Permanent Residency in Japan: Requirements & Timeline

For many foreign residents, obtaining permanent residency in Japan is the ultimate step toward long-term stability. Unlike work or spouse visas, permanent residency removes employment restrictions, allows you to stay indefinitely, and eliminates the need for regular visa renewals.

This guide covers eligibility, required documents, timelines, and the application process, based on the latest standards from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency.

What Is Permanent Residency?

Permanent residency, officially called:

Permanent Resident (永住者 – Eijūsha)

Grants foreign nationals the ability to:

• Live in Japan indefinitely

• Work in any field without restrictions

• Change jobs freely

• Run a business or freelance

• Avoid periodic visa renewals

Note: Permanent residency does not grant Japanese citizenship.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants generally must meet three main criteria:

1. Continuous Residence

You must have lived in Japan continuously under a valid residence status.

2. Good Conduct

Applicants should demonstrate:

• No serious criminal record (犯罪歴 – Hanzaireki)

• Compliance with Japanese laws and regulations

3. Financial Stability

You must show stable income and the ability to support yourself (and dependents, if any).

Residency Timeline by Visa Type

Highly Skilled Professionals enjoy the shortest legal route to permanent residency.

Required Documents (Standard List)

Personal Documents

• Passport (パスポート – Pasupōto)

• Residence Card (在留カード – Zairyū Kādo)

Application Forms

• Permanent Residence Application Form (永住許可申請書 – Eijūsha Shinseisho)

Employment & Income Proof

• Certificate of Employment (在職証明書 – Zaishoku Shōmeisho)

• Tax withholding slip (源泉徴収票 – Gensen Chōshūhyō)

• Income certificate (所得証明書 – Shotoku Shōmeisho)

• Resident tax payment certificate (住民税納税証明書 – Jūminzei Nōzei Shōmeisho)

Residence Records

• Certificate of residence (住民票 – Jūminhyō)

• Proof of continuous residence

Family Documents (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate (婚姻証明書 – Kon’in Shōmeisho)

• Family register (戸籍謄本 – Koseki Tōhon)

What Immigration Officers Look For

Officers assess:

• Employment stability

• Consistent tax and pension payments (年金 – Nenkin, 社会保険 – Shakai Hoken)

• No history of overstaying (超過滞在 – Chōka Taizai)

• Contribution to Japanese society

Even small discrepancies can delay approval, so ensure documentation is complete and accurate.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare all required documents

2. Submit application at your regional immigration office (出入国在留管理局 – Nyūkoku Zairyū Kanri Kyoku)

3. Receive application receipt

4. Wait for review (typically 6–12 months)

5. Respond to additional document requests if contacted

6. Receive approval notice

7. Pay issuance fee

8. Receive new Residence Card marked Permanent Resident

Processing Time

• Standard: 6–12 months

• Complex cases may take longer

• Patience is essential; no guaranteed deadlines exist

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Unstable or insufficient income

• Missed tax or pension payments

• Short visa history (e.g., repeated 1-year renewals)

• Frequent job changes without explanation

• Insufficient residence period

Benefits After Approval

Permanent residency offers:

• Unlimited stay in Japan

• No visa renewals

• Freedom to work in any field

• Easier loan and housing approvals

• Stronger credit credibility

Responsibilities include renewing your Residence Card every 7 years and reporting address changes.

Permanent Residency vs Citizenship

Official Reference

Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁 – Nyūkoku Zairyū Kanri-chō)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/