Introduction
The Highly Skilled Professional visa is a residence status established by Japan to actively accept excellent foreign talent. Changing from Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 to No. 2 is an important step for many foreign professionals, but there seems to be much misunderstanding about the requirements. This article will accurately explain the conditions for changing to Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 and reveal the truth about the annual salary requirement.
Differences Between Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 and No. 2
First, let’s understand the main differences between Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 and No. 2:
| Category | Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 | Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Residence Period | 5 years | Unlimited |
| Activity Scope | Limited to specific activities (I, II, III) | Almost all employment activities are possible |
| Acquisition Conditions | Points-based system with 70 points or more | Must have resided for 3 years or more under Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 and meet point conditions |
Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 is a residence status that many foreign professionals aim for because it offers an unlimited residence period and a broader scope of activities.
Conditions for Changing to Highly Skilled Professional No. 2
To change to Highly Skilled Professional No. 2, the following conditions must be met:
- Resided for 3 years or more under Highly Skilled Professional No. 1
- Have a high-skilled professional points score of 70 points or more
- Have good conduct
- Be in the interests of Japan
- Not be engaged in activities deemed inappropriate
It is important to note that an annual salary of ¥10 million is not a mandatory condition. However, income is an important factor in the high-skilled professional points system.
The Truth About the Annual Salary Requirement
An annual salary of ¥10 million is not required to change to Highly Skilled Professional No. 2. However, in the high-skilled professional points system, income is one of the key factors. Points are calculated based on items such as educational background, work experience, income, and age, and a total of 70 points or more is required. While higher income earns more points, it is possible to reach 70 points or more without a high income by achieving high scores in other categories.
Details of the High-Skilled Professional Points System
The high-skilled professional points system is divided into three fields:
- Advanced Academic Research Activities
- Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities
- Advanced Business Management Activities
In each field, points are assigned to items such as educational background, work experience, and income. For example, the income category has the following point allocation:
- ¥10 million or more: 40 points
- ¥9 million to ¥10 million: 35 points
- ¥8 million to ¥9 million: 30 points
- ¥7 million to ¥8 million: 25 points
- ¥6 million to ¥7 million: 20 points
- ¥5 million to ¥6 million: 15 points
- ¥4 million to ¥5 million: 10 points
However, for Highly Skilled Professional No. 1 categories II and III, if the income is less than ¥3 million, the application cannot be made regardless of points, so caution is necessary.
Preferential Treatment for Highly Skilled Professional No. 2
Upon obtaining Highly Skilled Professional No. 2, the following preferential treatments are available:
- Unlimited residence period
- Almost all employment activities are possible
- Relaxed requirements for permanent residence
- Spouse can work
- Parents can accompany under certain conditions
- Domestic workers can accompany under certain conditions
- Priority processing for entry and residence procedures
These preferential treatments enable a long-term and stable life and career in Japan.
Path from Highly Skilled Professional to Permanent Residence
After obtaining Highly Skilled Professional No. 2, many aim to acquire permanent residence. The requirements for permanent residence are relaxed compared to regular applications:
- 70 points or more but less than 80 points: 3 years or more of residence
- 80 points or more: 1 year or more of residence
However, to obtain permanent residence, good conduct and independent livelihood requirements must also be met.
Conclusion
Changing to Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 does not require an annual salary of ¥10 million. What is important is achieving 70 points or more in the high-skilled professional points system and residing for 3 years or more under Highly Skilled Professional No. 1. Income is one of the important factors, but it is possible to earn points through other categories such as educational background and work experience. Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 is an attractive residence status for foreign professionals planning a long-term career in Japan because it offers an unlimited residence period and a broad scope of activities. Understanding the requirements accurately and preparing strategically can facilitate a smooth application process. It is recommended to obtain the latest information and consult with experts as necessary, as regulations regarding the Highly Skilled Professional visa may change.
