Permanent residency is a status given to non-Japanese people. With it, you can live in Japan as a permanent resident (永住者) with no time limit, and you keep your original nationality. It also gives you more job options, but it is one of the hardest statuses to get. Why is it so difficult? Here’s a quick overview of the requirements and how to apply.
1. Permanent Residency in Japan and the Scope of Its Status
2. Requirements for Permanent Residency Applications
- Eligible Applicants
- Requirements for Permanent Residency
3. How to Apply for Permanent Residency
1. Permanent Residency in Japan and the Scope of Its Status
Permanent residency is for foreign nationals who already have a residence status and wish to change their status to permanent resident. Permanent residency is outlined in Article 22 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Foreign nationals who meet the criteria can apply and, if approved, receive permission. Permanent residents get specific statuses of residence and activities as follows.
Residence Status and Activities Permitted with Permanent Residency
- There is no limit on the duration of your stay; you can stay in Japan as long as you want.
- You can work in any job, or choose not to work at all.
- You can change jobs whenever you want, no matter your field.
- Visa renewal is generally not necessary, but your residence card must be renewed every seven years.
- You can bring your spouse and minor children with you.
(However, parents, siblings, and other relatives can only come with you in special cases. Domestic workers are not allowed.)
2. Requirements for Permanent Residency Applications
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be foreign nationals who have lived in Japan without interruption.
In general, permanent residency applicants must have been living in Japan for more than 10 years; meanwhile, the applicant must have continuously resided in Japan with work or residency status for at least five consecutive years. However, in certain cases, applicants may apply for a stay shorter than 10 years. Exceptions include spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, highly skilled professionals, and recognized refugees. The duration of stay allowed under the exceptions varies by individual circumstances. Specifically, spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents must have been married for at least three years. Highly skilled foreign professionals are those who achieve a high score on the point system that evaluates their qualifications. If you have the points 70, you are required to stay for 3 years. If you score 80 or more, the required stay is only one year. Recognized refugees must have lived in Japan for at least five years.
Requirements for Permanent Residency
The fundamental requirements for permanent residency are good conduct, the ability to support yourself, and making a contribution to Japan, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Reference:: Permanent residency application guideline (Revised on Oct. 30, 2025）
By Immigration Service Agency
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyukan_nyukan50.html
(1) Good conduct
(2) Having enough assets or skills to be able to support oneself independently
(3) The person's permanent residence is deemed to be in the interests of Japan
(1) Good conduct
To qualify, you must follow the law and not cause problems in your community. You need to show you have no criminal record since your last conviction, no serious traffic violations, no unpaid taxes or social insurance, and no immigration law issues. The authorities will also consider whether anyone close to you, such as your spouse, has worked illegally.
(2) Having enough assets or skills to be able to support oneself independently
You must have a steady income and enough assets to support yourself. In most cases, this means earning at least 3 million yen per year. If you have family members who depend on you, you will need a higher income. Certain skills can also help show that you can support yourself.
(3) To be eligible, an individual must have contributed to social or economic activities in Japan
You must meet requirements such as the following and should not have caused any issues in social life in Japan for the past five years.
Reference: Guideline “Contribution to Japan”
By Immigration Service Agency
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930002484.pdf
Examples of "Contributions to Japan" include:
- Engaged in the management of a Japanese-listed company or a company of similar size in Japan for approximately three years or more.
- Managed a Japanese company for over three years, contributing to Japan's economy by continuously investing more than 100 million yen.
- Made significant contributions to the maintenance and development of Japanese society or local activities through medical, educational, or other professional activities.
- Appointed to a committee or other position related to the Japanese government or local government and engaged in activities aimed at the public interest for about three years or more.
- Received a prestigious award (e.g., Nobel Prize, Fields Medal) from an international organization, a foreign government, or an institution.
- Received an award from the Japanese government, such as the People's Honor Award or the Order of Culture.
3. How to Apply for Permanent Residency
To apply for permanent residency, you must send the required documents to the Immigration Services Bureau of Japan. These include items like a Resident Certificate, proof of income and tax payments, pension and insurance payment certificates, an occupation certificate, and a letter of guarantee. If any documents, such as a criminal record certificate, are in another language, you must include a Japanese translation. The exact documents you need depend on your situation, so check the Immigration Services Agency’s website for details.
Referred (Quote): Permanent residency application
By Immigration Service Agency
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/zairyu_eijyu01.html
Documents Required for Permanent Residency Applications
(Includes documents required for applicants having spouses or children
1. Permanent residency application form
2. Photograph (4cm x 3cm)
3. Documents proving Identification
4. Resident registration cards for all family members (Household), as well as the Applicant
5. Documents certifying the applicant's or the applicant's dependents' occupation
6. Recent income and tax payment status (for the past three years) of the applicant and the applicant's dependents'
7. Public pension and public health insurance premium payment status of the applicant and the applicant's dependents'
8. List of the applicant's relatives
9. Passport or certificate of eligibility (Should be presented)
10. Residence card (Should be presented)
11. Documents concerning sponsorship
12. Identification (Should be presented)
13. Acknowledgment form
To have your application approved, you must provide documents demonstrating that you are a strong candidate for permanent residency. It’s important to prepare all your paperwork thoroughly before applying. If you need assistance, we can connect you with English-speaking judicial scriveners. Please feel free to reach out to us if you would like to explore this option.
