most important part of your preparation is determining whether you can accurately reflect your past scores in your application materials.
3. What Will Change in the Revised Guidelines in October 2026?
The guidelines for permanent residence permits were revised on October 1, 2026. While the special provisions for highly skilled professionals (70 points for 3 years and 80 points for 1 year) remain in place, the details of the screening process have been clarified as follows.
| (data) item | Revised Approach |
|---|---|
| income | The household's annual income must consistently exceed the average level for Japanese households based on household size. |
| pension | Will the projected benefit amount be reached if you enroll in the Employees' Pension Insurance at a certain level? Any shortfall can be covered by assets appropriate for your age. |
| taxes and public dues | Proper payment of taxes and social insurance premiums (past delinquencies are generally viewed negatively) |
| Japanese Language Proficiency | Generally, B1 level or higher. However,Highly Skilled Professionals and Their Families Are Excluded from the Consideration Criteria |
| Period of Absence from the Country | As a general rule, any absence of at least six months at one time or a cumulative absence of at least two years and six months within the 10 years prior to the application will result in a negative evaluation. |
Please Note the Effective Date
- Under the revised guidelines, as a general rule,Applications submitted on or after April 1, 2027...will apply starting from.
- However,incomeandPublic BurdenThe section regarding [...],Applications received on or after April 1, 2026This applies to items (including those under review as of the effective date).
- The fee for permanent residence permits has also been revised to 200,000 yen for applications submitted in person on or after October 1, 2026.
The special provisions for highly skilled professionals shorten the “period of stay” requirement. Please note that the screening of household income, pension benefits, and tax and social insurance contributions is conducted in the same manner as for other applicants.
4. What should I pay special attention to when applying?
- Fluctuations in Annual Income: If your annual income decreases due to a job change or a pay cut, your points may fall below the threshold.
- Taxes and Social Insurance Premiums: Unpaid or overdue resident taxes and pension insurance premiums will have a significant negative impact, even if you have a high point total.
- Reporting Obligation: Make sure you haven't forgotten to report any changes, such as a change in your place of employment.
- Long-term stay abroad: If you’re going on a long business trip abroad or returning to Japan for an extended period, it’s a good idea to keep track of the number of days you’ll be away in advance.
5. How does this relate to the revision of the annual income requirements?
In October 2026, it was reported that the Immigration Services Agency plans to raise the minimum annual income requirement for highly specialized professionals. The specific amount, effective date, and transitional measures have not yet been announced (as of October 2026).
Depending on the details of the review, there is a possibility that it could affect your point calculation. If you are aiming for permanent residency under the Special Provisions for Highly Skilled Professionals, we recommend that you begin preparations as soon as possible while you still meet the requirements.
Related Articles
- 20 Q&As on Applying for Permanent Residence in Japan｜From application requirements to actual essential points
- February 24, 2026 Permanent Residence Permit Guidelines revised.
summary
“3 years with a score of 70, 1 year with a score of 80”; “You may be eligible even if your current status of residence is not ‘Highly Skilled Professional’”; “The screening of household income, pension, and taxes and public charges is the same as for other applicants.” Keeping these three points in mind will make it easier to determine whether you are eligible. In particular, whether you can provide documentary proof of your past scores is a major deciding factor.
当事務所のサポート内容は、永住許可申請のサポートでご確認いただけます。
We hope this information will be of some help to those seeking permanent residency as highly skilled professionals. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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ABOUT US
Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Office
Administrative Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
- Member of Shinjuku Branch, Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Association
- Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
- Member of Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)
Access
- 1 minute walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
- 1 minute walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station on the Toei Oedo Line
- 12-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
- 8-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Yamanote Line
- 15-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line
- 12-minute walk from Okubo Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines
If you have any questions regarding residency status (visas), permanent residency, naturalization, or starting a business, please feel free to contact us.
