Status of Residence:
Highly Skilled Professional(i)(c)

The “Highly Skilled Professional (i) (c)” residence status in Japan is a visa category under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. This category is specifically designed for foreign nationals engaged in advanced business management or administrative activities. It applies to individuals who take on executive or managerial roles in companies, such as business owners, corporate executives, or division heads. The aim of this system is to attract highly skilled professionals with strong management expertise and international business experience, contributing to Japan’s economic development.

To obtain this status, applicants must pass a points-based evaluation system established by the Ministry of Justice. Factors such as academic background, professional career, annual income, managerial experience, and Japanese language ability are assessed. Once the required score is achieved, the “Highly Skilled Professional (i) (c)” status may be granted. Compared to the regular “Business Manager” visa, this status offers special advantages, including longer periods of stay, permission for spouses to work, and relaxed conditions for bringing parents to Japan. These benefits extend not only to the applicant but also to their family members.

Furthermore, the “Highly Skilled Professional (i) (c)” visa provides a fast track to permanent residency. Normally, foreign residents must live in Japan for ten years before applying for permanent residence, but highly skilled professionals may qualify in as little as one to three years. This system is designed to encourage top international business leaders to establish roots in Japan, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of Japanese companies and fostering innovation and new business opportunities.

5 years