Permanent Residence Visa - Overview

What Is Permanent Residence?

Permanent Residence is a status of residence granted to foreign nationals who have received permission for permanent residence from the Minister of Justice.

Once permanent residence is granted, there is no limit on the period of stay, and there are generally no restrictions on employment. Unlike most other statuses of residence, permanent residents do not need to apply for an Extension of Period of Stay and are only required to renew their Residence Card.

However, permanent residence is not granted solely because an applicant has lived in Japan for a long time. Applicants must meet the requirements established by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Permission is granted after a comprehensive review of factors such as the applicant’s conduct, tax payment record, pension and health insurance premium payment status, and current residence status.

Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residence

Permanent residence cannot be obtained solely because an applicant has lived in Japan for a long time.

Permission is granted after a comprehensive review of the applicant’s residence status, living circumstances, and other relevant factors in accordance with the guidelines established by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

① The Applicant Must Be of Good Conduct

The applicant must comply with Japanese laws and live responsibly without causing problems in society.

The examination may consider not only criminal records and serious legal violations but also the applicant’s history of traffic violations.

② The Applicant Must Be Able to Support Themselves Independently

The applicant must have sufficient income or assets to maintain a stable life into the future.

③ Permanent Residence Must Be in the Interests of Japan

The applicant must have continuously resided in Japan for the required period, properly fulfilled public obligations, and maintained a satisfactory residence status.

④ At Least 10 Years of Residence in Principle (Exceptions Apply)

As a general rule, the applicant must have continuously resided in Japan for at least 10 years, including at least five years under a work-related or residence-based status of residence.

However, the residence-period requirement may be reduced for spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents, Highly Skilled Professionals, and certain other applicants.

⑤ Current Status of Residence and Maximum Period of Stay

As a general rule, the applicant must have been granted the maximum period of stay available for their current status of residence.

Who Is Eligible for Permanent Residence?

Permanent residence is not a status of residence available to every foreign national.

Applicants must meet the requirements established by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and satisfy the applicable criteria for permanent residence.

※Eligibility must be assessed comprehensively based on factors such as the applicant’s current status of residence, length of residence in Japan, and tax payment record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do permanent residents need to renew their period of stay?
A. No. Permanent residents are not required to renew their period of stay. However, Residence Cards have an expiration date and must generally be renewed every seven years.

Q2. Are there any employment restrictions after obtaining permanent residence?
A. No. Once permanent residence is granted, there are no restrictions on the type of work you may perform, and you may freely choose your occupation and employer.

Q3. Does obtaining permanent residence make me a Japanese citizen?
A. No. Permanent residence allows you to live permanently in Japan while retaining your foreign nationality. To obtain Japanese nationality, you must apply for naturalization.

Q4. Can my family obtain permanent residence together with me?
A. No. Permanent residence applications are examined individually. A spouse and children must each meet the applicable requirements and submit their own applications.

Q5. Can a permanent residence application be denied?
A. Yes. An application may be denied after a comprehensive review of factors such as tax payments, pension and health insurance premium payments, residence status, and conduct.

Common Reasons Permanent Residence Applications Are Denied

Permanent residence is not granted solely because an applicant has satisfied the required period of residence. An application may be denied in circumstances such as the following:

　・Failure to properly fulfill public obligations, including pension contributions, health insurance premiums, and resident taxes
　・Late or unpaid taxes or insurance premiums
　・The applicant has not been granted the maximum period of stay available under their current status of residence
　・Unstable income or insufficient prospects of maintaining a stable life in the future
　・Criminal records, traffic violations, or other circumstances indicating that the applicant is not of good conduct
　・Insufficient or inconsistent application documents that fail to adequately support the application

Permanent residence applications are determined after a comprehensive review of each applicant’s individual circumstances.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, we recommend consulting a specialist before submitting your application.