Immigration
A points-based highly skilled route and the 2023 J-Skip fast track
The Immigration Control Act sets out status-of-residence categories. The Highly Skilled Professional points system offers accelerated permanent residence, and the 2023 J-Skip and J-Find routes shortened it further.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — Administered by the Immigration Services Agency under the Ministry of Justice.
- Deadline — Residence card issued on entry; address registration at the municipal office within 14 days
- Deadline — Renewal application from three months before expiry
Governing law
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act
- Act on Special Provisions for Immigration Control of Highly Skilled Professionals
In practice
Points are awarded for academic background, professional experience, income and age, with 70 points giving preferential treatment and 80 points allowing permanent residence after one year rather than the usual ten. The 2023 J-Skip route grants highly skilled status on income and education alone, bypassing the points table. The Specified Skilled Worker categories, created in 2019, opened mid-skilled sectors, and the government has moved to replace the criticised Technical Intern Training Programme, which had been widely reported for restricting job mobility.