What is the Residence Status "Permanent Resident"?

For those considering obtaining permanent residency in Japan, understanding its details, benefits, and requirements is crucial. This article provides a clear explanation of the basics of permanent residency, the conditions and procedures for application, and key points after acquisition. Review the process of obtaining permanent residency and prepare accordingly.

What is a Permanent Resident? Overview and Benefits

A permanent resident is a type of residence status in Japan that allows foreign nationals to live in the country long-term without a fixed period of stay. Once granted, there is no expiration date, and there are no restrictions on employment or activities. This status enables a stable and secure lifestyle, with benefits such as easier access to housing loans and significantly increased freedom in daily life. Unlike most residence statuses, which impose limitations on duration and permitted activities, permanent residency offers a high degree of flexibility, making it a significant advantage for foreign nationals wishing to reside in Japan long-term.

Basic Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residency

To obtain permanent residency, the following basic requirements must be met. Let’s take a closer look at each condition in detail.

Good Conduct Requirement

Compliance with Laws: A clean criminal record is required. Even minor infractions, such as traffic violations, can lead to rejection if they are repeated frequently.
Maintaining Social Credibility: It is essential to consistently pay taxes and insurance premiums properly and avoid any legal violations in daily life.

Complying with the law and maintaining social credibility in daily life are fundamental prerequisites for obtaining permanent residency.

Financial Independence Requirement

Stable Income: The applicant’s annual income must meet the required standard, with higher income levels needed if there are dependents. Household income is considered as a basis, so dual-income households are also taken into account.
Avoidance of Public Assistance: Applicants must not rely on welfare or public assistance and must not become a financial burden on society in their daily lives.

Assets and income sufficient to ensure a stable life in Japan for the foreseeable future are required.

National Interest Requirement

The requirement is that the individual’s permanent residency is deemed to align with Japan’s national interests. This condition is divided into the following four categories.

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A. In principle, the applicant must have continuously resided in Japan for at least 10 years. However, within this period, they must have continuously resided in Japan for at least 5 years under a work visa (excluding the “Technical Intern Training” and “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” statuses) or a residence visa.
B. The applicant must not have been subject to fines or imprisonment. They must also properly fulfill public obligations, such as paying taxes, contributions to public pensions and health insurance, and complying with reporting obligations under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
C. The applicant must currently hold a residence status with the maximum period of stay as stipulated in Table 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Enforcement Regulations.
D. The applicant must not pose any potential harm from a public health perspective.

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Regarding A: Continuous Residence of 10 Years
To apply for permanent residency, applicants must have continuously resided in Japan for at least 10 years. During this period, they must have stayed for at least 5 years under a work visa or residence status (excluding “Technical Intern Training” and “Specified Skilled Worker (i)”).

Regarding B: Good Conduct and Fulfillment of Public Obligations
Applicants must not have received fines or imprisonment in the past and are required to properly fulfill public obligations, such as paying taxes, pensions, and health insurance contributions. This emphasizes the importance of social credibility and compliance with laws.

Regarding C: Holding the Maximum Period of Stay
Applicants must currently hold a residence status with the maximum period of stay as stipulated by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. This requirement demonstrates a stable living foundation in Japan.

Regarding D: No Public Health Issues
Applicants must not have health conditions that could negatively impact public health. This includes confirmation that they do not have infectious diseases or substance dependency.

Cases Where Exceptions Apply

If specific conditions are met, certain requirements, such as the 10-year residence requirement, may be waived under special provisions. Below are some examples.

For spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, the requirements are relaxed if the couple has maintained a genuine marital relationship for at least 3 years and the applicant has resided in Japan for at least 1 year.
For foreign nationals recognized as highly skilled professionals, the required period of residence may be shortened to 3 years or even 1 year, depending on their skills and contributions.
If significant contributions to Japanese society are recognized, permanent residency may be granted with a minimum of 5 years of residence. This applies to individuals who have achieved notable success in economic activities or cultural contributions.

Based on these requirements, applications for permanent residency are reviewed to ensure that applicants qualify for the status, enabling them to maintain a stable and continuous life within Japanese society.
Guidelines for Permanent Residency (Revised November 18, 2024) – Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Application Process and Flow for Obtaining Permanent Residency

The process of obtaining permanent residency requires a significant number of documents. Be sure to prepare them in advance to ensure a smooth application process.

Application Deadline for Permanent Residency

There is no clear application deadline for permanent residency, but in some cases, a deadline may be set.

Normal Permanent Residency Application: For other types of permanent residency applications, you can apply when you meet the usual requirements (such as years of residence, income, and tax payments). Since a 10-year residency history is often required, it is important to manage your schedule with long-term residency in mind.
Special Application by Birth: If a child is born in Japan to a permanent resident parent, they may be eligible for permanent residency as a special case if the application is made within 30 days of birth. After this period, the child will need to meet the usual requirements for permanent residency applications.

