Permanent Residency in Japan: Requirements & Process

Unlike other types of residence status, the Permanent Resident visa has no restrictions on activities and no limit on the period of stay. Consequently, many foreign nationals residing in Japan for the long term aspire to obtain permanent residency.

While highly attractive, obtaining this permission involves meeting rigorous requirements, preparing extensive documentation, and investing significant time and effort.

The key points of this article are as follows:

✓Permanent residency refers to the right to stay in Japan indefinitely without Japanese citizenship; it is a status of residence distinct from “Naturalization” or “Special Permanent Resident” status. ✓To apply for permanent residency, an applicant must satisfy three criteria: the “Good Conduct Requirement,” the “Independent Livelihood Requirement,” and the “National Interest Requirement.” ✓While 10 years of continuous residence is usually required, there are special exceptions that allow individuals to obtain permanent residency in a shorter period. ✓Special exceptions to the “10-year residency” rule apply to those married to Japanese nationals, recognized refugees, and Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals. ✓Obtaining permanent residency offers benefits such as the elimination of stay limits and work restrictions, as well as gaining social credibility. ✓Foreign nationals with “Highly Skilled Professional” status are permitted to bring their parents to Japan; however, caution is needed as this right may be lost upon switching to permanent residency. ✓Even after obtaining permanent residency, it is important to be mindful of “Re-entry Permits” when leaving the country. ✓While the standard processing time for permanent residency is officially four months, this is not a strict rule, and it often takes between eight to ten months.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, benefits, and drawbacks of obtaining permanent residency, as well as the application process and necessary documentation. We also explain the special exceptions to the “10-year residency” rule and important points to keep in mind after your status is granted.

Use this guide to understand the screening criteria and prepare your application systematically.

1. What is Permanent Residency? Differences from Naturalization and Special Permanent Resident Status

We will provide a detailed explanation of the three distinct residency statuses in Japan: “Permanent Residency,” “Naturalization,” and “Special Permanent Resident” status. Each of these statuses has a significant impact on living and working in Japan.

Permanent Residency” refers to the right to stay in Japan without any limit on the period of stay, whereas “Naturalization” means acquiring Japanese citizenship and becoming a Japanese national. “Special Permanent Resident” is a status of residence granted under specific conditions to foreign nationals who lost their Japanese citizenship (following the end of WWII)

1-1. Permanent Residency is a Type of Status of Residence

Permanent residency refers to the right of foreign nationals without Japanese citizenship to reside in Japan indefinitely without any limit on their period of stay. It is one of Japan’s statuses of residence and falls under the category of “Permanent Resident.”

Once permanent residency is obtained, there are no restrictions on activities, nor are there any employment restrictions regarding specific job roles or industries. However, to acquire and maintain this status, individuals are required to comply with Japanese laws and properly fulfill their obligations, such as paying taxes and pension contributions.

Please note that unlike individuals who have naturalized and hold Japanese citizenship, permanent residents are not granted the right to vote, and they are generally not permitted to become civil servants.

1-2. Differences from Naturalization and Special Permanent Resident Status

People often confuse “Permanent Residency” with “Naturalization” and “Special Permanent Resident” status; however, they are respectively defined as follows:

Naturalization

Naturalization refers to the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship and becoming a Japanese national. Upon naturalization, the individual loses their foreign nationality and is no longer subject to the residence status system, eliminating the need for any residence-related applications.

As Japanese citizens, they enjoy rights such as social security and possess both the right to vote and the right to run for office. However, since Japan does not permit dual citizenship, it is necessary to renounce one’s original nationality when acquiring Japanese citizenship.

Special Permanent Resident

Special Permanent Resident refers to foreign nationals who lost their Japanese citizenship and were granted status under the 1991 “Special Law on Immigration Control.” Following the end of World War II, when Japan withdrew from the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan, the people living there and their descendants were granted this status.

A major difference between a Special Permanent Resident and a (General) Permanent Resident is the type of identification issued. Special Permanent Residents are issued a “Special Permanent Resident Certificate,” whereas Permanent Residents are issued a “Residence Card.”

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2. Three Requirements for Foreign Nationals to Obtain Permanent Residency in Japan

To obtain permanent residency and be granted the “Permanent Resident” status (visa), the following three requirements must be met:

• Good Conduct Requirement: The applicant must not have violated any laws or regulations.
• Independent Livelihood Requirement: The applicant must possess the assets or skills necessary to maintain an independent livelihood.
• National Interest Requirement: The applicant’s permanent residence must be deemed to be in the interest of Japan.

