We sometimes received an inquiry from a holder of the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa who is interested in starting their own business.

In this article, we will clearly explain whether individuals with the Highly Skilled Professional (Type 1) Visa can engage in side jobs or start a business.

 

 

Understanding the Highly Skilled Professional Visa

 

The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa is designed for foreign nationals with advanced knowledge and skills. Essentially, it’s a visa for those recognized as having a high level of expertise in their field.

Learn more about this visa and its benefits here:  Privileged measures for Highly Skilled Professionals for PR application

 

 

Benefits of the Highly Skilled Professional Visa

1. 5  years of Period of Stay
   You are granted a visa for 5 years from the start, which is the maximum duration allowed.
2. Relaxed Permanent Residency Requirements
   The criteria for applying for permanent residency are eased. For example, while the standard requirement is 10 years of residency, individuals with 70 points or more may qualify in 3 years, and those with 80 points or more may qualify in just 1 year.
3. Visa Requirements for Spouse  Eased
   Even if your spouse does not meet the typical educational or professional requirements, they may qualify for a “Specific Activities” visa under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” category.
4. Bringing Parents to Japan
   Under certain conditions, you can bring your parents to Japan. This typically requires proof of sufficient income and stable living conditions.
5. Permitted Multiple Activities
   Unlike other visas where only the authorized activities are allowed, the HSP Visa permits engaging in multiple activities across different visa categories. For example, you can work as a freelancer or hold multiple roles.

 

 

Starting a Business

 

 

If you hold an HSP Visa, you can start a business related to your primary occupation, as mentioned in benefit number five above. For instance, you may establish a business related to your IT engineering work. This flexibility allows for overlapping activities across different visa categories.

 

Procedure

If your business is related to your main job, you typically do not need to apply to the Immigration Bureau.

If you are starting a business in a field different from your main occupation, you may need to apply for a “Business Manager” visa or switch to a “Highly Skilled Professional (Type 2)” visa.

It is crucial to ensure that your business activity is closely related to your main job. If it is deemed unrelated, you might need to change your visa type.

 

 

Working Part-Time

 

If you wish to take on part-time work in addition to your main job, you must first obtain “Permission for Activities Other Than Those Permitted” under your current visa.

Permission for Activities Other Than Those Permitted:

• This is required if you wish to work outside the scope of your existing visa.
• Submit an application for this permission to the Immigration Bureau and receive individual assessment.
• Part-time work is permissible if it does not interfere with your primary occupation.

 

 

Summary

Holders of the Highly Skilled Professional Visa can indeed engage in side jobs and start businesses. However, obtaining the necessary permissions and potentially changing your visa type may be required. Additionally, as more Japanese companies are allowing side jobs, it’s important to check with your employer to ensure that your side activities are permitted under your current employment contract.

 

 

 

 

Profile: Ami Ito　Immigration lawyer in Tokyo, Japan

 

・Background: Born in Tokyo. Spent her high school years in the UK, graduating from a local school.

 

・Education: Graduated from Sophia University (Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of English Studies) with a focus on Intercultural Communication.

 

・Professional Experience:

-Worked for 11 years in the overseas division of a manufacturing company.

-Serves as an Officer of the Chiba Branch of the Chiba Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association (Since May 2025).

-Previously served as a Director of the International Affairs Department at the Chiba Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association (June 2023 – May 2025).

 

・Certifications & Skills:

-TOEIC score: 970; United Nations Associations Test of English (UNATE): Grade A.

-Over 10 years of experience teaching English to high school students.

-Officially registered on the Financial Services Agency’s “List of Professionals (Gyoseishoshi Lawyers) in Chiba Prefecture Capable of Handling Foreign Languages.”

 

・Philosophy: Having lived abroad, I understand the challenges of living and working in a different culture. This experience inspired me to become a Gyoseishoshi (Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialist) to assist foreigners who wish to live and work in Japan, and to support companies looking to hire foreign talent.

I enjoy connecting with people and listening to their stories. I am dedicated to carefully understanding each client’s unique situation and proposing the best possible solutions based on my legal expertise. Through clear and attentive communication, I strive to ensure my clients feel secure and well-supported throughout the process.