How to Get Permanent Residency in Japan [2024 Guide]

If you have lived in Japan for a long time, you may want to obtain permanent residency that can provide you with a sense of security. If you have permanent residency in Japan, you will enjoy more benefits, such as more job opportunities. You don’t need to extend your visa anymore. Although it is great for you to live in Japan and be a part of society with a Japan PR, it is not easy for you to get it. If you don’t know how to get permanent residency in Japan, in this blog, we will show you a detailed guide on the application process, and requirements of Japan permanent residence. 

Who Can Apply for Japan Permanent Residency? 

If you want to apply for PR in Japan, you must meet Japan’s permanent residency requirements. Here you can check the following requirements:

• You must meet a sufficient period in Japan, such as ten years of continuous residence.
• You have good character and conduct, which means you do not violate Japanese laws and are not charged with crimes while living in Japan.
• You have enough financial support. You should have enough money to support your basic life in Japan. For example, your annual salary will not be less than 3 million per year.
• You must pay taxes and other contributions in Japan during the required period. If you don’t pay enough or miss the payment deadline, it may affect your PR application.
• You must have a Japanese citizen or permanent resident guarantor who needs to sign a Guarantee Letter and support your application.

10 Years of Continuous Residence Are Shortened If

Of course, there are some exceptions for 10 years of continuous residence. Your 10-year term can be shortened if you:

• If you score 70-80 points on the Point Evaluation Mechanism, you can live in Japan for three years.
• If you score more than 80 points on the Point Evaluation Mechanism, you can apply after living in Japan for one year.
• If you are a child of Japanese nationals and permanent residents, you only need to live in Japan for more than one consecutive year.
• If you have contributed to the diplomatic, cultural and economic fields in Japan, you must have more than 5 years of continuous residence in Japan. 
• If you are spouses of Japanese nationals and permanent residents, you must have lived in Japan for more than one consecutive year and have been married for more than three years.
• If you have a long-term resident visa or refugee status, you should have lived in Japan for more than 5 consecutive years.

Documents for Japan PR Application

Before applying for permanent residence in Japan, you must also prepare the following documents:

• A completed application form for permanent residence in Japan signed by the guarantors.
• Original and photocopies of your passport.
• White background passport-size photo with 3×4 cm size.
• Certificate of Residence to prove your sufficient stay in Japan.
• Proof of employment, such as employment certificate, income tax return statements or business permit (if applicable). Proof of your spouse’s employment, if you are unemployed and dependent on your spouse.
• Proof of annual income to show your stable income and a bank statement to show your savings amount.
• Proof that you have paid your residence taxes.
• Spouse’s Family Registry if you are the spouse of a Japanese citizen and a letter from your spouse detailing your relationship if you are the spouse of a Japanese permanent resident.
• Marriage Certificate
• Certificate of Residence for your family members if they live in Japan with you.
• Guarantee documents, such as a completed and signed Guarantee Letter, Resident Tax Certificates, Proof of Employment, and Certificate of Residence.

You must submit the documents in Japanese or these documents should be accompanied by a Japanese translation.

How to Apply for Permanent Residence in Japan 

After you have prepared all the necessary documents, it is time for you to submit your application for permanent residence in Japan before your current residence status expires. You can follow the steps below and complete the Japan PR application.

• You must prepare the required documents as described above.
• Submit the documents to the local Immigration Bureau, which can be found on the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan by yourself or you can authorize your sponsor or legal representative to submit them on your behalf.
• You must wait for the application to be processed.
• When your application is approved, you can go to your local municipality office to get your permanent resident card.

How to Calculate Japan Permanent Residency Points? 

According to the permanent residence Japan new rules, the period of stay in Japan can be shortened if you’re qualified to get more points. Here you can check the Japanese permanent residence points system.

The Age Range

• Less than 30 years old: 15 points
• 30 – 34 years old: 10 points
• 35 – 39 years old: 5 points
• 40 Age and above: 0 points

The Academic Background

• Doctoral degrees (excluding professional degrees): 30 points
• Professional degree (MBA, MOT) in Business Administration: 25 points
• Master’s or professional degree: 20 points
• University degree (bachelor’s degree) or equivalent: 10 points
• High school or below: 0 points
• You can get additional academic points if you graduate from a Japanese university (10 points) or are considered highly reputable by the Japanese government (10 points), or you get two or more doctoral or master’s degrees or professional degrees in multiple fields (5 points).