Note that for the “Spouses or Children of Japanese Nationals,” “Spouses or Children of Permanent Residents,” or “Spouses or Children of Special Permanent Residents,” only the National Interest Requirement is applied.

2-1. No Violations of Laws or Regulations (Good Conduct Requirement)

Under the Good Conduct Requirement, applicants are expected to comply with the law and lead a life that is not subject to social criticism as a resident in daily society.

Foreign nationals cannot obtain permanent residency in Japan if they have committed serious crimes, such as theft or robbery. Furthermore, caution is required regarding fines. If an applicant has been sentenced to imprisonment, confinement, or a fine in the past, they must wait until the legal expiration of the penalty (Article 34-2 of the Penal Code) or until the suspension of the sentence has successfully passed before reapplying.

• In the case of a fine: 5 years must have passed since the completion of the payment of the fine.
• In the case of imprisonment or confinement: 10 years must have passed since the completion of the sentence.

If a child is in a juvenile training school, etc.

The requirement is not met while a child’s protective measures (rehabilitative dispositions) are ongoing.
If you are considering applying for permanent residency as a whole family, a child being in a juvenile training school may lead to a judgment that the entire family does not meet the Good Conduct Requirement, potentially resulting in a denial of the application.

In the case of traffic violations

Traffic violations such as speeding (exceeding the limit by 30 km/h or more on ordinary roads, or 40 km/h or more on expressways), driving under the influence, or driving without a license are subject to fines, and therefore, permanent residency will not be granted. Even minor violations like parking tickets or slight speeding may lead to a denial if they occur repeatedly.

If you have committed around two minor traffic violations, you will be required to explain “why the violations were committed multiple times” and submit a handwritten statement of reflection expressing your determination not to commit any violations in the future. However, if your violation points reach three, the conduct is considered malicious, and it will become necessary to submit an even more detailed handwritten explanation and reflection.

2-2. Possession of Assets or Skills to Maintain an Independent Livelihood (Independent Livelihood Requirement)

Under the Independent Livelihood Requirement, applicants are required to lead a life that does not become a public burden in their daily existence, and must demonstrate the prospect of a stable life in the future based on their assets or skills.

An annual income of 3 million yen or more is desired

For a single person, the required annual income is 3 million yen. The period for which annual income is reviewed is generally the most recent five years. For this reason, caution is necessary regarding career changes. Since changing jobs can be viewed as an unstable element in one’s life, it is generally safer to apply for permanent residency after at least one year has passed since starting a new position.

If you have dependents such as a spouse or children, an additional 500,000 yen per dependent is added to the required income. For example, if you are supporting a spouse, an annual income of 3.5 million yen or more is recommended; if you are supporting a spouse and one child, the benchmark becomes 4 million yen or more.

Since this serves as a guideline for household income, if the foreign national applying for permanent residency is unemployed (such as a homemaker), they can still apply as long as their spouse’s income meets the household requirement.

However, these income standards are not absolute. Even if your income falls below the benchmark, you may still be granted permission if there are special circumstances, such as taking leave for childcare or nursing care, or experiencing a layoff (restructuring), even if these led to a temporary decrease in income.

In the case of supporting parents living abroad

A point of particular concern is when you are supporting parents living abroad. If remittances to overseas cannot be submitted as a matter of record, there is a risk that it may be regarded as tax evasion, which could also impact the National Interest Requirement.

In the case of applying for Permanent Residency from a Business Manager visa

In the case of applying for permanent residency from a Business Manager visa, the stability and sustainability of the company you manage are also subject to evaluation. If the performance of the company you manage is sluggish or poor, there is a possibility that you will be judged as not meeting the Independent Livelihood Requirement.

2-3. Recognition that Permanent Residence is in the Interest of Japan (National Interest Requirement)

According to the Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (Revised December 1, 2023) by the Ministry of Justice, the following five points are listed as part of the National Interest Requirement:

• The applicant must have resided in Japan continuously for 10 years or more. Within this period, it is required that they have resided for 5 years or more under a work status (excluding “Technical Intern Training” and “Specified Skilled Worker (i)”) or a residence status.
• The applicant must not have been sentenced to a fine, imprisonment, or confinement.
• Public obligations—including the payment of taxes, public pension, and public health insurance premiums, as well as notification obligations prescribed by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act—must be properly fulfilled.
• The applicant must be residing under their current visa with the longest period of stay permitted for that status.
• The applicant must not pose a risk of being harmful from a public health perspective.

