Japan Eases Permanent Residency Criteria for High-Income and Professional Foreigners

Lowering the Bar for Recruiting Foreign Talent

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Japan plans to ease the criteria for granting permanent residency to high-income and professional foreign talents as early as April, NHK Japan reported on the 18th. According to the report, the Japanese government held a related ministerial meeting the day before and made this decision.

Under the new system, the Japanese government will recognize foreign researchers and technicians as "Special Highly Skilled Professionals" if they hold a master's degree or have more than 10 years of experience and an annual income exceeding 20 million yen (approximately 190 million KRW). Foreign executives with more than 5 years of experience and an annual income exceeding 40 million yen (approximately 390 million KRW) can also qualify as "Special Highly Skilled Professionals."

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Foreigners classified as Special Highly Skilled Professionals will have their required residency period for obtaining permanent residency in Japan shortened to one year, compared to the previous period, and will receive preferential treatment during airport immigration procedures.

Additionally, the Japanese government is revising the system to allow foreigners who graduated from top-ranked global universities to stay in Japan for up to two years while seeking employment and to consider employment with Japanese companies. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated, "I hope each minister will work together to ensure the appropriate and smooth acceptance of foreign talents."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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