Japan's Ministry of Justice Unveils Benefits for Skilled Foreign Workers

Japan's Ministry of Justice has outlined seven benefits available to highly skilled foreign professionals under its points-based visa system. These benefits are categorized into Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 and No. 2.

Key advantages include the ability to combine activities from multiple residence statuses, automatic five-year stay permits, and expedited paths to permanent residency: three years for most and as little as one year for those scoring 80 points or higher. Spouses of these professionals can work in various roles without the usual educational or experience requirements.

Additionally, parents of the professionals or their spouses can reside in Japan under specific conditions, provided the household income is at least eight million yen. Highly skilled professionals may also bring foreign domestic helpers, a privilege typically reserved for certain visa categories.

Immigration applications for this group are fast-tracked, with pre-entry screening taking around 10 days and residence status examinations completed within five days. Holders of No. 2 status enjoy indefinite stay periods and broader work-related activity permissions.