Rank #66

Japan

Eastern Asia • UTC+9 • Asia/Tokyo

Monthly Cost

$1,244

-43% vs USA

Internet

125 Mbps

Mobile Avg

Monthly Cost

$1,244

-43% vs USA

Internet

125 Mbps

Mobile Avg

Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Targets highly skilled professionals with advanced degrees or significant work experience. Offers fast-track residency and other benefits.

Min. Income

¥300,000/month

Per Applicant

Processing

1–3 Months

Average Time

Validity

1 Year

Initial / Renewable

Citizenship

5 Years

Years to Apply

Eligibility & Required Docs

Eligibility Requirements

Advanced degree or significant work experience
Proof of employment or job offer
Minimum income threshold
Clean criminal record

Required Documents

Valid passport
Proof of qualifications (degree, certificates)
Employment contract or job offer
Criminal record certificate

Residency Rules

Taxation

Residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Japan-source income.

Physical Presence

Must spend at least 183 days per year in Japan to maintain residency status.

Advantages

Fast-track to permanent residency
Access to advanced healthcare and education
High quality of life and safety

Disadvantages

High cost of living in major cities
Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers
Complex bureaucracy and paperwork

Compare with

South KoreaHighly Skilled Visa

SingaporeEmployment Pass

AustraliaSkilled Independent Visa