As life in Japan becomes more settled—with deeper ties to work, family, and the local community—many people begin to feel, “I want to continue living here with stability.”
For those in this situation, obtaining permanent residency can offer a profound sense of security. Once granted, permanent residency comes with the following benefits:
- Once granted, your residency will no longer have a time limit, and you won’t need to go through renewal procedures.
- You’ll be free to work in any field, with no restrictions on employment
- You can remain in Japan even if life circumstances change, such as divorce, the loss of a loved one, or the closure of your workplace.
Put simply, permanent residency provides a legal foundation for long-term stability in your life in Japan.
◆Guidelines for Permanent Residency (Revised on November 18, 2024)
To be granted permanent residency status, you must meet the conditions listed below.
These requirements must be proven to the Immigration Services Agency through appropriate documentation.
Please note that these are the minimum requirements—depending on your individual circumstances, you may be asked to provide additional evidence.
1) Maintaining Good Conduct
Naturally, serious offenses such as imprisonment, detention, or suspended sentences can affect your eligibility for permanent residency.
However, even minor violations—such as repeated parking infractions—may pose a problem if they occur five or more times within the past five years.
2) Possession of Sufficient Assets or Skills to Maintain an Independent Livelihood
One must provide evidence of the prospect of a stable livelihood in the future.
If a career change leads to a reduction in income or occupational status, it may be deemed that the individual no longer meets the criteria for a stable life.
3) Recognition that the person's permanent residency serves Japan's national interest
What constitutes ‘Japan’s national interest’ is outlined below.
In principle, the applicant must have continuously resided in Japan for at least 10 years. However, within this period, it is required that they have held a work-related or residence status (excluding “Technical Intern Training” and “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” statuses) for at least five consecutive years.
In this context, “employment” refers to full-time regular employment; part-time or casual work such as part-time jobs (arubaito) is not counted as valid work experience.
Additionally, any period of unemployment during the employment period will disqualify the applicant, even if the total duration of employment amounts to five years.
Having no record of fines or imprisonment
Duly performing public responsibilities
It is required that residents pay their residence tax, National Health Insurance premiums, and National Pension contributions by the designated deadlines.
If payments have not been made on time, applications will only be accepted after a period of two consecutive years of timely payments.
The applicant must be residing in Japan with the status of residence currently held, for the maximum period of stay as stipulated in Appended Table 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Enforcement Regulations.
Although the maximum period of stay permitted by law is five years, it is possible to be granted a three-year period.
It is considered not harmful from a public health standpoint
Individuals with chronic addiction to drugs such as cannabis or stimulants, or those with infectious diseases, cannot be approved.
◆Residence Statuses with Eased Requirements for Permanent Residency
If you hold one of the following residence statuses, the required duration of stay for permanent residency may be shortened.
1) Spouses of Japanese Nationals, Permanent Residents, or Special Permanent Resident
The applicant must have maintained a genuine marital relationship for at least three years and have continuously resided in Japan for at least one year.
→Click here to learn more about the application process for the “Spouse of Japanese National” visa.
→Click here for details on the “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” residency status
2) Children (Minors) of Japanese Nationals, Permanent Residents, or Special Permanent Resident
Applicants must have lived in Japan for over a year. This requirement applies only to minors.
3) Holders of the Highly Skilled Professional Status of Residence
Foreign nationals with the status of residence as Highly Skilled Professionals are individuals with advanced expertise who can contribute to Japan’s economy or academia.
They typically score 70 points or more under the points-based system for highly skilled professionals and have usually resided in Japan for over three years.
4) Long-Term Resident
The applicant must have resided in Japan for five years or more.
→Click Here for Information on the “Long-Term Resident” Status
◆Required Documents for Permanent Residency Application
Required documents may differ based on your current visa status, so please check carefully.
1) Permanent Residency Application Form – 1 Copy
You can download it from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s official website.
→Click here to access immigration documents (applicable to long-term residents)
2) Photograph – 1 Copy
If the photograph does not meet the specified requirements, it will need to be retaken.
