📅 最終更新日： 公開日：2026年6月3日
Permanent residence (永住者) is the most stable visa status in Japan. Once granted, there’s no need to renew your visa every few years, and you can work in any field without restriction. However, requirements are strict and getting stricter. This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for permanent residence in Japan.
What Is Permanent Residence in Japan?
Japan’s permanent resident status gives you an indefinite right to live in Japan without needing to renew your visa category. You still need to renew your residence card every 7 years, but you’re no longer tied to a specific employment or activity. You remain a foreign national — this is different from naturalization (citizenship).
Eligibility Requirements
① Good Conduct
No criminal record, and all taxes, pension contributions, and health insurance premiums must be paid on time. Since the February 2026 guideline revision, on-time payment (not just eventual payment) is strictly checked. Any overdue payments should be cleared before applying.
② Financial Self-Sufficiency
You need stable income to support yourself and your dependents. While there is no official minimum income, in practice ¥3 million or more per year is typically expected (more if you have dependents).
③ Residency Requirements
| Category | Residency Requirement |
|---|---|
| General rule | 10+ years continuous residence (5+ years on work/resident visa) |
| Spouse of Japanese / permanent resident | 3+ years continuous residence, with 1+ year on current status |
| Child of Japanese / permanent resident | 1+ year continuous residence |
| Recognized refugee | 5+ years after recognition |
| Highly Skilled Professional (80+ points) | 1+ year continuous residence |
| Highly Skilled Professional (70+ points) | 3+ years continuous residence |
Required Documents
- Application form (prescribed form from Immigration Services Agency)
- Photo (4cm × 3cm)
- Passport and residence card (show originals, submit copies)
- Statement of reasons for permanent residence application
- Guarantor form (one adult resident of Japan)
- Residence certificate (juminhyo) for entire household
- Tax payment certificates for the past 5 years
- Pension payment records for the past 2 years
- Health insurance payment records for the past 2 years
- Certificate of employment (salary, title, duration)
- Tax withholding statements for the past 3 years
Processing Time
Permanent residence applications typically take 6 to 12 months to process. Incomplete documentation or requests for additional materials may extend the timeline. Your current visa status is maintained during this period, but you must ensure it doesn’t expire before a decision is made.
Common Reasons for Rejection
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overdue taxes, pension, or health insurance | Clear all arrears before applying; show on-time payment history |
| Residency calculation errors (extended overseas trips) | Trips over 90 days may break “continuous” residence — consult an expert |
| Insufficient or unstable income | Stabilize income before applying; spouse income may be combined |
| Expired residence card or passport | Ensure both are valid at time of application |
Supervised by
乾 喜満（いぬい よしみつ）
Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) / Representative, Inui Gyoseishoshi Corporation
Registration No.: 16260979
Founded 2016. Specializes in Japan residence status and naturalization. Available in 5 languages (JA/EN/ZH/KO/VI). Based in Osaka Tenjinbashi.
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