Requirements for Permanent Residence

Three Basic Requirements for Permanent Residence

To obtain permanent residence, you must meet the requirements stipulated in Article 22 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Control Act). The requirements for permanent residence are broadly divided into the following three categories.

• Good Conduct Requirement — The applicant must be of good conduct
• Independent Livelihood Requirement — The applicant must have sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living
• National Interest Requirement — The applicant's permanent residence must be recognized as being in the interest of Japan

All of these requirements must be met. However, in certain cases such as spouses of Japanese nationals or spouses of permanent residents, the good conduct requirement and independent livelihood requirement may be relaxed. Each requirement is explained in detail below.

Good Conduct Requirement

"Being of good conduct" means complying with Japanese laws and regulations and leading a life that is not subject to social criticism. Specifically, the following points are examined.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

You are required to live in compliance with Japanese laws and ordinances. If you have received criminal penalties, depending on the nature and timing, your application may be denied. If you have a serious criminal record, obtaining permanent residence becomes difficult.

Fulfillment of Tax Obligations

You must properly file and pay taxes such as income tax, resident tax, and consumption tax (for business operators) by the due date. If there are unpaid or overdue taxes, you may be judged as not meeting the good conduct requirement. Past tax payment records are also reviewed, so submission of tax payment certificates for approximately the last 5 years is required.

Payment of Social Insurance Premiums

You are required to properly pay health insurance premiums and pension insurance premiums. Since 2019, the payment status of social insurance premiums has been given particular importance in the permanent residence examination. If you are enrolled in National Health Insurance or National Pension, you must submit proof of premium payment.

Traffic Violations, etc.

A few minor traffic violations (parking violations, speeding, etc.) will not immediately result in denial, but depending on the number and nature of violations, they may affect the good conduct requirement. Serious traffic violations such as drunk driving or driving without a license are highly likely to be judged as not meeting the good conduct requirement.

Independent Livelihood Requirement

"Having sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living" means having an economic foundation that allows you to lead a stable life without becoming a burden on public resources in daily life.

Stable Income and Assets

You are required to have continuous and stable income, or to possess sufficient assets. If you are employed as a full-time employee, it is easier to be judged as having stable income. For self-employed individuals, the continuity of the business and stability of earnings are examined.

Annual Income Guidelines

Although no specific threshold has been officially published, an annual income of 3 million yen or more is generally considered a guideline. However, the required annual income varies depending on the number of dependents. If you have many dependents, a higher annual income is required.

Household-Based Assessment

The independent livelihood requirement is assessed based on the income and assets of the entire household, not just the applicant alone. For example, even if the applicant's own income is low, if the spouse has sufficient income, the household may be judged as meeting the independent livelihood requirement.

National Interest Requirement

"The applicant's permanent residence being recognized as being in the interest of Japan" means that the applicant contributes to Japanese society and is a beneficial presence for Japan. Specifically, the following conditions are required.

Continuous Residence of 10 Years or More in Principle

In principle, you must have continuously resided in Japan for 10 years or more. "Continuously" means that the continuity of residence has not been interrupted by extended periods of departure from Japan. Generally, if a single departure exceeds 3 months, or if the total number of days spent outside Japan in a year exceeds 100 days, the continuity of residence may not be recognized.

At Least 5 Years of Residence Under a Work Status

Of the 10 or more years of residence, at least 5 years must have been under a work status of residence (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, Business Manager, etc.) or a residence status. Periods spent only under Student or Dependent status do not satisfy this requirement.

No Public Health Concerns

You must not be suffering from any infectious disease as defined in the Act on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases. From a public health perspective, you must not have a negative impact on Japanese society.

Holding the Maximum Period of Stay for the Current Status of Residence

At the time of applying for permanent residence, you must hold the maximum period of stay (usually 5 years or 3 years) permitted under your current status of residence. If your period of stay is 1 year, it is recommended to first renew your period of stay to obtain a period of 3 years or more before applying for permanent residence.

Relaxed Requirement Cases

In the following cases, the requirements for permanent residence are relaxed. The good conduct requirement and independent livelihood requirement may be waived, or the residence period requirement may be shortened.

Spouse of a Japanese National

For spouses of Japanese nationals, the good conduct requirement and independent livelihood requirement are waived. Additionally, the residence period requirement is relaxed to "having maintained a substantive marital life for 3 years or more and having continuously resided in Japan for 1 year or more."

Spouse of a Permanent Resident

For spouses of permanent residents, the good conduct requirement and independent livelihood requirement are also waived. The residence period requirement is relaxed to "having maintained a substantive marital life for 3 years or more and having continuously resided in Japan for 1 year or more."

Long-Term Resident

For those holding the Long-Term Resident status of residence, the good conduct requirement and independent livelihood requirement are waived. The residence period requirement is relaxed to "having continuously resided in Japan for 5 years or more under the Long-Term Resident status of residence."

Highly Skilled Professional

For those holding the Highly Skilled Professional status of residence, the residence period requirement is significantly relaxed. If you score 70 points or more in the Highly Skilled Professional point calculation, you can apply for permanent residence after 3 years of residence; if you score 80 points or more, after just 1 year. The good conduct requirement and independent livelihood requirement are examined as usual.

Summary

To obtain permanent residence, you must meet the three basic requirements: the good conduct requirement, the independent livelihood requirement, and the national interest requirement. In particular, the fulfillment of tax obligations, payment of social insurance premiums, and continuity of residence are important examination points.

On the other hand, requirements are relaxed for those who fall under certain conditions, such as spouses of Japanese nationals, spouses of permanent residents, Long-Term Residents, and Highly Skilled Professionals. We recommend consulting a specialist to determine which requirements apply to you and whether you meet them.