The photo must meet the following criteria:
- Size: 4 cm (height) × 3 cm (width)
- Taken of the applicant themselves
- No hat or head covering
- Plain background (no patterns or scenery)
- Clear and in focus
- Taken within the past six months
- Applicant’s name written on the back
3) Proof of Relationship: Submit One of the Following
- Japanese Spouse’s Family Register – Complete Version (1 Copy)
- Family Register (Full Certificate) of the Applicant’s Japanese Parent – 1 Copy
- Marriage Certificate of the Applicant and Permanent Resident Spouse – 1 Copy
- Birth Certificate Showing Relationship to Parent with Permanent Resident Status – 1 Copy
4) Certificate of Residence (Entire Household) – 1 Copy
Make sure your resident record does not include your Individual Number (My Number).
5) Occupation Verification Documents for the Applicant or Supporting Family Member – Choose One
- Certificate of Employment (for Company Employees) – 1 Copy
- Copies of Tax Filing and Business License (for Self-Employed Applicants) – One Each
- Other Documents Explaining the Nature of Employment and Supporting Evidence
6) Documents Explaining the Affiliation and Tax Payment Status of the Applicant and Their Financial Supporter for the Past Three Years
a) Proof of Resident Tax Payment
・Taxation (or Non-Taxation) Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate for Resident Tax (Covering Total Annual Income and Tax Payment Status) – 1 Copy Each for the Past 3 Years
・Proof of Resident Tax Paid on Time in the Last 3 Years (Standard Copies, Receipts, etc.)
b) Proof of National Tax Payment Status
Tax Payment Certificates Covering Various National Taxes (Including Income, Consumption, Inheritance, and Gift Taxes)
c) Other
Submit one of the following documents as proof of income.
If you plan to apply for permanent residency in the future, it is recommended that you arrange for your taxes to be paid by automatic withdrawal from a designated bank account.
This helps prevent missed payments and ensures that clear records are available, making it easier to explain your tax history to immigration authorities.
7) Documents showing payment of public pension and health insurance premiums (applicant and supporter)
a) Documents showing pension premium payments in the past two years
- "Nenkin Teikibin” (Your pension statement with full record details) (A)
- “Nenkin Net” print screen of monthly pension records (B)
- Copy of National Pension Payment Receipt (C)
If you are enrolled in Employees’ Pension Insurance, please submit A or B. If you are enrolled in National Pension, please submit A or B and also C.
b) Documents showing health insurance premium payments in the past two years
- Health insurance card (copy) / National health insurance card (copy)
- My Number insurance card or eligibility certificate
- Certificate showing payment of National Health Insurance premiums (tax)
- Copy of National Health Insurance Premium (Tax) Receipt
c) If the applicant is an employer at a social insurance-covered office when applying
- Copy of Health Insurance and Pension Premium Receipt
- Certificate or confirmation form of social insurance premium payments (showing whether any premiums remain unpaid)
8) Documents showing the assets of the applicant or the supporting family member (one of the following)
- Bankbook copy (showing account records) (A)
- One copy of real estate registration record (B)
- Documents in line with (A) and (B) above
9) Applicant’s passport (travel document) or eligibility certificate – presentation required
10) Applicant’s residence card (presentation required)
11) Documents showing guarantor details
a) Letter of Guarantee
You can download it from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s official website.
→Click here to access immigration documents (applicable to long-term residents)
b) Identification Documents (e.g., Driver’s License)
12) Documents showing contributions to Japan (if any)
13) Documents confirming the identity of someone other than the applicant
Required when someone other than the applicant submits the application documents.
14) Acknowledgement Form
You can download it from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan’s official website.
→Click here to access immigration documents (applicable to long-term residents)
★Ask a Legal Expert Now!
As life in Japan continues over the years, many people begin to feel, “I want to keep living here with peace of mind.”
To apply for permanent residency, you are generally required to have lived in Japan continuously and stably for the past ten years. This means that not only the timing of your application, but also the way you live and conduct yourself on a daily basis plays a crucial role.
Submitting the necessary documents does not automatically guarantee approval.
Each applicant’s circumstances are different, and the required supplementary materials or explanations may vary accordingly.
That’s why it’s highly recommended to consult with a certified administrative scrivener or other professional as early as possible—rather than jumping into the application process the moment you decide to apply.
A specialist will carefully review your life history in Japan and help you determine what documents are needed and what aspects may require additional explanation.
With their guidance, you can prepare more effectively and increase your chances of a smooth and successful application.