Below, we will explain these in more detail.

Continuous residence in Japan for 10 years or more

In principle, the applicant must have resided in Japan for 10 years or more, and within that period, the most recent 5 years or more must be under a “Work Status” (excluding Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i)) or a “Residence Status” (status based on identity or position with few restrictions on activities). A combination of work and residence statuses totaling 10 years or more is also acceptable.

For example, even if an applicant has resided in Japan for a total of more than 10 years—consisting of 6 years under a “Student” status and 4 years under a “Work Status”—permanent residency will not be granted because the most recent period of stay under a “Work Status” is less than 5 years.

In the case of departure with a Re-entry Permit or a Special Re-entry Permit

When you depart from Japan using a Re-entry Permit or a Special Re-entry Permit, your status of residence is considered to be continuing. However, if you spend the majority of your period of stay abroad due to reasons such as business trips, there is a risk that you may be judged as lacking a substantial base of life in Japan.

In such circumstances, you must clarify that Japan is your primary base of life by demonstrating your reasons for the long-term overseas stay, family relationships, and asset status, while asserting your intention to continue living in Japan in the future. In the case of overseas business trips, it is necessary to obtain official documents, such as formal business trip orders from your employer, to be submitted as attachments to your permanent residency application.

Not having been sentenced to a fine, imprisonment, or confinement

It is necessary that the applicant has not been sentenced to imprisonment or a fine. They are required to demonstrate that they have not engaged in acts that harm the public interest. This is also linked to the Good Conduct Requirement. Based on the resident’s past and present residence records, an evaluation will be made as to whether such problematic behavior is likely to occur in the future.

Proper fulfillment of public obligations (payment of taxes, public pension, and public health insurance premiums, as well as notification obligations prescribed by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act)

Permanent residency will not be granted if there are unpaid taxes. Investigations may also be conducted to verify whether there are any defaults on National Health Insurance premiums, pension payment obligations, or reporting obligations under immigration control laws. These taxes and social insurance premiums must be paid within the designated payment deadlines.

Even if you settle past unpaid balances at the time of your permanent residency application, it may still be judged that your obligations were not fulfilled in a timely manner. Defaults on public pension payments are particularly common. In such cases, you should consider reapplying for permanent residency only after you have continued to pay into the public pension system for at least two years.

When reapplying, you should address the issue by submitting a handwritten document in which the applicant expresses reflection regarding the payment delays and pledges to make all future payments within the deadlines.

Currently holding the longest period of stay permitted for your status of residence

Regarding visas for which the maximum period of stay is set at 5 years (such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Business Manager,” and “Skilled Labor”), for the time being, if you hold a “3-year period of stay,” it is treated as the longest period of stay alongside the 5-year period.

Necessary to apply for an extension of your visa if your period of stay expires while your permanent residency application is pending

If your current visa (status of residence) is approaching its expiration date while your application for permanent residency is pending, you must apply for an extension of your current visa. The fact that a permanent residency application is in progress does not serve as a reason to be exempt from applying for a visa extension, so caution is necessary on this point.

Furthermore, particular attention is required because if you renew your period of stay and the newly granted period is, for example, 2 years—which is less than the maximum period of stay (such as 5 or 3 years)—you may no longer satisfy the “longest period of stay” requirement for permanent residency.

No potential to have a negative impact on public health

This refers to the absence of public health concerns, such as not being infected with contagious diseases.
If you satisfy these requirements, you are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

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3. Special Exceptions to the “10-Year Residency” Requirement for Japan’s Permanent Residency

To obtain permanent residency, it is generally required to have stayed in Japan for 10 years or more. However, if certain requirements are met, it is possible to apply for permanent residency as a special exception even without a 10-year stay. This exception applies to individuals who fall under any of the following five conditions.

• Being a spouse or child of a Japanese national or a permanent resident.
• Having held the “Long-Term Resident” status and resided in Japan for 5 years or more.
• Having been recognized as a refugee and resided in Japan for 5 years or more.
• Having been recognized for contributions to Japan and resided in the country for 5 years or more.
• Cases where a “Highly Skilled Professional” (foreign national) applies for permanent residency.