Work Experience

• More than 10 years: 20 points
• 7 – 10 years: 15 points
• 5 – 7 years: 10 points
• 3 – 5 years: 5 points
• Less than 3 years or no experience: 0 points

Additional Organization Points

• If you belong to an organization that receives financial support for innovation: 10 points. (Extra 10 points for SMEs)
• If you are engaged in cutting-edge businesses in growth areas that are recognized by the Minister of Justice: 10 points
• If you work in small and medium-sized businesses: 5 points
• If you hold a foreign qualification related to the job, such as an Attorney, AICPA, or Fashion Award: 5 points

Japanese Language Proficiency

• If you have passed the N1 Japanese language proficiency test or graduated from a foreign university with a major in the Japanese language: 15 points
• If you have passed the N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test or graduated from a Japanese university: 10 points
• None: 0 points

Research achievements  

• If you hold at least one patent as an inventor: 15 points
• If you conducted research that was funded by grants or competitive grants from foreign governments on at least three occasions: 15 points
• If you have been listed as the responsible author in three or more academic articles published in journals listed in the Academic Paper Database: 15 points
• If you have other research results approved by the Minister of Justice: 15 points

Japanese National Qualifications

• If you have more than one license: 10 points
• If you have a license: 5 points
• None: 0 points

Here you can calculate Japan’s permanent residence points. If you have 70 points or more, Japanese permanent residence can be obtained in 3 years or less.

If you have 80 points or more, you can apply for permanent Japanese residence after staying in Japan for 1 year.

Otherwise, you must complete the 10-year residency to obtain permanent residence. 

📎 Calculate your points here.

Japan PR Application Fee& Processing Time 

When you apply for Japan PR, it usually takes about six months for the Immigration Services to process your application. However, it may take longer due to incomplete documents. You need to prepare the Japanese permanent residence application fee of 8,000 yen and pay it through income stamps.

Japan Permanent Residency Benefits 

If you become a permanent resident of Japan, you will have many more benefits. For example:

✅ You do not need to renew or extend your visa.
✅ Japan’s permanent residence status is valid indefinitely. However, you still have to renew your Residence Card every seven years.
✅ You can do any legal work and activities if you want.
✅ You can get a loan from a Japanese bank.
✅ You can access public housing.

FAQ

💡 How many points do you need for permanent residence?

If you want to shorten your stay in Japan, you need to obtain 70 points and above( The PR can be obtained in 3 years or less.), or 80 points and above (Your PR can be obtained in just 1 year.) Otherwise, you need to complete a 10-year residency to apply for permanent residency in Japan.

💡 Can I lose my permanent resident status in Japan?

Yes. Your permanent residence may be revoked if you commit certain serious crimes, such as trafficking in human beings, prostitution-related crimes, drug offenses, or immigration violations. 

💡 Can you buy permanent residency in Japan?

Yes, it is possible to obtain permanent residence in Japan through investments. There are some companies that can help you do this, but you are required to submit a large amount of money, about $500,000 USD. And these companies can’t guarantee that immigration officials will approve your PR application when you purchase their services. So you need to be careful.

💡 Does permanent residency expire?

No. Japan’s permanent residence status is valid indefinitely. You just need to renew your Residence Card every seven years, which is better than renewing your visa.

💡 Is permanent residence the same as citizenship in Japan?

No. There are some differences between permanent residence and citizenship in Japan. A Japanese citizen has the right to vote when a permanent resident does not. Japanese citizens can become public servants and hold jobs such as judges, prosecutors or soldiers in the Self-Defense Force. If you want to become a Japanese citizen, you will give up your citizenship.

💡 Is it easy to obtain Japanese citizenship?

It depends. If you follow all the rules, prepare the necessary documents, and meet the requirements, it ‘s not that hard to get permanent residence in Japan. When you don’t break any laws, have a stable job with a stable income, and have enough to stay in Japan, you may be able to get your permanent residence in about a year. 

Conclusion

It is still difficult to complete the application for permanent residence in Japan. You are required to meet all requirements and comply with immigration rules. If you are not eligible to get the PR in Japan right now, you can seek the help of Japan immigration offices.