Overview of Permanent Resident Status (Residence Status: "Permanent Resident")

A permanent residence application is filed when a foreign national holding a status of residence wishes to change their status to "Permanent Resident" or acquire the "Permanent Resident" status (e.g., by birth) (Immigration Control Act, Article 22 and Article 22-2).

Upon approval, "Permanent Resident" will be noted on the residence card, renewal of the period of stay will no longer be required, and there will be no restrictions on employment. The fee at the time of approval is ¥10,000 (revenue stamp), and the standard processing time is approximately 4 to 6 months.

Criteria for Permanent Residence (Legal Requirements)

Permanent residence permission is assessed against the following three criteria (Guidelines on Permanent Residence Permission). For spouses or children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or special permanent residents, criteria (1) and (2) are not required.

1. Good Conduct
   The applicant must be law-abiding and lead a socially responsible life without reproach in daily activities.
2. Financial Stability
   The applicant must possess sufficient assets or skills to support themselves independently and not become a burden on public resources, with a stable livelihood expected into the future.
3. Benefit to Japan
   • As a general rule, the applicant must have resided continuously in Japan for 10 years or more (of which at least 5 years must have been under a work or resident status; Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker Category 1 are excluded).
   • The applicant must have no record of fines or imprisonment, and must have properly fulfilled public obligations such as tax payment, payment of public pension and health insurance premiums, and notifications required under the Immigration Control Act.
   • The applicant must currently hold the longest period of stay stipulated in Appended Table 2 of the Ordinance for their current status of residence.
   • The applicant must not pose a risk to public health.

Exceptions to the 10-Year Residency Rule (Shortened Residency Period)

Applicants who fall under any of the following categories may be eligible to apply for permanent residence before completing 10 years of stay (refer to the Guidelines and the Guidelines on Contribution to Japan).

1. Spouse of a Japanese national, permanent resident, or special permanent resident: Marriage must have been genuine and continuous for 3 or more years, and the applicant must have been residing continuously in Japan for 1 or more years. Their children, etc.: Must have been residing continuously in Japan for 1 or more years.
2. Holders of the "Long-Term Resident" status who have been residing continuously in Japan for 5 or more years.
3. Persons recognized as refugees (or as recipients of complementary protection): Must have been residing continuously in Japan for 5 or more years following recognition.
4. Contribution to Japan: Persons recognized as having contributed to Japan in the fields of diplomacy, society, economy, culture, etc., who have been residing in Japan for 5 or more years.
5. Persons recognized as having contributed through activities based on regional revitalization plans: Must have been residing continuously in Japan for 3 or more years.
6. Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals (70 points or more): Must have maintained the required score and resided in Japan for 3 or more years, among other requirements.
7. Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals (80 points or more): Must have maintained the required score and resided in Japan for 1 or more years, among other requirements.
8. Special Highly Skilled Professionals: Must have been residing continuously in Japan for 1 or more years, among other requirements.

Period of Stay

Indefinite (no renewal required)

Overview of Required Documents for Permanent Residence Application

Required documents vary depending on the applicant's status of residence and personal circumstances. Before applying, please check the latest document requirements on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan's Permanent Residence Application page and the relevant application type page, and use the checklist to ensure nothing is missing.

Documents Required by All Applicants

• Permanent Residence Application Form (1 copy)
• Photograph (4cm × 3cm) — 1 photo (not required for children under 16)
• Letter of Guarantee (prepared by a guarantor; typically a Japanese national, permanent resident, or special permanent resident)
• Residence certificate (juminhyo) for all household members including the applicant (1 copy; with or without My Number field)
• Residence Card (for presentation)
• Passport (for presentation)

Main Additional Documents by Application Type

[Application Type 1] Spouse, etc., of a Japanese national or permanent resident
Permanent Residence Application 1 (Ministry of Justice)

• Documents proving family relationship (family register transcript, marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• Documents proving occupation (employment certificate, copy of tax return, etc.)
• Income and tax payment certificates for the most recent 3 years (1 year for children, etc.), such as municipal tax assessment/payment certificates and National Tax Agency Certificate of Tax Payment (Form 3)
• Documents proving payment status of public pension and public health insurance premiums for the most recent 2 years (1 year for children, etc.)
• Other documents relating to spouse/parent (see link above for details)

[Application Type 2] Long-Term Resident
Permanent Residence Application 2 (Ministry of Justice)

• Statement of Reasons (1 copy)
• Documents proving family relationship (family register transcript, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Documents proving occupation
• Income and tax payment certificates and documents proving public pension/health insurance payment status for the most recent 5 years

[Application Type 3] Work visa holders (Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Skilled Labor, etc.) and Dependent visa holders
Permanent Residence Application 3 (Ministry of Justice)

• Statement of Reasons (1 copy)
• Documents proving family relationship (if required for dependent visa holders)
• Documents proving occupation (employment certificate, pay stubs, etc.)
• Income and tax payment certificates and documents proving public pension/health insurance payment status for the most recent 5 years

[Application Type 4] Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals (requirements differ for 70 points vs. 80 points)
Permanent Residence Application 4 (Ministry of Justice)

[Application Type 5] Special Highly Skilled Professionals
Permanent Residence Application 5 (Ministry of Justice)

※ Documents issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of the submission date. Documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation. Insufficient documentation may delay the review process or result in disadvantageous outcomes.