I am Teruyoshi Yoneda, the representative of Yoneda Legal Services and a certified immigration procedures specialist. My office specializes in international matters such as visa and naturalization applications. Based primarily in Hiroshima Prefecture, we support foreign nationals living in Japan with various immigration procedures, including work visas, spouse visas, permanent residency applications, and naturalization. In this article, I will explain the key requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Japan.
1.What is permanent residency?
Permanent residency is the right to continue living in Japan while retaining your original nationality (i.e., remaining a foreign national). Only foreign nationals who are already residing in Japan and wish to change their current residence status (visa) are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Therefore, it is not possible to apply for permanent residency at the same time as your first arrival in Japan. A permanent resident has no limit on their period of stay and faces no restrictions on their activities in Japan. Because of these advantages, the screening process is more rigorous than for other residence statuses, and specific, independent criteria have been established. Applicants should be aware of these requirements.
2.The Four Freedoms and Security that Permanent Residency Brings
(1)With no limit on the period of stay
You will no longer need to go through the hassle of renewing your visa. Because permanent residents have an unlimited period of stay, they can live in Japan without any renewal procedures.
(2)Freedom to work and engage in activities
Your freedom to work and engage in various activities will expand significantly. As long as it does not violate the law, you can pursue any type of occupation.
(3)Improved social credibility
It becomes easier to obtain housing loans and other types of financing. With access to loans, purchasing a home in Japan becomes much more attainable.
(4)Building a stable family life in Japan
Unlike a regular work visa or a spouse visa for the spouse of a Japanese national, permanent residency is not lost even if you become unemployed or get divorced, giving you greater peace of mind. It also makes it easier for your spouse and children to apply for permanent residency.
3. Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residency
The final decision to approve or deny a permanent residency application is left to the discretion of the Minister of Justice, and there are no criteria that can be considered absolutely definitive. However, the Ministry of Justice has published the following guidelines.
(1) Being of good moral character
It is necessary to comply with the law and lead a life that does not invite social criticism in everyday situations.
(2) To possess sufficient assets or skills to maintain an independent livelihood.
It is necessary to have income or assets that ensure a stable life in the long term.
The assessment is based on household income, and the number of dependents must also be taken into account.
(3)That the person’s permanent residence is deemed to be in the interests of Japan.
In principle, the applicant must have lived in Japan for at least 10 years, including the most recent 5 years with an appropriate work or residence status.That the individual has not been subjected to fines or imprisonment, and has fulfilled public obligations such as tax payment.That the residence status currently held carries the maximum permitted period of stay.That there is no risk of posing a threat from a public health standpoint.
In recent years, the approval criteria for permanent residency applications have been reviewed, and the requirements have become more stringent.
Our office specializes in international matters such as permanent residency applications, and we stay up to date on the latest developments regarding these changes in requirements.
If you are considering applying for permanent residency in the Chugoku region (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori) or in other parts of Japan, we offer free consultations. Please feel free to contact us. We will provide our full support until your permanent residency is approved.
