[HSP Family Privileges] Bringing Parents to Japan, Spouse Full-Time Employment, and Domestic Helper Sponsorship Rules

For international professionals moving to Japan, two major concerns often dominate: "Can my parents live with us to help with childcare?" and "Can my spouse work full-time without restrictive hourly limits?"

Under standard Japanese working visas, sponsoring parents for long-term residency is strictly prohibited, and spouses on Dependent visas are restricted to part-time work under 28 hours per week. However, Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (HSP / 高度専門職) framework provides unique, preferential family benefits.

1. Bringing Parents to Japan (Designated Activities Visa)

Japan's immigration law uniquely allows HSP visa holders to sponsor parents for long-term residence under strict statutory conditions:

• Household Income Requirement: Combined annual income of the HSP holder and their spouse must be at least 8 Million JPY.
• Eligible Qualifying Circumstances (either one):
  • Caring for a child under 7 years of age (biological or adopted).
  • Assisting during pregnancy (HSP holder or spouse is expecting).
• Parent Scope:
  • Limited to either the HSP holder's parents OR the spouse's parents (both sides cannot be sponsored concurrently).
  • Parents must reside at the same residential address.

2. Spouse Full-Time Work Rights (Exempt from Degree Requirements)

Spouses of standard work visa holders receive a "Dependent" visa, strictly capped at 28 hours/week. In contrast, spouses of HSP visa holders enjoy exceptional career flexibility:

1. Full-Time Employment Permitted: Eligible for "Designated Activities (No. 33)", allowing full-time employment in engineering, humanities, international services, and research.
2. Exemption from Degree / Experience Requirements: Standard foreign workers must hold a Bachelor's degree or 10 years of verified experience. HSP spouses are fully exempt from these criteria, provided they receive compensation equal to or higher than Japanese peers!

3. Domestic Helper (Nanny) Sponsorship

High-earning HSP families can sponsor a foreign domestic helper:

• Combined annual household income of 10+ Million JPY.
• A child under 13 years old, or a spouse unable to perform housework due to documented medical reasons.
• Must pay a guaranteed monthly salary of at least 200,000 JPY.

Check your eligibility today using our free HSP Points Calculator.