Question 1

What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

Accepted Answer

The COE is a pre-issued document from the Japanese Immigration Services Agency confirming that an applicant meets the requirements for a particular Status of Residence. The applicant's sponsor in Japan (employer, university, or family member) files the COE application; once issued, the COE is sent to the applicant abroad, who then applies for the visa stamp at a Japanese consulate. Most refusals happen at the COE stage, not at the visa stage.

Question 2

How does the Highly Skilled Professional points system work?

Accepted Answer

HSP scores points across academic background, professional experience, age, salary, Japanese language ability, university quality, and research achievements. Reaching 70 points unlocks the HSP status of residence with multiple advantages: a longer initial period of stay, multiple permitted activities, dependent work permission, and PR eligibility after 3 years. Reaching 80 points cuts that to 1 year on the standard track and ties into the J-Skip route.

Question 3

What is J-Skip and J-Find?

Accepted Answer

J-Skip is a fast-track route for very high-skilled / high-income workers (annual income ≥¥20M or ≥¥40M with an academic background and relevant work experience). J-Find is a job-search route giving up to 2 years of residence to recent graduates from top-200 global universities. Both were introduced in April 2023 to attract globally mobile talent.

Question 4

Can my spouse work on my Japan work visa?

Accepted Answer

Most spouses of Engineer / Specialist visa holders enter on a Dependant status, which does not by default allow work. To work, your spouse must apply for an Activity Outside Status permission, which limits work to 28 hours per week. By contrast, HSP-A/B/C dependants can work full-time once they have applied for a Designated Activities permission, and HSP holders can also bring parents in some circumstances.

Question 5

How long until I qualify for permanent residence in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Standard permanent residence requires 10 continuous years of residence with at least 5 years on a work or stable status. The HSP fast-track shortens this to 3 years, and J-Skip applicants with sufficient income can qualify in 1 year. Spouses of Japanese nationals/PRs typically qualify after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan.

Question 6

Do I need to register my address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Within 14 days of moving in to a Japanese residence, you must register at the local city or ward office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho). The address is recorded on your Residence Card and links you to national health insurance, the My Number tax ID system, and pension enrolment.

Japan forms

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Most common forms

Permission for Activities Outside Status: Application for Permission to Engage in Activities Outside Status (資格外活動許可申請書)

Re-entry Permit: Re-entry Permit Application

Naturalization Application: Application for Naturalization (帰化申請書)

CoE Application: Certificate of Eligibility Application

Extension of Stay: Application for Extension of Period of Stay

Notification of Organization: Notification of Activity (Organization/Address Change)

Residence Card: Residence Card Renewal Application

Status Change: Application for Change of Status of Residence

General

Visa Application: Visa Application Form

Residency

PR Application: Application for Permanent Residence

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