What Advantages Do Highly Skilled Individuals Have in Comparison to Permanent Resident Visa in Japan?
Acquiring permanent resident visa in Japan is a goal for many foreigners residing there. In contrast to obtaining Japanese citizenship, permanent residency offers benefits nearly equivalent to those enjoyed by Japanese citizens, while also providing the flexibility of avoiding the constraints associated with Japanese nationality, offering an additional avenue for individuals.
Furthermore, the highly skilled visa, held by foreign elites in Japan, represents another significant category of work permit. In comparison to visas such as the “Technical and Humanities Knowledge” or “International Business,” the highly skilled individuals visa entails advantages such as a uniform five-year duration of stay, permission for cross-disciplinary activities, relaxed conditions for permanent residency eligibility, favorable treatment for spouses based on labor conditions, and the possibility of bringing parents under certain conditions.
Many outstanding foreign talents, after obtaining the Highly Skilled Professional visa and meeting the eligibility criteria for permanent residency, choose to retain the unique advantages offered by the Highly Skilled Professional visa. What are these advantages in comparison to permanent residency?
1. Ability to Reside in Japan with Parents Under Certain Conditions
Foreign nationals holding the Highly Skilled Professional visa, with an annual income exceeding 8 million Japanese yen and having the responsibility of caring for a child under 7 years old, can apply for visas for both the applicant’s and the spouse’s parents. The conditions are as follows:
① The child under 7 years old, including adopted children, of the foreign highly skilled professional or their spouse, during the period of upbringing.
② In cases where the spouse of the foreign highly skilled professional is pregnant, or the foreign highly skilled professional is pregnant and requires assistance in caring, the entry and residence of the parents of the foreign highly skilled professional or their spouse (including foster parents) can be permitted under certain conditions.
2. Accompaniment of Domestic Workers Under Certain Conditions
The hiring of foreign domestic workers is limited to certain categories of foreign nationals holding residence status such as “Business Manager” or “Legal/Accounting Services.” However, for foreign highly skilled professionals, under specific conditions, the accompaniment of domestic workers can be permitted.
It is evident that the most significant advantage of the Highly Skilled Professional visa lies in the ability, under certain conditions, to bring parents to Japan. Particularly for Chinese families with only one child, the concern for parents back home is a crucial reason why many Chinese residents in Japan opt to retain the Highly Skilled Professional visa.
While many are aware of the transition from the Highly Skilled Professional visa to permanent residency, some may wonder if the reverse is possible — can one revert from permanent residency to the Highly Skilled Professional visa? The answer is affirmative. Sacrificing permanent residency allows for the acquisition of long-term residency rights for parents, access to Japanese health insurance, and other benefits. However, the reversion is specific to the Highly Skilled Professional visa, specifically the category designated as “Specially Designated Skilled Worker Type 1.”
In conclusion, both the Highly Skilled Professional and permanent residency visas in Japan have their advantages. The choice between them should be based on individual circumstances, and pursuing the Highly Skilled Professional visa should not be done blindly.
