2024-03-11

For highly skilled professionals, there are several benefits such as being granted a uniform period of stay of “5 years,” but perhaps the most significant advantage is the relaxation of requirements when applying for permanent residency.

Here’s an explanation of the key points regarding permanent residency application for highly skilled professionals.

 

 

Relaxation of Requirements

To apply for permanent residency, it is generally necessary to have been residing in Japan for “continuously 10 years.” Meanwhile, for highly skilled professionals, if you have 70 points on the point calculation table, you can apply after “continuously 3 years” of activities as a highly skilled professional, or if you have 80 points or more, you can apply after just 1 year of such activities.
It’s important to note that the “continuously” aspect means you must have consistently held 70 points or more for the preceding three years before the application.

For example, if you had 70 points three years ago and 75 points at the time of application, if the score was 65 points in the year before, you would not meet the requirements for permanent residency application.

 

Point calculation table    https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001398882.pdf

 

If you currently don’t hold a Highly Skilled Professional Residence Status

To benefit from the relaxation of requirements when applying for permanent residency, it’s not necessarily required to have the residence status of “Highly Skilled Professional” at the time of application. For instance, if you have been holding a residence status such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” for over 3 years with 70 points or more, or if you have been holding such status with 80 points or more for over 1 year, you can still apply by utilizing your points for requirement relaxation.
In fact, we have assisted many individuals in such situations with their applications.

 

 

About Guarantors

 

 

We often receive inquiries from clients regarding guarantors.

 

Who can be a guarantor?

Not just anyone can be a guarantor; it is limited to Japanese citizens or permanent residents. Common choices for guarantors include one’s Japanese supervisor or colleague at work, or a friend who is a permanent resident.

 

Difficulty in finding a guarantor

This is a common concern that arises frequently. For Japanese individuals, the concept of a guarantor often evokes the idea of a “joint guarantor,” leading them to become reluctant to act as guarantors. However, according to the Immigration Law, a guarantor is someone who pledges to provide economic support and offer guidance on adhering to laws, as necessary, to ensure that a foreign national can achieve their intended purpose of entry into Japan in a stable and continuous manner.
(source: Immigration Bureau website https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/immigration/faq/kanri_qa.html?hl=en Q52).  While there is no legal obligation, it remains a moral responsibility.
When clients consult us, we direct them to our article below so that the person they are asking can understand their role as a guarantor.

Responsibilities and scope of a guarantor

 

Difficulty in asking income proof

Previously, a guarantor’s tax certificate was required, so we have received inquiries where clients express reluctance to request documents revealing the income of the person they are asking to be their guarantor. However, since June 2022, this is no longer necessary.

 

Required Documents

 

One key difference from other residence statuses is the requirement for documents proving that you meet the necessary points. Without these documents, you cannot apply for permanent residency as a highly skilled professional. For example, if you are obtaining points based on over 10 years of practical experience, you will need a certificate of employment. If you have changed jobs, you will need to obtain certificates from previous employers.

 

Below are the other required documents:

1.  Statement of Reasons
2.  Certificates of Residence for all family members
3. Documents proving your occupation (e.g., certificate of employment, certified copy of the family register)
4.  Income and tax status documents for the applicant and dependents for the past three years or one year
   -Certificates of income tax and resident tax for the past three years or one year
   -Certificates of payment for withholding income tax, special income tax for reconstruction, declaration income tax, special income tax for reconstruction, consumption tax, local consumption tax, inheritance tax, gift tax (Part 3)
   -Copy of bank account passbook, etc.
5. Documents proving payment status of public pension insurance premiums for the past two years
   – Copy of health insurance card, etc.
6. Highly skilled professional points calculation form
7. Documents proving each item of the point calculation
8.  Documents proving assets
9. Letter of guarantee
10. Documents revealing the guarantor’s identity information
11. Acknowledgment Letter

For more details, please refer to the Immigration Bureau’s website.

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri07_00131.html?hl=en

 

 

At our office, we are committed to assisting talented individuals who wish to reside in Japan for the long term. Over the years, we have supported numerous applications for permanent residency, particularly for highly skilled professionals. If you are considering applying for permanent residency, please do not hesitate to contact us through the inquiry form. The immigration lawyer will provide dedicated support from the beginning to the end.

 

Profile

Ami Ito　　Immigration lawyer in Tokyo, Japan

– Spent high school years in the U.K. and graduated from a local school.
– Studied mainly intercultural communication at Sophia University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages, English Department.
– Worked in the overseas department of SEIKO for 11 years after graduation.
– Over 10 years of experience teaching English to high school students, with a TOEIC score of 970 and a Class A level in the United Nations Associations Test of English.
– Serves as a board member in charge of international affairs at the Chiba Administrative Scrivener Association.
– Officially registered on the Financial Services Agency’s “List of Professionals (Administrative Scriveners) in Chiba Prefecture capable of providing services in foreign languages.”