Steps and Requirements for Permanent Residency Application

January 18, 2026

ermanent Residency (PR) is an attractive status that allows you to live in Japan without worrying about visa expiration. However, the screening process is rigorous. Currently, revisions to further tighten certain requirements are being considered based on Immigration Services Agency guidelines (such as clarifying Japanese language proficiency and income standards). In this column, we will explain the basic steps and requirements in an easy-to-understand manner. Please review them in light of your own situation. If you have any concerns regarding the requirements, we highly recommend taking advantage of our free consultation.

Overview and Benefits of Permanent Residency Application

Obtaining Permanent Residency eliminates the need for visa renewals and removes all restrictions on your work activities. It provides a solid foundation for long-term settlement, making it easier to live with your family and apply for mortgages. For foreign nationals, this status offers a truly stable life in Japan. However, the key to a successful application lies in your "contribution to Japan." Following the 2025 revisions, the requirement for Permanent Residency to be "in the interests of Japan" is now being scrutinized more strictly. While those who have resided in Japan for 10 years or more represent the standard case, there are opportunities for those with at least 5 years of residency if they qualify for special exceptions.

Main Requirements for Permanent Residency

According to the Immigration Services Agency guidelines (revised in October 2025), there are three statutory requirements for Permanent Residency. However, some of these requirements are waived for spouses and children of Japanese nationals or Permanent Residents, as well as for refugees. For those who have resided in Japan for five years or more, we will explain the differences between the standard case and the special exceptions.

"Good Conduct" Requirement
- Must live a law-abiding, non-socially reprehensible lifestyle.
- No felonies or jail time or more within the past 5 years. Even minor traffic violations (e.g., parking violations) can have a significant impact if repeated.
- No unpaid/overdue taxes, pensions, or health insurance (confirmed by tax payment certificates).
- Not hazardous to public health (health certificate submitted).
Have sufficient assets or skills to earn an independent living
- Not be a public burden and be expected to have a stable livelihood.
- income standard: The guideline is an annual income of at least 3,000,000 yen. Add approximately 700,000 yen per dependent family member (e.g., a married couple plus one child would be approximately 4.4 million yen). Savings and skills (qualifications) are also taken into consideration.
- Japanese Language Proficiency: Japanese language proficiency at the level of daily life (equivalent to JLPT N5 to N4). Applicants will be screened for their ability to converse and prepare documents.
That the permanent residence of the person is deemed to be in the best interest of Japan.
- Standard Case: Continuously residing in Japan for more than 10 years (of which more than 5 years in employment status/residential status). Maximum period of stay (e.g., 5 years in the field of technology/humanities).
- Special exception for those who have been in Japan for 5 years or more (can be shortened):
  - Spouse of Japanese national or permanent resident: Married for at least 3 years + residing in Japan for at least 1 year.
  - Birth child/adopted child of Japanese national/permanent resident: Born in Japan + resided in Japan for at least 1 year.
  - Permanent Resident Status: Resident for more than 5 years.
  - Contributor to Japan (Diplomacy/Economy/Culture): Resident for more than 5 years + contribution record.
  - Highly specialized (points system): can be reduced to 3 years with a score of 70 or more, or 1 year with a score of 80 or more.
- If the period of departure is long (more than 3 months at a time, more than 1 year in total per year), it is not treated as a "continuation" and the risk of inadmissibility is high.

If you do not meet these requirements, you are likely to be inadmissible. First, self-check with the Immigration and Immigration Control Agency's checklist.

Steps to Apply for Permanent Residence

Applications are filed at the Kyoto Branch Office of the Osaka Immigration Bureau. The examination period is approximately 4 to 10 months. The steps are as follows

Confirmation of requirements and consultation
- Check your history of residence, income, and Japanese language ability, and verify if you are eligible for special exceptions even if you have been in Japan for more than 5 years.
- If you are worried, consult our administrative scrivener
Preparation of necessary documents
- Application form (download from the Immigration and Immigration Agency website).
- Copy of passport and residence card.
- Letter of Reason (describing the reason(s) why you wish to live in Japan permanently and your contribution to Japan).
- Letter of Guarantee (Japanese/Permanent Resident Guarantor).
- Proof of income (withholding tax, tax returns, for 3 years).
- Proof of tax payment (residence and income tax, pension and health insurance).
- Family register/proof of marriage (for spousal exception).
- Health certificate, proof of Japanese language proficiency (JLPT certificate, etc.).
- Photograph (4 x 3 cm).
- For special cases: Contribution performance documents (e.g., certificates of commendation, etc.). Documents must be original + copies and translations. For those who work for a company in Kyoto, an employment contract is an added advantage.
Application Submission
- Bring to the immigration office
Review and additional submissions
- Additional documents may be requested during the review process.
Notification of Results and Procedures
- Permit: New resident card issued.
- Disapproved: Reason disclosure request possible. Prepare to reapply.