A Guide to Earning Points for Your Highly Skilled Professional Visa Through Investment in Japan#

Japan’s “Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)” visa is a preferential immigration status designed to attract talented foreign nationals who can contribute to the country’s economic and academic landscape. Eligibility for this visa is determined by a point-based system, where points are awarded for criteria such as academic background, professional experience, and annual salary. An applicant must score a total of 70 points or more to qualify.

In addition to these basic categories, the system includes “Special Additions” or bonus points for meeting specific criteria. One of the most significant of these is for “Investment, etc. in Japan,” which recognizes individuals who contribute to the Japanese economy as business managers or investors. This article provides an objective and detailed explanation of the specific conditions required for an investment to be eligible for points under the HSP system.

Overview of the Investment-Based Point Addition#

In the official Point Calculation Table for Highly Skilled Professionals, the category for “Investment, etc. in Japan” is designed to evaluate individuals who directly stimulate the nation’s economy. To earn points under this category, the following core requirements must be met:

Points Awarded: 10 points
Investment Amount: An investment of 100 million JPY or more

It is crucial to understand that this condition of “an investment of 100 million JPY or more” is not fulfilled simply by purchasing Japanese real estate or stocks. The point system values “investment in a business,” which has a direct impact on Japan’s industry and employment.

Specific Conditions for a Qualifying “Investment”#

To qualify for the point addition, the investment must fall under the definition provided by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan: “Making an investment in a public or private organization in Japan (limited to investments related to the establishment of said organization, etc.).” Let’s break down this definition into more detailed requirements.

1. The Investor#

The investment must be made personally by the individual applying for the HSP visa. If the investment is made through a corporation, the applicant must be substantively involved in the management of that corporation (e.g., as a Representative Director). Investments made by third parties or through funds in which the applicant has no managerial role are not eligible.

2. The Target of Investment#

The investment must be directed toward a “business” itself. Specifically, this refers to funds used as the capital for a company the applicant has established (or an existing one) to operate a business in Japan, or funds used for capital expenditures for that business.

Examples of non-qualifying investments:

Real Estate Investment: Purchasing property, such as apartments or land for residential or rental purposes, is generally not considered a direct investment in a business and is therefore ineligible. However, if the real estate is essential for business operations, such as an office or a factory, it may be recognized as part of the overall business investment.
Stock Market (Portfolio) Investment: Financial investments for the purpose of asset management, such as buying shares of publicly traded companies, do not qualify. The system rewards investments, such as equity stakes, that influence the management and operation of a business.

3. Proof of Investment#

The applicant must prove with objective documentation that an investment of at least 100 million JPY has been made. This documentation is reviewed very strictly by immigration authorities.

Key evidentiary documents include:

Corporate Registration Certificate (Rireki Jiko Zenbu Shomeisho): This document shows the amount of stated capital and verifies who invested how much.
Business Plan (Jigyo Keikakusho): A detailed plan explaining what the business does and how the invested funds will be utilized.
Bank Transfer Records or Bankbook Copies: These provide clear evidence that funds of 100 million JPY or more were transferred from the applicant to the business bank account.
Financial Statements (Balance Sheet, etc.): These documents show the company’s financial health and confirm that the invested capital is being used for business purposes.
Office Lease Agreement and Photographs: Supplementary materials that demonstrate the business has a physical presence and is a legitimate operation.

It is vital to use these documents to demonstrate that the investment is not a temporary transaction but is intended for sustained, ongoing business activities.

Important Considerations#

When aiming to secure these bonus points through investment, several key points should be kept in mind:

Substance of the Business: The target of the investment cannot be a shell company. It must be a genuine enterprise with a clear business plan that is either currently operating or will commence operations in Japan.
Source of Funds: The applicant may be asked to explain the source and formation process of the 100 million JPY investment. The funds must be from a legitimate and transparent source.
Timing: As of the date of point calculation (typically the application date), the investment of 100 million JPY or more must have been made, and the business must be operational or in the process of starting.

Conclusion#

The investment-based point addition in the Highly Skilled Professional visa system is a mechanism to give preference to foreign nationals who have the will and capacity to contribute directly to Japan’s economic growth. Therefore, merely moving 100 million JPY into the country is not sufficient to be awarded points. The investment must be demonstrably linked to “business activities within Japan” and supported by substantial evidence of a legitimate enterprise. A thorough understanding of this requirement and the preparation of objective, compelling documentation are the keys to successfully earning these valuable points.