When bringing foreign employees from an overseas headquarters or branch to a Japanese office, the two primary visa options are the Intra-Company Transferee visa and the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa. In practice, we are often asked: "Which one should we apply for?" While the application requirements differ, the most significant distinction lies in the preferential benefits granted after the visa is approved.

This article focuses on the specific advantages of the "Highly Skilled Professional" status and how it differs decisively from the "Intra-Company Transferee" status.

1. Basic Definitions of the Two Visa Types

Before comparing them, let’s clarify the basic nature of each status.

Intra-Company Transferee Visa:

This is designed for employees of overseas entities who are transferred to a Japanese office for a limited period. While educational requirements are relatively flexible, the permitted activities are limited to those typically covered by the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" categories.

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa:

This status aims to attract talent with advanced expertise. It uses a points-based system that scores factors like education, career history, and annual salary. A total of 70 points or more is required for certification. Its defining feature is the suite of immigration benefits it unlocks.

Note: HSP is divided into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is further split into (a), (b), and (c). Since Category (b) covers employees, this article refers to HSP Type 1 (b) when comparing it to the Intra-Company Transferee status.

2. Key Differences in Preferential Benefits

Compared to the Intra-Company Transferee status, the Highly Skilled Professional (Type 1) visa offers several major advantages:

1) Faster Path to Permanent Residency (PR)

This is perhaps the most significant benefit.

Intra-Company Transferee: Generally requires 10 consecutive years of residency in Japan before applying for PR.

Highly Skilled Professional: Applicants with 70+ points can apply for PR after 3 years. Those with 80+ points are eligible after just 1 year. This is a massive advantage for expats who envision a long-term future in Japan.

2) Guaranteed 5-Year Stay

The duration of stay granted per approval also differs.

Intra-Company Transferee: Terms are granted for 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months. It is common for initial applications to result in only a 1-year or 3-year term.

Highly Skilled Professional: By law, a uniform 5-year term is granted. This reduces the frequency of renewal paperwork, easing the administrative burden for both the company and the employee.

3) Expanded Work Rights for Spouses

There is a stark difference in what a trailing spouse can do.

Intra-Company Transferee Spouse: Typically holds a "Dependent" visa. To work, they must apply for "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted," which limits them to 28 hours per week (part-time). Full-time work requires the spouse to qualify for their own independent work visa.

Highly Skilled Professional Spouse: Under certain conditions (such as household income), the spouse can work full-time in specialized fields (Research, Education, Humanities, etc.) without needing to meet the usual independent requirements for a degree or work experience.

4) Bringing Parents and Domestic Helpers

Under a standard Intra-Company Transferee visa, you generally cannot bring parents or domestic staff to Japan. However, HSP holders may be permitted to bring them under specific conditions (e.g., to assist with a child under 7 years old or to care for a pregnant spouse, provided household income meets the threshold). This is often a deciding factor for families when choosing whether to accept a Japan-based assignment.

3. Summary: Which Should You Choose?

When to choose Highly Skilled Professional:

If the candidate scores 70+ points and desires a long-term stay, wants their spouse to work full-time, or needs to bring parents for childcare, the HSP visa is the superior choice.

When to choose Intra-Company Transferee:

The HSP application requires extensive documentation (proof of salary, degrees, etc.). For short-term projects or candidates who do not meet the point threshold, the Intra-Company Transferee visa is often smoother. Notably, this visa does not strictly require a university degree, making it an option for highly experienced staff without formal higher education.

4. Conclusion

While the day-to-day work might look the same under either visa, the "Highly Skilled Professional" status offers far more robust rights and a faster track to a permanent life in Japan. It is a powerful tool for companies looking to retain top global talent. However, the application requires meticulous preparation of evidence for the points claim. Choosing the right path depends entirely on the company’s strategy and the individual’s long-term career goals.

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