Each of these will be explained in detail below.

3-1. Being a Spouse or Child of a Japanese National or a Permanent Resident

If you have been married to a “Japanese National,” a “Permanent Resident,” or a “Special Permanent Resident” (such as Zainichi Koreans or Taiwanese) for more than 3 years, have maintained a substantive marital life during that time, and have resided in Japan continuously for at least 1 year, you satisfy the residency requirements for permanent residency. In the case of biological children of a Japanese national or a permanent resident, you meet the requirements if you have resided in Japan continuously for at least 1 year.

In these cases, the “Good Conduct Requirement” and the “Independent Livelihood Requirement” are waived; only the “Interests of Japan Requirement” is required. Furthermore, while the spouse themselves may have little or no income, a certain household income (e.g., an annual income of 3.5 million yen or more for the entire family) is required. Although a “Statement of Reason” is not a mandatory requirement for these categories, it is recommended to submit one as it serves as a helpful supporting document.

3-2. Having held the “Long-Term Resident” status and resided in Japan for 5 years or more

If you have held the “Long-Term Resident” (Teijusha) status of residence and have stayed in Japan for 5 years or more, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency as a special exception. “Long-Term Resident” refers to a status of residence granted for humanitarian reasons, such as to refugees from specific countries or individuals of Japanese descent.

An example is when a person who previously held the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status changes their status to “Long-Term Resident” due to the death of or divorce from their Japanese spouse. In this case, the special exception applies if the combined period of stay, including the time under the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status, totals 5 years or more.

3-3. Having been recognized as a refugee and resided in Japan for 5 years or more

Foreign nationals who have been recognized as refugees are eligible to apply for permanent residency if they have resided in Japan continuously for 5 years or more since the date of their recognition. A “refugee” refers to a person who is outside their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of “race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group,” as well as political reasons.

To obtain permanent residency, refugees are generally required to meet the “Good Conduct Requirement” and the “Independent Livelihood Requirement.” However, even if the “Independent Livelihood Requirement” is not fully met, permanent residency may still be granted at the discretion of the Minister of Justice.

3-4. Having been recognized for contributions to Japan and resided in the country for 5 years or more

If an individual who falls under the category of “those recognized as having made contributions to Japan in fields such as diplomacy, society, economy, or culture” applies for permanent residency, they can satisfy the requirements with a stay of 5 years or more, provided there are no issues in their social conduct.

In this case, the stay of 5 years or more is permitted to be intermittent rather than continuous. Applicable fields include “Diplomacy,” “Economy/Industry,” “Culture/Arts,” “Education,” “Research,” and “Sports,” as well as contributions in other areas such as Social/Welfare fields.

3-5. Cases where a “Highly Skilled Professional” applies for permanent residency

“Highly Skilled Professionals” are foreign nationals with specific specialized knowledge or skills, and they are eligible for preferential immigration treatment based on a point-based system.

If a Highly Skilled Professional has 70 points or more and has resided in Japan for 3 years or more, they can apply for permanent residency even without meeting the standard 10-year residency requirement. Furthermore, if their points total 80 or more, the required residency period for obtaining permanent residency is shortened to 1 year or more.

These preferential measures are referred to as the “Japanese version of the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional Green Card.”

4. Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency in Japan for Foreign Nationals

Once a foreign national obtains permanent residency in Japan, they no longer need to renew their status of residence, and the restrictions on the types of jobs they can hold are removed, allowing for a freer life in Japan. The following four points are the main benefits of obtaining permanent residency:

• Expiration of the period of stay is eliminated
• Employment restrictions are removed
• Social and financial credibility is gained
• Residency in Japan can continue even after the death of a spouse

Each of these will be explained in detail below.

4-1. Expiration of the period of stay is eliminated

Once you obtain permanent residency, the need to apply for extensions is eliminated, allowing you to live without worrying about the expiration date of your stay. Other statuses of residence have fixed periods such as 5, 3, or 1 year, and you must apply for an extension to stay in Japan beyond that period.

By holding permanent residency, you save the trouble of preparing numerous documents and visiting the Immigration Bureau for every renewal, and the risk of an extension application being rejected is also eliminated.