Estimated Processing Time for Permanent Residency Applications

The standard processing time for a regular permanent residency application is approximately 4 months from submission to notification of the result. However, the review process may take longer depending on the details of the application and the applicant’s specific situation.

Basic Required Documents for Permanent Residency Application

For a permanent residency application, the following documents are required.

Residence Card: A copy of your valid residence card (both front and back).
Passport: A copy of all pages of your passport, within its validity period.
Application Form: The completed “Permanent Residency Application Form” provided by the Immigration Services Agency.
Photograph: One passport-sized photo (4cm x 3cm) taken within the last 3 months.
Certificate of Residence : The most recent certificate of residence (including all household members).
Tax Payment Certificate: Tax payment certificates for the past 1 to 3 years, issued by the local municipality.
Proof of Income: Income proof for the past 1 to 3 years, such as income certificates or withholding tax statements.
Letter of Guarantee: A “Letter of Guarantee” from a guarantor, along with supporting documents for the guarantor, such as their residence card, certificate of residence, and income proof.

The above are just basic examples of the required documents. Depending on your previous residence status, family composition, and other circumstances, the required documents may vary.

If you need more detailed information about the specific documents required for your situation, please contact the Immigration Services Agency or reach out to us for consultation.

Permanent Residency Application – Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Advantages of Hiring an Administrative Scrivener

Applying for permanent residency requires meticulous document preparation and detailed verification. Therefore, seeking assistance from a professional is highly recommended. Engaging an administrative scrivener for your application offers several benefits, including streamlined processes, increased success rates, and professional support. Below are the specific advantages.

Accuracy and Efficiency in Document Preparation
Administrative scriveners have in-depth knowledge of the documents and requirements necessary for a permanent residency application. From drafting the application forms to submission, they ensure the process proceeds smoothly. Compared to handling it independently, the risk of errors or omissions is minimized, reducing delays caused by incomplete documentation.

Representation at Immigration Bureau Counters
When you hire a certified application proxy scrivener, you no longer need to visit the Immigration Bureau yourself. This saves you the time and hassle of taking time off on weekdays. Additionally, they can handle communication with the Immigration Bureau and check the progress of your application, ensuring better transparency throughout the process.
Enhanced Approval Rate
Administrative scriveners are well-versed in the key points of the screening process and can optimize the content of the application and supporting documents. By aligning your application forms and statements with the criteria for permanent residency, they reduce the risk of rejection and improve the likelihood of approval.
Peace of Mind
By entrusting the complex procedures to a professional, applicants can significantly reduce the workload and psychological stress associated with the application process. Any questions or concerns can be addressed by an experienced scrivener, allowing you to proceed with confidence.

専門家に依頼することで、手続きが迅速に進み、申請の成功率も向上します。

Life and Precautions After Obtaining Permanent Residency

Even after obtaining permanent residency, certain procedures such as renewing your residence card and applying for re-entry permits are required. Neglecting these processes can result in the loss of your permanent resident status, making proper management essential.

Residence Card Renewal and Re-entry Permits

Residence Card Renewal: Although permanent residents are granted long-term residency, their residence cards have a validity period of seven years. Failure to renew the card before its expiration can result in the loss of permanent residency. Be sure to check the renewal deadline and complete the renewal process within Japan. Renewal applications can be submitted starting two months prior to the expiration date.
Re-entry Permits: If you plan to stay abroad for more than one year, obtaining a re-entry permit is mandatory. Without this permit, prolonged overseas stays can lead to the invalidation of your permanent resident status. For short-term departures, the “Special Re-entry Permit” may apply, but it’s crucial to confirm the requirements before leaving Japan.

Risks and Precautions for Revocation of Permanent Residency

Even after obtaining permanent residency, it can be revoked under the following circumstances.

Long-Term Absence: If you stay overseas for more than one year without obtaining a re-entry permit, your permanent residency may be invalidated.
Legal Violations: Serious offenses, such as major crimes, non-payment of taxes, or failure to pay social insurance premiums, can result in the revocation of your permanent residency.

To retain your permanent resident status, it is essential to follow the rules of daily life in Japan and complete all necessary procedures properly.

Summary

When you obtain permanent residency, your stay in Japan becomes indefinite, and restrictions on occupations and activities are lifted, greatly expanding your freedom in daily life. This enables a stable and long-term lifestyle, increases your social credibility, and makes it easier to do things like securing a housing loan.

To apply for permanent residency, you must have lived in Japan for at least 10 years, have a stable income, and properly pay taxes and pension contributions. In special cases, such as being a spouse of a Japanese citizen or having highly specialized skills, some requirements may be relaxed.

The application requires document preparation, and the screening process typically takes about four months. While there are points to keep in mind after obtaining permanent residency, your activities in Japan become significantly freer.

Although the requirements for obtaining permanent residency are strict, the benefits upon acquisition are substantial, making it a highly advantageous residency status.