For Foreign Nationals Who Wish to Build a Stable Long-Term Life in Japan
Permanent Residence is a status of residence that allows eligible foreign nationals to change from their current immigration status to Permanent Resident.
Once Permanent Residence is granted, you no longer need to renew your visa, and there are no restrictions on your employment or business activities. This provides greater stability and flexibility for living in Japan.
Because Permanent Residence applications are subject to more rigorous examination than most other immigration procedures, careful preparation is essential.
At Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide comprehensive support—from assessing your eligibility and collecting the required documents to preparing your application and responding to additional requests from the Immigration Services Agency.
What is Permanent Residence?
Permanent Residence is a status granted by the Minister of Justice of Japan that allows foreign nationals to reside in Japan indefinitely.
The main benefits include:
- No need to renew your period of stay
- No restrictions on employment or business activities
- Greater flexibility when changing jobs or starting a business
- Easier long-term life planning in Japan
Please note that Permanent Residence does not grant Japanese nationality. Those wishing to acquire Japanese citizenship must apply for Naturalization.
Main Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements vary depending on your current status of residence.
1. Continuous Residence in Japan
As a general rule, applicants must have:
- Continuously resided in Japan for at least 10 years, and
- Spent at least 5 of those years under a work-related or residential status of residence.
However, special exceptions may apply to:
- Spouses of Japanese nationals
- Spouses of Permanent Residents
- Highly Skilled Professionals (HSP)
- Individuals who have made significant contributions to Japan
2. Good Conduct
Applicants must demonstrate that they have complied with Japanese laws and have conducted themselves responsibly as members of society.
3. Financial Independence
Applicants must have sufficient financial resources to maintain a stable livelihood in Japan.
Immigration authorities evaluate not only annual income but also factors such as:
- Household income
- Number of dependents
- Overall financial circumstances
4. Fulfillment of Public Obligations
One of the most important examination criteria is whether the applicant has properly fulfilled public obligations, including:
- Income Tax
- Resident Tax
- National Pension Contributions
- Health Insurance Premiums
Late payment, as well as non-payment, may negatively affect the application.
5. Compliance with Current Immigration Status
Applicants must continue to engage in activities permitted under their current status of residence and remain in compliance with Japanese immigration laws.
Required Documents
The required documents vary depending on the applicant's current status of residence.
Documents Prepared by the Applicant
- Application for Permanent Residence
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Passport
- Residence Card
- Letter of Consent
- Documents required for your current status of residence
Family-Relationship Documents (where applicable)
- Family Register (Koseki Tohon) (for spouses of Japanese nationals)
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Other documents proving family relationships
Other Supporting Documents
- Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo)
- Resident Tax Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate
- Pension and Health Insurance Records
- Letter of Guarantee
- Employment Certificate and/or Proof of Income
The required documents differ depending on your current immigration status, so careful preparation is essential.
Application Process
- Initial Consultation
- Eligibility Assessment
- Collection of Required Documents
- Preparation of Application Documents
- Submission of the Permanent Residence Application
- Examination by the Immigration Services Agency
- Approval
- Issuance of a Permanent Resident Residence Card
Processing Time
Permanent Residence applications are carefully examined, and the processing period is generally longer than for other immigration applications.
Although processing times vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and the Immigration Office's workload, recent applications typically take around one year, and in some regions even longer.
Applicants may also be asked to submit additional documents during the examination process.
Applying for Permanent Residence from Other Visa Categories
Many applicants apply for Permanent Residence after holding one of the following statuses:
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National
- Spouse of Permanent Resident
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
- Business Manager
- Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)
- Specified Skilled Worker (where eligible)
Because the eligibility requirements and required documents differ depending on your current status of residence, preparing an application tailored to your circumstances is important.
2026 Revision of the Permanent Residence Guidelines
In February 2026, the Permanent Residence Guidelines were revised.
One of the major changes concerns the interpretation of the requirement relating to the longest permitted period of stay, and transitional measures have also been introduced.
Because the applicable standards may differ depending on when you submit your application, it is important to review the latest guidelines before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum annual income requirement?
No.
Japanese immigration law does not specify a fixed minimum annual income.
Your financial situation is evaluated comprehensively, taking into account factors such as your household composition, income, and overall living circumstances.
Will I no longer need to renew my Residence Card after obtaining Permanent Residence?
No.
Although Permanent Residents are not required to renew their period of stay, the Residence Card itself has an expiration date and must be renewed periodically.
Can I reapply if my Permanent Residence application is denied?
Yes.
You may submit a new application.
However, it is important to identify the reason for the previous denial and address any issues before reapplying.
Our Services
At Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide comprehensive support for:
- Permanent Residence Eligibility Assessment
- Confirmation and Collection of Required Documents
- Preparation of Application Documents
- Responses to Requests for Additional Documents
- Reapplications After a Previous Denial
Permanent Residence is one of the most significant milestones for foreign nationals living in Japan.
We carefully review your individual circumstances and provide professional support based on the latest immigration laws and examination guidelines, helping you apply with confidence and peace of mind.
Contact Us
If you are considering applying for Permanent Residence in Japan, please feel free to contact Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office. We are committed to providing reliable and professional support throughout every step of the application process.