Even with permanent residency, you still need to renew your residence card

Foreign nationals holding a permanent resident visa are also required to renew their residence card. Every residence card issued to mid-to-long-term residents has an expiration date; for most statuses, the card’s expiration date matches the expiration date of their period of stay. However, while permanent residents do not have a specific period of stay, their residence cards have a validity period of 7 years (for permanent residents under the age of 16, the card is valid until their 16th birthday).

If you fail to complete the renewal process before the residence card expires, your permanent resident visa (status of residence) may become invalid, leading to the risk of being considered an illegal resident. Therefore, permanent resident visa holders must be careful not to neglect the renewal of their residence card every 7 years.

4-2. Employment restrictions are removed

Once you obtain permanent residency, you can freely choose your working hours, employment type, and occupation. General statuses of residence have restrictions on employment. For example, individuals with the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” status are not permitted to work as cooks of foreign cuisine or engage in manual labor.

By obtaining permanent residency, these restrictions are eliminated, making it possible to freely start a business or pursue any occupation of your choice.

4-3. Social and Financial Credibility is Gained

Having permanent residency allows you to be treated on par with Japanese nationals in areas such as mortgage applications, loan screenings, and real estate rental agreements. Furthermore, holding permanent residency offers advantages such as making it relatively easier to obtain credit cards or start a business.

Since obtaining permanent residency signifies that you have cleared requirements such as “long-term residence in Japan,” “compliance with laws and tax obligations,” and “economic stability,” it carries a higher level of social credibility compared to other statuses of residence.

4-4. Ability to remain in Japan even after the death of a spouse

If you have obtained permanent residency, you can continue to stay in Japan even in the event of a divorce from or the death of a Japanese spouse. In the case of a “Spouse of a Japanese National” status, as long as the marriage continues, you can obtain and renew your status without strict screening or meeting specific requirements regarding educational background, work history, or lengthy residency periods.

However, if you divorce or are bereaved of your Japanese spouse while on a spouse visa, you must either leave Japan or change your status of residence to “Long-Term Resident.” With permanent residency, you are permitted to remain in Japan continuously even if your Japanese spouse passes away or you get divorced.

4-5. Ability to reside permanently in Japan without losing your original nationality

Even if you obtain permanent residency, you do not lose your original nationality. In contrast, if you acquire Japanese citizenship (naturalization), you are required to renounce your original nationality. You can move freely between your home country and Japan.

5. Disadvantages of Obtaining Permanent Residency in Japan for Foreign Nationals

Permanent residency allows foreign nationals to reside in Japan without limitations on their period of stay, and since there are no restrictions on their activities, they are free to choose any occupation or industry. However, unlike “naturalization,” it merely grants the right to reside in Japan as a foreign national. Consequently, you must continue to carry a “residence card” and obtain a “re-entry permit” when leaving the country for an extended period.

5-1. Losing the privilege to bring parents to Japan (For Highly Skilled Professionals)

Foreign nationals holding the “Highly Skilled Professional” status are permitted to bring their parents to Japan; however, if they obtain permanent residency, there is a risk of losing this right to parental sponsorship. Under the following cases, the entry and residence of the “parents (including adoptive parents) of the highly skilled foreign professional or their spouse” are permitted under certain conditions:

• When raising a child under the age of 7 (including adoptive children) of the highly skilled foreign professional or their spouse.
• When the pregnant spouse of the highly skilled foreign professional, or the pregnant professional themselves, requires care or assistance.

Therefore, highly skilled foreign professionals currently residing with their parents must be cautious, as obtaining permanent residency may mean that their parents are no longer permitted to accompany them.

5-2. No Voting Rights compared to Naturalization (Acquiring Japanese Citizenship)

Permanent residency and naturalization (acquiring Japanese citizenship) each entail different rights and obligations. Foreign nationals with permanent residency are free from restrictions on their period of stay and employment, allowing for a more flexible life in Japan. However, permanent residents remain foreign nationals and do not possess voting rights under Japanese law. (Though some local governments may grant the right to vote in local referendums.)

On the other hand, if you choose naturalization and acquire Japanese citizenship, you can enjoy all the rights and obligations of a Japanese citizen, which includes voting rights. In other words, the right to vote in elections or run for public office is held only by those who have naturalized and acquired Japanese citizenship. This point is the primary difference between permanent residency and naturalization.

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6. Flow and Required Documents for Applying for Permanent Residency in Japan

To obtain permanent residency in Japan, a specific set of procedures and the submission of required documents are necessary. However, since the application for permanent residency is a complex and cumbersome process, it is important to acquire the correct knowledge before applying.

