If you intend to settle down in Japan, you might consider applying for permanent residency. You will no longer need to go through the process of visa renewal (permanent residence is valid for life), you’ll have easier access to bank loans, and you’ll face fewer restrictions in your everyday life.
So how to become a permanent resident in Japan? The first step to get permanent residency is long-term residence, which can be issued for study, work, business or marriage. If you meet all the requirements, you can repeatedly renew your visa, and then apply for permanent residency in Japan. Read on and you will find out how to get a japanese permanent residency card.
How Long Do I Have to Live in Japan Before Applying for Permanent Residence?
What are the permanent residency in Japan requirements? The standard requirement set by the law is 10 years of consecutive residence, which should include five years of residence with a work visa.
At first glance, this might seem very strict, but there are a number of exceptions. How to get a permanent residency card in Japan more easily?
- Children of Japanese citizens and permanent residents can apply for a permanent resident visa in Japan if they have been living in Japan for more than one year.
- There is another group getting a residency permit in Japan more easily. So can spouses of Japanese citizens and permanent residents who have been married for more than three years and living in Japan for more than one year.
- How to become a permanent resident in Japan as a professional? Holders of a highly skilled professional visa who have 70 to 80 points according to a special assessment system (it takes into account your education, work experience, Japanese language proficiency, income level and other parameters) can apply after three years of residence.
- Professionals who have scored more than 80 in this system have the right to apply for a permanent residence after one year. It's a great opportunity for experts who want to apply for a permanent residency in Japan.
- How to get a Japan permanent residency permit for a special merits? Those who have made a great contribution to Japan in scientific, social, cultural or other fields can become permanent residents after five years.
Kyoto Prefecture. Photo: JuniperPhoton (Unsplash)
How to Become a Permanent Resident in Japan: Requirements
Now let's discover the Japan permanent residency requirements.
- Financial viability
You must have enough money or a stable well-paid job ensuring your financial independence. How much should I earn to become a Japan permanent resident? The law does not specify exactly how much, but normally your salary should be no less than 3 million yen (about $22,000) per year. If you have dependents, this figure will be higher. - Good character and conduct
For getting a permanent residency permit in Japan you must have no fines, penalties, criminal records, and other offences. - Payment of taxes
For applying for a permanent residency permit in Japan you need to pay attention to the taxes. Your income tax and other contributions must be paid on time and in full. - A guarantor
You must have a guarantor and this must be a Japanese citizen or permanent resident. So find a guarantor before submitting an application for permanent residence in Japan. - Good health
How to obtain a permanent residency permit in Japan? Take care of your health. You must not have any diseases posing a threat to public health.
Tokyo. Photo: Yu Kato (Unsplash)
Japan Permanent Residency Required Documents
Let's discover the Japan permanent residency required documents.
- A passport and its copy;
- An application form for permanent residency in Japan;
- A 3x4 cm photo of good quality taken no more than three months ago against a white background with no patterns or shadows. The face should be fully visible and have a neutral expression;
- A Residence Certificate;
- Proof of employment. This can be a certificate of employment, a business permit and/or an income tax return;
- Documents to confirm your annual income;
- Tax payment documents;
- Bank statements for the last year;
- For spouses of Japanese citizens, the spouse's Family Registry;
- For spouses of permanent residents of Japan, a letter from your spouse detailing your relationship and a Marriage Certificate;
- For unemployed applicants dependent on their spouse, proof of the spouse's employment and their letter guaranteeing you financial support;
- For applicants who have family members living with them in Japan, a Residence Certificate for each of them;
- A Letter of Guarantee from the guarantor, their Residence Certificate, Resident Tax Certificates, and proof of employment.
Whether I need to translate my documents for the permanent residence in Japan application? All documents must be in Japanese or have a Japanese translation.
Nara. Photo: Jo Sorgenfri (Unsplash)
Application for Permanent Residency in Japan: Procedure and Processing Time
How to apply for a permanent residency card in Japan? You must apply for a Japanese permanent resident card before your current residence permit expires.
You must submit the documents to the immigration bureau of the region where you live and work. The list of addresses of immigration bureaus is available on the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
How to submit an application for permanent residence permit in Japan? The application can be submitted in person or via a legal representative. It usually takes about six months to process, but in some cases the processing time can be extended up to a year.
How can I get my permanent residency card in Japan? After your application is approved, you need to contact the local municipality where your current residence card will be exchanged for a permanent resident card.
In a Nutshell
How to become a japanese permanent resident? The standard period of residence in Japan required to apply for a permanent residence is 10 years. However, in some cases it can be reduced to just one year. All applicants for a Japanese permanent resident visa must prove their financial viability, as well as good character and conduct.
Cover photo: Juliana Barquero (Unsplash)
