How does the scoring work?

1. The three types of activities

Highly skilled foreign professionals may apply for:

1. Advanced academic research activities - Highly Skilled Professional (i) (a)
2. Advanced specialized/technical activities - Highly Skilled Professional (i) (b)
3. Advanced business and management activities - Highly Skilled Professional (i) (c)

These three categories were created based on the activities being done, and points are awarded based on factors such as educational history, work history, yearly income, research achievements, and so on. Points are calculated for the category that corresponds to the applicant's desired activity.

The three types of activities that highly skilled foreign professionals carry out

Advanced academic research activities - Highly Skilled Professional (i) (a) Either participating in, overseeing, or directing a research project through a contract with a public or private organization in Japan.
Advanced specialized/technical activities - Highly Skilled Professional (i) (b) Activities being performed through a contract with a public or private organization in Japan which require specialized skills or knowledge in natural sciences or humanities.
Advanced business and management activities - Highly Skilled Professional (i) (c) Either directly managing or overseeing the management of a public or private Japanese company.

2. Points calculation

Point calculation reference form
Excel: 236 KB

Details on the point calculation form can be found here - PDF 

Documents regarding bonus points in points calculation

• Measures to Promote Innovation - PDF (in Japanese)(Please refer to Appendix 1 and 2 of the Ministry of Justice public notice.)
• Qualifications and awards from abroad PDF
• Japanese language ability eligible for points - PDF
• Cutting-edge companies with high growth potential - PDF (in Japanese)
• Points awarded by educational institutions (as posted by the Minister of Justice)
  1. Universities for which applicants can receive points (based on global rankings) - PDF (in Japanese)
  2. Universities receiving subsidies for the top global university project (MEXT home page)
  3. University partnerships with the Innovative Asia Initiative (universities designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) - PDF (in Japanese)
• Innovative Asia Initiative (MOFA home page)
• Exceptions to the ministerial ordinance on Highly Skilled Professionals regarding the allocation of special points:
  Promotion of the acceptance of highly skilled foreign professionals in National Strategic Special Zones - PDF (in Japanese)