Furthermore, these processes may vary depending on the applicant’s current type of residence status, their length of stay, and their individual circumstances. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the basic flow of the application for permanent residency, the necessary documents, and the qualifications required for an application proxy.

6-1. Flow of the Permanent Residency Application Process

It takes considerable time and effort to gather all the documents, and the screening process may last longer than expected. First, let us look at the general flow of the process until you can obtain permanent residency.

Obtain and prepare the necessary documents for the application

First, ensure that you gather all the necessary documents and proceed with preparing the application paperwork.

To obtain permanent residency, you must apply to change your current status of residence to “Permanent Resident.” Your first step should be to understand which documents are required for the application. The main required documents will be explained in a later chapter.

Some of the necessary documents may need to be ordered from your home country, which can take considerable time. Therefore, it is essential to prepare well in advance. While phone inquiries may occasionally be made during the screening process, the decision is fundamentally based only on the information provided in the submitted documents. You must prepare your paperwork thoroughly to ensure that all necessary information is conveyed accurately and completely.

If there are any factors that could potentially work against you in the screening, it is important to prepare a “Statement of Reasons” and state your case clearly to ensure the examiner has a full understanding of your situation.

Submit the application to the regional Immigration Bureau

Gather your collected and prepared documents and file your application for permanent residency at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. If there are any deficiencies in your documents, there is a possibility that your application will not be accepted, so be sure to check them thoroughly before applying.

In principle, the applicant themselves must file the application; however, a legal representative or a certified proxy who meets certain criteria can also apply. Please check the detailed conditions below.
Reference: Application for Permission for Permanent Residence | Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Screening (Examination)

Once the documents are submitted, the Immigration Bureau begins the screening process. While the standard processing period is officially stated as 4 months—longer than that of a regular visa—this is not always the case. As of 2023, the actual screening period typically ranges from 8 to 10 months. During this period, the Immigration Bureau may request the submission of additional materials or a statement explaining your current situation. Should you be contacted by the Regional Immigration Services Bureau, it is important to respond promptly.

Caution is required when applying for permanent residency if your visa’s expiration date is approaching

If your current status of residence is nearing its expiration while your application for permanent residency is still pending, you must apply for an extension of your current status. Please keep in mind that even while applying for permanent residency, you must not neglect the renewal of your period of stay.

It is possible that your current period of stay will expire before you receive the results of your application. If your expiration date is approaching, it is advisable to take one of the following approaches:

• File for a visa renewal at the same time as your permanent residency application.
• Renew your current visa beforehand, then apply for permanent residency.

Additionally, special attention is required if you renew your period of stay while your permanent residency application is under review. If the renewed period granted is only one year—or otherwise falls short of the maximum period allowed for that status (such as 3 or 5 years)—you may be deemed to no longer satisfy the requirements for permanent residency.

Notification of Results

The notification of the screening results will arrive by mail. If your application is approved, you should visit the Immigration Bureau with the items specified in the notice to receive your permanent resident card. In the event of a denial, the notification letter will state the reasons; if you wish to know more specific details, you are permitted to receive an explanation one time only. While they may not disclose every single reason, you can use the information provided as a reference to file a re-application.

6-2. Required Documents for Permanent Residency Application in Japan

The required application materials vary depending on your current status of residence and are divided into four distinct categories:

• “When the applicant is a spouse or biological child of a Japanese national, a permanent resident, or a special permanent resident.”
• “When the applicant currently holds the ‘Long-Term Resident’ status of residence.”
• “When the applicant holds a work-related status of residence (such as ‘Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services’ or ‘Skilled Labor’) or a ‘Dependent’ status of residence.”
• “When the applicant is applying for permanent residency as a ‘Highly Skilled Foreign Professional’.”

The documents common to each of these categories are as follows:

• Application for Permission for Permanent Residence: 1 copy
• Photograph (4cm x 3cm): 1 copy
• Passport or Certificate of Status of Residence: To be presented
• Residence Card: To be presented
• Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) for the entire household: 1 copy
• Documents certifying the payment status of public pension and public health insurance premiums (for the applicant and any dependents)
• Documents related to the guarantor (Letter of Guarantee, identification of the guarantor, etc.)
• Letter of Understanding (Ryokaisho): 1 copy

The required application documents vary depending on the status of residence you currently hold. Furthermore, since the necessary paperwork may change based on individual circumstances, it is necessary to confirm your specific requirements on a case-by-case basis.

Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan “Application for Permission for Permanent Residence”

6-3. Qualifications for Application Proxies

Legal representatives of the applicant or the individuals listed below may file the application on behalf of the applicant.

(1) Individuals who have been certified as application proxies by the Director General of the Regional Immigration Services Bureau and have been requested by the applicant:

• Staff members of the organization managed by the applicant or the applicant’s employer.
• Staff members of the organization where the applicant is receiving training or education.
• Organizations that oversee activities for foreign nationals to acquire skills, techniques, or knowledge.
• Staff members of public interest corporations aimed at facilitating the smooth acceptance of foreign nationals.

(2) Lawyers or administrative scriveners who have been requested by the applicant and have registered with the Director General of the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

(3) In cases where the applicant is under 16 years of age or is unable to appear in person due to illness or other reasons, a relative, co-resident, or other person deemed appropriate by the Director General of the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

In the case of corporations or organizations, those falling under category (1) may file the application on behalf of the applicant.

7. Cases in Which Permanent Residency in Japan May Be Revoked

Not only in cases where a crime is committed and a specific punishment is imposed, but permanent residency may also be revoked if you neglect mandatory procedures such as residence registration or fail to renew your residence card.

Furthermore, one must not forget the application for “Re-entry Permission” when leaving Japan. In this section, we will explain “Re-entry Permission” and “Fraudulent Declaration.”

7-1. Leaving Japan without obtaining Re-entry Permission

If you leave Japan without completing any procedures, your status and period of residence will expire at that moment. However, if you apply for Re-entry Permission in advance, your status of residence will continue from the time you leave until you return. In other words, the application for Re-entry Permission is a procedure designed to save you the trouble of re-applying for a status of residence upon your return.

If you are certain that you will return to Japan within one year, you can use the “Special Re-entry Permit.” This is a system that allows you to re-enter without applying for Re-entry Permission, on the condition that you return within one year. However, you must return within that one-year period.

Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan “Re-entry Permission (Article 26 of the Immigration Control Act)”

7-2. Fraudulent Declarations

If any fraud or falsehood is found in the documents submitted during the application process, there is a possibility that your permanent residency will be revoked. Furthermore, even if there was no fraud at the time of your permanent residency application, you may still be subject to revocation if fraud or falsehood was discovered in any of your applications prior to obtaining permanent residency.

Additionally, if the falsification of your educational background or work history is discovered, you may not only face the revocation of your permanent residency but also risk being charged with the “Crime of Fraudulent Acquisition of Resident Status, etc.”

8.Summary

In this article, we have introduced the requirements and points of caution for applying for permanent residency. To summarize the key points, they are as follows:

✓Permanent residency refers to the right to stay in Japan indefinitely without Japanese citizenship; it is a status of residence distinct from “Naturalization” or “Special Permanent Resident” status. ✓To apply for permanent residency, an applicant must satisfy three criteria: the “Good Conduct Requirement,” the “Independent Livelihood Requirement,” and the “National Interest Requirement.” ✓While 10 years of continuous residence is usually required, there are special exceptions that allow individuals to obtain permanent residency in a shorter period. ✓Special exceptions to the “10-year residency” rule apply to those married to Japanese nationals, recognized refugees, and Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals. ✓Obtaining permanent residency offers benefits such as the elimination of stay limits and work restrictions, as well as gaining social credibility. ✓Foreign nationals with “Highly Skilled Professional” status are permitted to bring their parents to Japan; however, caution is needed as this right may be lost upon switching to permanent residency. ✓Even after obtaining permanent residency, it is important to be mindful of “Re-entry Permits” when leaving the country. ✓While the standard processing time for permanent residency is officially four months, this is not a strict rule, and it often takes between eight to ten months.

The application for permanent residency can be considered the ultimate goal for foreign nationals residing in Japan. Once permission is granted, the burdensome renewal procedures required until now become unnecessary, work restrictions are removed, and it becomes possible to stay in Japan indefinitely. However, because there are practical requirements in addition to laws and guidelines, the level of difficulty is certainly higher compared to other applications for status of residence.

If you find it difficult to prepare for the permanent residency application on your own, one effective approach is to rely on an expert who possesses the necessary expertise and know-how.

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