Last updated 2025-06-03
HSP
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Designed for advanced academic research activities, issued to foreigners who will engage in education, research, or research guidance in a public or private organization in Japan.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 1 year to 5 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
A Japanese Highly Skilled Professional visa can be issued for 1, 3, or 5 years. The exact length of the visa is determined on a case-by-case basis by Japanese immigration authorities, who take into account the applicant’s qualifications, employment status, HSP score, and other relevant factors.
from 1 year to 5 years
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Foreign nationals who are permitted to enter and reside in Japan as highly skilled professionals receive preferential treatment, under which the permitted period of stay can be up to 5 years. The final decision on the length of stay in each individual case depends on the applicant's qualifications, employment status, HSP points, and other relevant factors.
from 1 day to 5 years
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Before the visa expires, an application for a visa extension can be submitted to the local immigration office in the applicant’s region of residence. The visa can be extended for up to 5 years. The length of the extension depends on various factors, including the applicant's continued compliance with visa conditions, the nature of their work, and their contribution to their field. If the applicant has lived in Japan for at least three years under this visa category, they may apply for permanent residence instead of extending their visa.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
As a rule, a visa for a highly qualified foreign specialist allows multiple entries into the country.
from 5 days to 10 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The standard processing time for such a visa, in the absence of problems with the content of the application, is five working days from the day following the date of acceptance of the application. However, this period may be extended in individual cases, especially when additional documents are required from the applicant.
¥6,000
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The fee may be waived or may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the specific purpose of the visit. According to Japanese law, the visa fee is only charged if the application of a foreign national is approved. The visa fee is the official fee for processing the visa application by the Japanese embassy or consulate and does not include any additional fees that may be required depending on the location and method of application, such as visa application center fees, fees for processing permits and other documents, postal and courier delivery of documents, etc.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Original and photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned data of visit and have at least two blank pages for the visa to be affixed in.
Visa application form
Signed by the applicant. A digital signature is invalid. Nationals of Russia and CIS countries are required to submit two application forms attached with a photo.
Photograph
Taken within six months before application, it should be in color, but must have only a white background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted. 4.5cm×3.5cm size. Nationals of Russia or CIS countries or Georgia need to submit two photographs.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Company's ID
Documents related to the organization hiring applicant, such as company registration, statement of profit and loss, etc.
Work contract
Documents detailing the position in the company/organization, the salary they will receive, and the duration of the work (e.g. a work contract).
Point calculation form
Point calculation form, where applicant has outlined the qualifications and the corresponding points (with at least 70 points on the point-based system).
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Proof of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property.
COE
Certificate of Eligibility applied by applicant's sponsor (the company or organization which hired them) at their local Immigration Bureau in Japan.
Academic CV
Proof of applicant's academic qualifications (diplomas, certificates, transcripts, etc.).
Professional CV
Proof of previous professional background (work certificate, letter of reference, etc.).
Supporting documents
Any additional documents supporting applicant's application (e.g. the results of a Japanese Language Proficiency Test, proof of Research Achievements, etc.).
Company's ID
Documents related to the organization hiring applicant, such as company registration, statement of profit and loss, etc.
Work contract
Documents detailing the position in the company/organization, the salary they will receive, and the duration of the work (e.g. a work contract).
Point calculation form
Point calculation form, where applicant has outlined the qualifications and the corresponding points (with at least 70 points on the point-based system).
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
E
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Long-term stay
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Highly skilled professional
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranasupp@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 1 year to 5 years
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
¥6,000