Japan Visa Page

Work permit, residency, application requirements

Permanent Residency

Permanent Resident Visa

The permanent resident visa is the strongest visa for non-Japanese nationals in Japan. There are no work restrictions on this visa, thus holders of this visa may engage in any type of work. Also, unlike all other types of visas, the permanent resident visa has no visa expiry date and will allow its holder to reside in Japan for an indefinite term, freeing its holder from the hassles of having to renew the visa once every few years. Also, many clients choose to apply for permanent residency as it puts them in a more favorable position when applying for a mortgage or loan with the banks.

As a general rule, applicants become eligible to apply for permanent residency after 10 continuous years of residency in Japan (i.e. this means that during this entire 10 year period, a valid resident visa has been maintained without interference, in other words without the applicant going through a new procedure for an entirely new visa starting from application of the Certificate of Eligibility), with the exception of applicants who are married to Japanese spouses or otherwise have strong ties to the country, who become eligible earlier.

Moreover, with the introduction of the new Highly Skilled Professional Visa in 2012 (please see our Highly Skilled Professional Visa Page), a large number of work visa holders receiving high salary and with strong academic or career backgrounds have become eligible for permanent residency earlier.

Basic requirements

Permanent Residency from Spouse Visa

For applicants holding a “Spouse of Japanese National” visa

  • (a) The applicant has been married and living as a married couple for at least 3 years.
  • (b) The applicant has been in Japan for the past 1 year period.
  • (c) The marriage is stable.
  • (d) The applicant’s current visa is the longest visa term currently available (Note: currently, applicants with either a 3 year visa or 5 year visa may apply. However, this may change without notice).
  • (e) The applicant pays taxes and is enrolled in the official social insurance system.
  • (f) The applicant has not been sentenced to imprisonment or a criminal fine.
  • (g) The applicant has enough income/assets to support his/her living (or a family member does).

 

Permanent Residency from Long Term Resident Visa

For applicants currently holding a “Long Term Resident” visa

  • (a) The applicant has been in Japan for at least 5 years under the Long Term Resident visa (i.e. at least 5 years have passed since obtaining the Long Term Resident visa).
  • (b) The applicant’s current visa is the longest visa term currently available (Note: currently, applicants with either a 3 year visa or 5 year visa may apply. However, this may change without notice).
  • (c) The applicant pays taxes and is enrolled in the official social insurance system.
  • (d) The applicant has not been sentenced to imprisonment or a criminal fine.
  • (e) The applicant has enough income/assets to support his/her living (or a family member does)

 

Permanent Residency from Work Visa

For applicants currently holding a work visa, etc.

  • (a) The applicant has been living in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years.
  • (b) Among these 10 years, the applicant has had a work visa or family type visa (“Spouse, Child of Japanese”, “Spouse, Child of Permanent Resident”) for at least 5 years.
  • (c) The applicant’s current visa is the longest visa term currently available (Note: currently, applicants with either a 3 year visa or 5 year visa may apply. However, this may change without notice).
  • (d) The applicant pays taxes and is enrolled in the official social insurance system.
  • (e) The applicant has not been sentenced to imprisonment or a criminal fine.
  • (f) The applicant has enough income/assets to support his/her living.
  • (g) The applicant’s conducts are good and in accordance with the laws.

 

Permanent Residency from Highly Skilled Professional Visa

For applicants currently holding the Highly Skilled Professional Visa

  • Core requirement is for the applicant to have lived in Japan for at least 3 years or 1 year under the Highly Skilled Visa (depending on the number of points scored). Please refer to our Highly Skilled Professional Visa page for more details on this special visa.

 

Under certain circumstances, it is sometimes possible to obtain permanent residency for family members who fall short of the above requirements, if the main applicant fulfills the necessary requirements. Please note that these are general requirements and the requirements may be changed from time to time. Also, the outcome may vary according to each specific case.

Visa consulting, visa structuring and application services

Contact us for free initial consulting or to inquire about visa options and services. Whether you are an individual with new career plans or questions/concerns regarding your visa status, or a corporation seeking a smooth and efficient solution to facilitate your hiring process or in search of an accredited agency to submit visa applications on behalf of your employees, contact us to discuss your needs. Personalized visa solutions and services by an accredited Immigration agency available in both native English and Japanese.

update: 2017-04-30

This website has been prepared by June Advisors Group The material on this website is intended for general informational purposes only, not for specific legal advice. Please note that we will not be responsible in any way for any damages or losses arising in connection with the use of any information on our websites or our free initial e-mail consulting.