I’m Teruyoshi Yoneda, the representative of Yoneda Legal Services and a certified immigration procedures specialist. My practice is dedicated to international services such as visa and naturalization applications. Based mainly in Hiroshima Prefecture, I 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 what foreign residents should keep in mind in their daily lives if they plan to apply for permanent residency in the future.
For foreign nationals who work and live in Japan, obtaining permanent residency is an extremely important step toward building a stable life here. However, to be granted permanent residency, you must meet several legal requirements:①Good Conduct Requirement.You must not have committed any crimes or violations, must follow the law, and must lead a life that would not be socially criticized as a resident. ②Financial Independence Requirement .You must have a stable income and be able to maintain a financially independent lifestyle in your daily life. ③Public Interest Requirement .You must have lived in Japan for many years and properly paid taxes, public health insurance premiums, and pension contributions.To satisfy these requirements and successfully obtain permanent residency, it is important to pay attention to the following points in your daily life.
● Points to Keep in Mind to Meet the Good Conduct Requirement
①Do not commit any crimes or traffic violations.
It goes without saying that you must avoid committing crimes and be careful not to violate traffic laws. In particular, if you repeatedly commit traffic violations—especially if the first and second violations are the same—immigration authorities may question whether you have truly reflected on your behavior. If you drive a car or other vehicle, you should always be mindful of avoiding traffic violations.
② The Living Situation of Your Family in Japan
If your spouse or children hold a Family Visa(Dependent ), you also need to pay attention to their situation. If a family member works with permission for “activities outside the scope of their status” but exceeds the 28‑hour weekly limit, they may be regarded as repeatedly engaging in illegal or inappropriate activities. Therefore, it is important to monitor not only your own conduct but also the living situation of your family members in Japan.
● Points to Keep in Mind to Meet the Financial Independence Requirement
①Maintain an annual income of at least 3 million yen.
Meeting the income requirement is extremely important. Immigration officers carefully examine whether the applicant can maintain their life in Japan independently. The specific income standard varies depending on each applicant’s circumstances, but as a general guideline, an annual income of around 3 million yen is considered necessary. If your income is low, immigration authorities may view your financial foundation for living in Japan as weak. Furthermore, if you have family members who are financially dependent on you, the required income level increases according to the number of dependents, so extra caution is needed. Not meeting the income guideline does not automatically mean that you cannot obtain permanent residency. However, you will need to compensate with other factors.For example, demonstrating your financial assets or showing a long and stable employment history can help prove that you have a solid foundation for living in Japan, even if your income is below the general standard. Therefore, even if you do not currently meet the income guideline, there is no need to give up. By consulting with a professional, it is often possible to find appropriate solutions tailored to your individual situation.
● Points to Keep in Mind to Meet the Public Interest Requirement
①Pay your taxes by the deadline.
A particularly important point is the payment status of your resident tax. For permanent residency applications, you are required to have paid your resident tax in full and by the deadline for the past five years. Even a single late payment is regarded as a delay.
②Pay your pension premiums on time.
Japan’s pension system is divided into two types: the National Pension, which is for self‑employed individuals and others, and the Employees’ Pension, which is for company employees. Both systems have points where people commonly forget to make payments. In particular, when changing jobs or leaving a company, some individuals fail to complete the necessary procedures to switch from the Employees’ Pension to the National Pension, resulting in unpaid periods. It is important to be careful to avoid such gaps.
③Pay your health insurance premiums on time.
Failing to switch from social insurance to National Health Insurance can also lead to unpaid premiums. For example, when you leave a company, you must promptly complete the procedures to move from employees’ health insurance to National Health Insurance. If you forget to do so, an unpaid period may occur, so it is important to take care of this transition without delay.
④Avoid long periods of staying outside Japan.
The required period of residence varies depending on the type of visa you currently hold, but as a general rule, you must have lived in Japan continuously for at least ten years. Although no official standard has been published, as a guideline, if you spend more than 100 days outside Japan in a single year, or if any single trip abroad lasts longer than three months, your stay may no longer be considered “continuous.” Therefore, it is important to be cautious about long absences.
In addition, there is another important point to keep in mind: it is expected that foreign residents will need to acquire Japanese language skills in the future. In the comprehensive policy package announced by the Japanese government in January 2026, titled “Comprehensive Measures for the Acceptance of Foreign Nationals and Harmonious Coexistence,” it was stated that the government is considering requiring foreign residents to participate in programs that teach Japanese language, as well as Japan’s systems and rules. This suggests that Japanese‑language ability may become a requirement for obtaining permanent residency in the future.
To obtain permanent residency, it is essential to pay attention to these points and ensure that you meet all the required conditions. At our office, we conduct careful and thorough interviews to accurately understand each applicant’s individual circumstances, and we provide tailored support based on their specific situation.If you are considering applying for permanent residency in the Chugoku region (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, or Tottori) or in any other area, we offer free consultations. Please feel free to contact us at any time. We will fully support you until your permanent residency is successfully granted.
