Are you wondering if you qualify for permanent residence in Japan? How many years do you need to stay? Permanent residency (永住者) removes restrictions on work and activities, and eliminates the need to renew your residence status — giving you long-term stability in Japan.
Inui Gyoseishoshi Corporation in Tenjinbashi, Osaka, supports your permanent residence application from start to finish as a Certified Immigration Representative (申請取次行政書士). First consultation is free.
What is Permanent Residence Permission? (Immigration Control Act, Article 22)
Permanent Residence Permission is the process of changing your current residence status to “Permanent Resident” (永住者) by applying to the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Immigration Control Act, Article 22).
Key benefits of obtaining permanent residence status:
- No work or activity restrictions — you can work in any industry or position
- Indefinite stay period — no need to renew your residence status (residence card renewal required every 7 years)
- Freedom to change jobs or become self-employed
- Family members can apply for “Spouse of Permanent Resident” status
- Improved creditworthiness for mortgages and financial products
Note: This is not the same as acquiring Japanese nationality (that requires a naturalization application). You retain your foreign nationality while gaining long-term residency rights.
3 Core Requirements for Permanent Residence
Based on the “Permanent Residence Permission Guidelines” (revised February 24, 2026) published by the Immigration Services Agency, all three of the following requirements must be met:
① Good Conduct
- No imprisonment or fines for serious offenses (repeated traffic violations also affect your application)
- Activities have been conducted in accordance with your authorized residence status
- No involvement in money laundering, prostitution, or human trafficking
② Financial Independence
- Stable income and assets sufficient for self-support (tax and income records from the past 3–5 years are reviewed)
- Not receiving public welfare assistance
- Able to support dependents if applicable
③ National Interest Requirement
- Length of stay: Continuous residence in Japan for at least 10 years, including at least 5 years under a work or residence-type status
- Current status: Must hold the maximum period of stay (3 or 5 years) at the time of application
- Public obligations: Taxes, health insurance, and pension contributions must have been paid by their original due dates (late payment history remains even if later paid)
- No public health concerns
Exceptions to the 10-Year Requirement
| Applicant Type | Reduced Requirement |
|---|---|
| Spouse of Japanese national, permanent resident, or special permanent resident | 3 years of marriage AND 1 year of residence in Japan |
| Long-Term Resident (定住者) | 5 years of continuous residence |
| Recognized refugee | 5 years after recognition |
| Person with significant contribution to Japan | 5+ years (at Minister’s discretion) |
| Highly Skilled Professional (70+ points) | 3 years of continuous residence |
| Highly Skilled Professional (80+ points) | 1 year of continuous residence |
Common Concerns
- Not sure how many years you need to qualify
- Had late tax or pension payments in the past
- Changed jobs recently or had a gap in employment
- Received a traffic fine or minor penalty in the past
- Not sure where to start with the paperwork
- Previously denied — want to reapply
- Want to stabilize your family’s residence status at the same time
Required Documents (Overview)
Personal Documents
- Permanent residence application form (Ministry of Justice format)
- Passport photo (4cm × 3cm, taken within 3 months)
- Copies of passport and residence card
- Documents proving authorized activities (employment contract, certificate of employment, etc.)
- Residence certificate (住民票) for all household members
Tax & Social Insurance Documents (Critical)
- Resident tax payment certificates for the past 5 years
- Withholding tax statements (past 3 years) or tax returns (self-employed)
- Pension payment records (Nenkin Teikibin or National Pension receipts)
- Health insurance card copy or National Health Insurance payment certificate
Guarantor Documents
- Letter of guarantee from a Japanese national or permanent resident
- Guarantor’s certificate of employment, residence certificate, and tax certificate
Application Process
Free Consultation
Contact us by phone or inquiry form. We’ll review your situation and assess your eligibility at no charge.
Document Checklist & Collection Support
We provide a tailored list and guide you through gathering each document, including tax and pension records.
Document Preparation
Our office prepares the application form, cover letter, and all supporting documents on your behalf.
Submission to Immigration Services Agency (Representative Filing)
As a Certified Immigration Representative, we submit all documents directly to the Osaka Regional Immigration Bureau. You do not need to visit the immigration office.
Review & Decision
Processing typically takes 4–6 months (varies by case). Upon approval, your residence card is updated to “Permanent Resident.” A government fee of ¥10,000 (revenue stamp) is required at the time of approval.
Estimated Timeline & Fees
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Processing time | Approx. 4–6 months (varies) |
| Government fee (on approval) | ¥10,000 (revenue stamp) |
| Our professional fee | From ¥198,000 (varies by complexity) |
※ For fee details, see our fee schedule or contact us for a free consultation. We cannot guarantee approval, but we work to maximize your chances with the strongest possible application.
Why Choose Us?
1. Certified Immigration Representative
We submit your application directly to the immigration office on your behalf (under Immigration Control Act Enforcement Regulations, Article 6-2, Paragraph 4). No need to take time off work to visit the immigration bureau.
2. 5-Language Support
We communicate in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. You can explain your situation and review documents in your own language.
3. Full-Cycle Immigration Support
From your initial work visa through renewals, status changes, permanent residence, and naturalization — we handle your entire immigration journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many years do I need to live in Japan to apply?
- In principle, you must have continuously resided in Japan for at least 10 years, including at least 5 years under a work or residence-type status. Exceptions apply for spouses of Japanese nationals, long-term residents, and others. Please consult us for details. (As of February 2026)
- Do short trips abroad break my continuous residence?
- Short trips (generally under 90 days per visit, under 150 days total per year) are typically acceptable. Longer absences may break the continuity of your residence. Please consult us if you have had extended stays abroad.
- I had late tax or pension payments. Will this affect my application?
- Yes, it may. The guidelines (revised February 2026) require that taxes and social insurance premiums be paid by their original due dates — paying before your application does not erase a history of late payment. However, the impact depends on your specific situation. Please consult us.
- Can I apply if I am self-employed or a freelancer?
- Yes. You will need to provide tax returns, business records, and proof of ongoing business activity instead of employment documents. Income stability is a key factor.
- I was denied before. Can I reapply?
- Yes, reapplication is possible. We will review the reason for denial, address the issues, and prepare a stronger application. Please bring your denial notice if you have one.
- My residence status is about to expire during the review period. What should I do?
- Once your application is accepted, you may remain in Japan even after your current status expires, until a decision is made. However, timing is critical — please consult us as early as possible.
- Is a guarantor required?
- Yes, in principle. The guarantor must be a Japanese national or permanent resident with stable income and social credibility. Family members, friends, or acquaintances are all acceptable. We can advise if finding a guarantor is difficult.
Related Services
- Naturalization Application — Differences from permanent residence; acquiring Japanese nationality
- Spouse of Japanese National Visa — For those married to a Japanese national
- Work Visas — Overview of all work-related residence statuses
- Long-Term Resident (定住者) — Shortened route to permanent residence
- Application Process — From consultation to approval
- Fee Schedule — Pricing for all services
Contact Us / Free Consultation
Permanent residence applications involve extensive documentation and require verifying tax, pension, and residence history simultaneously. Whether you’re wondering if you’re eligible or ready to apply, reach out first. First consultation is free.
| Phone | 06-6949-8756 |
| Hours | Mon–Wed, Fri 9:00–17:00 / Thu 9:00–13:00 |
| Closed | Sat, Sun, Holidays |
| Address | Fuji Heights 201, 1-6-6 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0041 |
Information on this page is current as of February 2026. Laws and guidelines are subject to change. For the latest information, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency guidelines or contact our office.