I went through the permanent residency process in 2023 after reaching my 10-year mark of living in Japan. Gaining permanent residency had been one of my long-term goals, and while marrying a Japanese citizen is one way to secure residency, I personally wanted to obtain it on my own—without relying on a spouse to stay in the country.
To make the process smoother, I decided to hire a lawyer, and honestly, it was one of the best 140,000-yen investments I’ve made. They guided me through the paperwork with a detailed checklist, helped me write the required essay, and even handled the submission at the immigration office on my behalf. This was a lifesaver for me at the time, as I had a three-hour daily commute and couldn’t take much time off to manage all the logistics. That said, hiring a lawyer isn’t necessary—many of my friends successfully applied for permanent residency on their own. So if you’re considering applying, don’t worry; you don’t need a lawyer to get approved.
My application was processed at the Osaka immigration office. I submitted it around Christmas 2022 and received my approval in early June 2023. Along the way, immigration requested some additional information, which my lawyer helped guide me to provide. However, keep in mind that as of 2025, processing times seem to be much longer—some applications are taking over a year. Also, different immigration offices across Japan may have different processing speeds.
With that in mind, here’s a quick guide to applying for permanent residency in Japan. This is just a general overview, so be sure to check the official Japan Immigration website, consult law firm resources, or reach out to an immigration lawyer for advice tailored to your specific situation.
1. Benefits of Permanent Residency
Before diving into the process, here are some key advantages of PR status:
✅ No Visa Renewal – Unlike other residence visas, PR does not expire. A simple update of your resident card is the only requirement after about 7 years.
✅ Freedom in Employment – You can work in any field without restrictions.
✅ Easier Loan Approvals – Banks and financial institutions favor PR holders.
✅ Stronger Stability – You can stay in Japan indefinitely, even if you change jobs.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for PR, you must meet one of the following residency duration requirements:
A. Standard Route – 10 Years in Japan
- Must have lived in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years.
- Out of these 10 years, at least 5 years must be under a work visa (e.g., Engineer, Humanities, Business Manager, etc.).
- Must have been employed continuously and earning a stable income.
B. Fast-Track Route for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals
- Japan uses a point-based system (Highly Skilled Professional Visa).
- If you score 70+ points, you can apply after 3 years.
- If you score 80+ points, you can apply after 1 year.
- Points are awarded based on education, salary, research contributions, age, and work experience.
C. Marriage Route
- Spouses of Japanese nationals or Permanent Residents can apply after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan.
- Must demonstrate a stable income and a genuine marriage.
D. Special Contributions Route
- Foreigners who have made notable contributions to Japan’s society, economy, or culture (e.g., researchers, business leaders, athletes) may qualify for a fast-track PR.
3. Required Documents
When applying for PR, you must submit the following to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan:
A. General Documents (All Applicants)
✔ Application Form – Official PR application form.
✔ Residence Card – Your valid zairyū card.
✔ Passport – Must be valid at the time of application.
✔ ID Photos – (4 cm x 3 cm) taken within the last 3 months.
✔ Certificate of Residence (Jūminhyō) – Issued by your local ward office.
✔ Tax Certificates – Proof of tax payments for the last 5 years:
- Resident tax (住民税)
- Income tax (所得税)
- Tax payment certificate (納税証明書)
✔ Employment Proof: - Company-issued certificate of employment.
- Work contract.
- Recent salary statements.
✔ Bank Statements – Proof of financial stability.
✔ Health Insurance & Pension Records – Showing that you have paid into the Japanese pension system and health insurance (Shakai Hoken or Kokumin Kenkō Hoken).
B. Additional Documents (Case-Specific)
- Highly Skilled Visa Applicants: Points calculation sheet.
- Spouse Route Applicants: Marriage certificate and proof of relationship.
- Business Owners: Corporate tax records and business financial reports.
4. Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Documents
- Gather all required paperwork from tax offices, employers, and city halls.
- Double-check for any missing or outdated documents. Most documents have a 3 month expiration date, so make sure they are current.
Step 2: Submit Application
- Go to the Immigration Services Agency (Nyūkoku Kanrikyoku) in your local area.
- Submit your application in person or via an immigration lawyer.
Step 3: Wait for Review
- The review process typically takes 6 months to 1 year . But as I mentioned earlier, applications recently seem to take a longer amount of time – so don’t fret if it takes longer than this.
- During this time, immigration officers may request additional documents.
Step 4: Receive Approval
- If approved, your Residence Card will be updated to Permanent Resident (特別永住者).
Step 5: Update Residency Information
- Register your new PR status at your local ward office – this includes updating your “My Number” card.
- Make sure to reach out to your bank and credit card companies about your new residency information to prevent your accounts from being suspended after your old visa had expired.
- Continue paying taxes, health insurance, and pension to maintain good standing.
5. Common Reasons for Rejection
Here are some common reasons for being denied PR:
🚫 Low or unstable income – Annual salary should be at least ¥3 million.
🚫 Incomplete tax or pension payments – Ensure all payments are fully up-to-date.
🚫 Criminal record or visa violations – Even minor offenses (e.g., unpaid fines) can cause rejection.
🚫 Frequent job changes – Too many short-term jobs may raise concerns.
🚫 Excessive travel outside Japan – Leaving Japan for long periods may reset your residency count. If this is the case for you, consult with an Immigration lawyer about options on how you can present your case if you have been out of the country for a long period of time.
6. After Receiving PR: Responsibilities
Even after obtaining PR, you must continue to:
✅ Pay Taxes & Pension – Failure to pay can result in PR revocation.
✅ Renew Your Residence Card – Although PR is indefinite, the card itself must be renewed every 7 years.
✅ Inform Immigration of Major Changes – Such as divorce, job loss, or moving overseas.
7. Can Permanent Residency Be Revoked?
Yes. PR can be revoked if you:
❌ Commit a serious crime.
❌ Fail to pay taxes or pensions for an extended period.
❌ Leave Japan for more than 5 years without a re-entry permit.
8. Alternatives to Permanent Residency
If PR is too difficult to obtain, consider:
🔹 Long-Term Resident Visa (定住者ビザ) – For specific cases (e.g., Nikkei Japanese, refugees).
🔹 Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP) – With multiple benefits.
🔹 Spouse Visa – If married to a Japanese national or PR holder.
Afterward
If you are moving to Japan and want to stay permanently, here are some ways increase your chances of receiving it:
✔ Ensure stable income and full tax, health insurance, and pension payments.
✔ Stay in Japan long enough based on your visa category.
✔ Maintain a clean legal record.
✔ Submit a well-prepared application with all necessary documents.
By meeting these criteria, you can secure your place in Japan permanently! 🇯🇵✨
nihonchique 
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