News Japan to grant residency to high-earning professionals after one year

[thomas]

In an apparent move to attract top global talent, the Japanese government amended its immigration rules, including slashing the wait for high-earning professionals to obtain permanent residency. Japan currently grants visas to highly skilled professionals under a point-based system, accounting for factors like academic history, work experience and research achievements. Those in this category can obtain permanent residency after up to three years instead of the typical ten.

The update, which the government hopes to implement in April, shortens the period to one year for researchers and engineers who make at least 20 million yen ($149,000) annually and have either a graduate degree or at least 10 years of work experience. The reduced time frame also applies to business managers who make at least 40 million yen and have at least five years of experience. These professionals will be able to bring two foreign domestic workers into Japan instead of the current one. Their spouses will be able to work full time in a wider variety of fields. There were 3,275 people designated as highly skilled professionals in the January-June half. Just 783 of them were new arrivals. The planned update will also allow elite university graduates from around the world to stay in Japan for two years to look for work. Currently, they have 90 days. The scheme will apply to those who, within the last five years, graduated from a university in at least two of three top-100 rankings created by British and Chinese entities. They will be able to bring their families along as well.

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Japan to grant residency to high-earning professionals after 1 year

Government drafts new rules to pull in top global talent

asia.nikkei.com

Japan sets new, simplified visa track for skilled foreigners

The Japanese government decides to establish a new, simplified track for granting highly skilled professional visas to foreigners with preferential treatment in an effort to woo foreign talent.

english.kyodonews.net