Application Process

Overall Flow of the Permanent Residence Application

The permanent residence application process begins with confirming the requirements, followed by collecting necessary documents, preparing application documents, submitting the application to the Immigration Bureau, examination, and result notification. It typically takes about 4 months to 1 year from application to receiving the result.

Below, we explain the details of each step in order. Thorough preparation in advance will enable a smooth application process.

Step 1: Confirming Requirements

The first step in the permanent residence application is to confirm whether you meet the requirements for permanent residence. The main requirements are as follows.

• Good conduct (conduct requirement)
• Sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living (independent livelihood requirement)
• The applicant's permanent residence is recognized as being in the interest of Japan (national interest requirement)

The national interest requirement includes, in principle, having continuously resided in Japan for 10 years or more (of which at least 5 years must be under a work or residence status). However, for those who meet certain conditions, such as spouses of Japanese nationals or Long-Term Residents, the period of stay requirement may be relaxed.

Additionally, tax obligations, enrollment in public pension and health insurance, and criminal history are also subject to examination. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, we recommend consulting a specialist.

Our website offers a "Permanent Residence Checker" that allows you to easily check whether you meet the requirements for permanent residence. Feel free to give it a try.

Step 2: Collecting Required Documents

Once you have confirmed that you meet the requirements, the next step is to collect the documents needed for the application. The permanent residence application requires many documents, so it is important to start preparing early.

Main Required Documents

• Application for Permanent Residence
• Photograph (4cm height × 3cm width)
• Copy of passport and Residence Card
• Resident Record (including all household members)
• Documents proving occupation (certificate of employment, copy of tax return, etc.)
• Documents proving income (Tax Certificate, Tax Payment Certificate, etc.)
• Documents proving payment status of public pension and health insurance
• Guarantee Letter (including guarantor's documents)
• Letter of Understanding

Obtaining and Translating Home Country Documents

Depending on the applicant's nationality and circumstances, documents issued in the home country (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, criminal record certificate, etc.) may be required. These documents must be translated into Japanese.

Translations must be accompanied by a Translation Certificate with the translator's signature and contact information. Our office also provides translation support, so please feel free to contact us.

Step 3: Preparing Application Documents

Once the required documents are gathered, you will prepare the application documents. In the permanent residence application, the content of the application form and the statement of reasons significantly affect the examination result.

Preparing the Application for Permanent Residence

The Application for Permanent Residence can be downloaded from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website. The application form requires accurate entry of basic information such as name, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, occupation, income, and family composition.

Preparing the Statement of Reasons

The statement of reasons is an important document that explains why you are applying for permanent residence and your living situation in Japan. It is common to include the following content.

• Background of coming to Japan and residence history to date
• Current occupation, income, and living situation
• Reasons for seeking permanent residence
• Future life plans in Japan
• Contributions to Japanese society (tax payment, community activities, etc.)

The statement of reasons is an important document for the examiner to understand the applicant's situation. It is essential to include specific and persuasive content.

Step 4: Submitting the Application to the Immigration Bureau

Once the application documents are complete, submit them to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (Immigration Bureau) with jurisdiction over your area.

Confirming Jurisdiction

The permanent residence application is submitted to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or its branch office/sub-office that has jurisdiction over the applicant's address. For example, if you live in Tokyo, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau has jurisdiction.

How to Apply

In principle, the applicant must visit the counter in person to submit the application. However, by engaging an administration scrivener who has filed a notification as a Filing Representative, the application can be submitted without the applicant visiting the counter in person.

At the time of application, you must present the originals of your passport and Residence Card. Once the application is accepted, an application receipt will be issued.

Step 5: Examination

Once the application is accepted, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan will conduct an examination.

Examination Period

The examination period for permanent residence applications is typically about 4 months to 1 year. The examination period may vary depending on the volume of applications and individual circumstances. During the examination period, you may be asked to submit additional documents.

Key Points of Examination

The examination comprehensively evaluates the following points.

• Period of stay and residence history (history of changes and renewals of status of residence)
• Good conduct (criminal history, traffic violation history, etc.)
• Financial stability (income, assets, tax payment status)
• Fulfillment of public obligations (enrollment and payment status of pension and health insurance)
• Degree of settlement in Japanese society (family relationships, community involvement, etc.)

Submission of Additional Documents

During the examination process, the Immigration Bureau may request submission of additional documents. If additional documents are requested, it is important to respond promptly within the specified deadline. Delays in response may adversely affect the examination.

Step 6: Result Notification

Once the examination is complete, the result will be notified.

If Approved

If permanent residence is granted, you will receive a notification by postcard. Upon receiving the notification, visit the designated Immigration Bureau counter, pay the fee in revenue stamps, and receive a new Residence Card (status of residence: "Permanent Resident").

Fee Upon Approval

A fee must be paid in revenue stamps when permanent residence is granted. The fee is 10,000 yen until March 31, 2026. The fee is scheduled to be revised from April 1, 2026, but the revised amount has not yet been determined. No fee is charged if the application is denied.

If Denied

You will also receive a notification if the application is denied. The reason for denial is stated in the notification, but if you wish to know the detailed reasons, you can receive an explanation of the denial reasons at the Immigration Bureau counter.

Even if your application is denied, you can reapply after addressing the reasons for denial. There is no limit on the number of reapplications, but it is important to thoroughly analyze the reasons for the previous denial and make improvements before reapplying.

Important Notes for Application

When applying for permanent residence, the following points require attention.

Regarding Departure During Application

Even while a permanent residence application is pending, you may leave Japan if you have obtained a re-entry permit (including a deemed re-entry permit). However, extended periods abroad may affect the examination, so we recommend keeping overseas stays to a minimum.

Regarding Renewal of Period of Stay

If your current period of stay expires while a permanent residence application is pending, you must separately apply for an extension of the period of stay. Even while a permanent residence application is pending, the renewal procedure for the period of stay is not waived. Please pay attention to the expiration date of your period of stay and complete the renewal procedure with sufficient time.

Regarding Changes in Application Details

If there are changes in address, employment, or personal status (such as marriage or divorce) after submitting the application, you must promptly notify the Immigration Bureau. Discrepancies between the application content and actual circumstances may adversely affect the examination.

Prohibition of Fraudulent Applications

You must never include false information in application documents. If a fraudulent application is discovered, not only will the application be denied, but it may also adversely affect future renewals of status of residence and other applications.