Permanent residency (eijū kyoka, 永住許可) is the most flexible visa status in Japan. No restrictions on work, no renewal every few years. Here’s how to qualify and apply.
What Is Permanent Residency?
A permanent resident visa (PR) lets you:
- Live in Japan indefinitely
- Work in any job, any industry, without restrictions
- Renew your residence card every 7 years (instead of 1–5 for other visas)
- Own property and access services on equal terms with Japanese nationals
You do not become a Japanese citizen — PR is a separate status. You keep your original nationality.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Standard Route: 10 Years of Residence
- 10 years continuous residence in Japan
- Of those 10 years, at least 5 years on a work/spouse/long-term resident visa (not all on student visa)
- Good conduct — no criminal record, no visa violations
- Can support yourself financially
- Have paid all taxes and social insurance (health insurance, pension)
Shortened Routes
| Situation | Required Residence |
|---|---|
| Married to Japanese national or PR holder | 3 years (including 1 year on current visa) |
| Highly Skilled Professional (高度人材) — 80+ points | 3 years |
| Highly Skilled Professional — 70+ points | 5 years |
| Special Permanent Resident (특별영주者) | Different rules apply |
The Points System (Highly Skilled Professional)
Japan’s Points-Based Preferential Immigration Treatment program can fast-track PR. Points are awarded for:
- Academic background (doctorate, masters, bachelor’s)
- Annual income
- Age (under 35 scores higher)
- Japanese language ability (JLPT N1)
- Work experience
- Research achievements, patents
Calculate your score at: moj.go.jp/isa/publications/materials/newimmiact_3_evaluate_index.html
70+ points = eligible after 5 years. 80+ points = eligible after 3 years.
Key Requirements in Detail
Tax and Pension Compliance
This is commonly the reason applications are rejected. You must have:
- Paid all income tax for the past 1–3 years (tax certificates required)
- Paid residence tax — no arrears
- Enrolled in and paid National Pension — or have valid exemption records
Even partial non-payment can lead to rejection. If you have gaps in pension payment, apply for retroactive exemption (mensho) before applying for PR.
Good Conduct
No criminal convictions. Minor traffic violations generally don’t disqualify, but anything more serious may. Visa overstays are disqualifying.
Financial Self-Sufficiency
You must demonstrate you can support yourself. No specific income threshold, but stable employment and savings history helps. If you have dependents, factor their costs in.
Application Process
Step 1: Gather Documents
Required documents typically include:
- Application form (永住許可申請書)
- Passport
- Residence card
- Photos
- Reason for application letter (written in Japanese)
- Certificates of tax payment (課税証明書 and 納税証明書) for past 1–3 years — from city hall
- Pension payment record (from Japan Pension Service — nenkin.go.jp)
- Employment certificate from employer
- Bank statements (recent 3–6 months)
- Certificate of residence (住民票)
- Criminal record check (if required for your country)
For married applicants: marriage certificate, spouse’s documents.
Step 2: Submit at Immigration Office
Submit to your regional immigration bureau (nyūkoku kanri-kyoku). Some areas accept postal applications.
Step 3: Wait
Processing time: 6 months to 1 year. This is normal — do not be alarmed.
Immigration may request additional documents (tsūchi). Respond promptly.
Step 4: Result
If approved: pay the revenue stamp fee and receive your new residence card marked 永住者 (Permanent Resident).
If rejected: you can reapply. Ask the immigration office what to improve and reapply when the issues are resolved.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Tax arrears — unpaid or late-paid taxes
- Pension gaps — missed payments without exemption record
- Insufficient residence period — not meeting the time requirement
- Income too low — suggests inability to self-support
- Past visa violations — overstays, working outside permitted status
After Getting PR
- You can change jobs freely — no employer sponsorship needed
- You still need to renew your residence card (every 7 years)
- You still pay taxes and social insurance as a resident
- You can leave Japan for up to 1 year without losing status (up to 2 years with a re-entry permit)
- You can sponsor a spouse/children for a Dependent visa
Bottom Line
Ten years is the standard route — start thinking about PR in year 7 to give yourself time to prepare documents. Pay all taxes and pension on time throughout your stay — these are the most common reasons PR is rejected. The Highly Skilled Professional track can get you there in 3–5 years if you qualify on points.