If you think you are a highly skilled professional, there are a few special visas in Japan:
*The “Highly Skilled Professional No. 1” residence status restricts activities less than other general work statuses in order to accept more foreign nationals with highly specialized skills who are expected to contribute to academic research and the development of the economy in Japan.
It is based on the points system. Points are assigned to each item, such as educational background, work history, and annual income, and permission is granted to whoever reaches a certain total score. The period of stay is 5 years.
*The “Highly Skilled Professional (ii)” status of residence was established for those who have stayed in Japan for a certain period of time with the “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” status. It allows an indefinite period of stay and restricts activities significantly less to accept more foreign nationals with highly specialized skills who are expected to contribute to academic research and the development of the economy in Japan.
It also is based on the points system which assigns points to each item such as educational background, work history, and annual income. Whoever reaches a certain total score is granted the permission.
Highly Skilled Professional (ii) allows an indefinite period of stay and restricts activities significantly less, but please note that you must live in Japan for a certain period of time with the “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” beforehand.
The period of stay of even Highly Skilled Professional (i) is 5 years. It is not easy to stay that long by, for example, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. If you think you fall under it, I am pleased to help you out. Please feel free to ask for more details.