Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa for Indians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 6–12 weeks
- Government fee
- about $0
- Start preparing
- about 6 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 7
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 6–12 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Points-based status scored on education, income, age, experience, and Japanese ability. 70+ points unlocks fast-track permanent residency in 3 years, 80+ in just 1 year. Annual income below ¥3 million disqualifies regardless of points, and higher salary bands earn more points. Free for Indian nationals under the reciprocal fee exemption.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP) overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | $20,400/year |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | Yes |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 6–12 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $0. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Score yourself on the HSP points table70+ points needed; under ¥3M annual income you are ineligible regardless of points.
- Collect evidence for every claimed pointDegree, salary evidence, JLPT certificate, publications or licences; unproven points are not counted.
- Employer files the CoE with the points sheetThe CoE application includes the points table; processing 1-3 months, no fee.
- Receive the CoE (valid 3 months)Valid 3 months; should say Highly Skilled Professional (i) with your points recognised.
- Visa at the embassy/VFS in India — freeFree for Indian nationals under a reciprocal exemption; usually about 5 working days.
- Travel & municipal registration within 14 daysResidence card at the airport, then address registration within 14 days activates insurance and pension.
- Track your path to permanent residencyPR after 1 year with 80+ points, or after 3 years with 70-79 points.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa takes about 6 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 6–12 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $0. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Japan is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
- What is the income requirement for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa for Indians?
- The minimum income is about $20,400 a year, roughly $1,700 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
Other Japan visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Japan visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.