Conditions for Foreigners to Obtain Permanent Residency in Japan

Foreigners need a status of residence to live in Japan. Currently, the only status of residence with no expiration date is "Permanent Resident (PR)."
Obtaining the status of Permanent Resident has the benefit of allowing you to live in Japan indefinitely and removing restrictions on the types of jobs you can take. This time, we will introduce an overview of permanent residency and how to obtain it for foreigners who want to live in Japan permanently.

Note: Information is as of December 2024.

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What is Permanent Resident Permit?

Permanent residency is the right to live in Japan without a residence period limit. In Japan, it means obtaining (changing to) the status of Permanent Resident.
In Japan, the status of residence a foreigner can obtain varies based on their educational background and experience, limiting the types of jobs they can do. Additionally, if you want to extend your stay, you need to go through procedures. If the extension is not granted, you cannot continue to live in Japan.
As a Permanent Resident, you can stay in Japan indefinitely with no job restrictions.
However, please note that the "Residence Card" proving your status has an expiration date.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Permanent Residency (Article 22 of Immigration Control Act)")

Conditions to Obtain Permanent Residency

There are various conditions to obtain permanent residency. Here are some examples:

Not Violating Laws or Regulations

This refers to "Good Conduct" as written on the Immigration Services Agency's website. Like any country in the world, Japan has laws and ordinances. Complying with these is a condition.
If you have a criminal record, it becomes very difficult to obtain permanent residency. Even repeated traffic violations like speeding or ignoring traffic lights can affect the review.
Besides not having a criminal record, you are also required to properly pay taxes and social insurance premiums.

Being Able to Properly Live by Working in Japan

This refers to "Having sufficient assets or skills to maintain an independent livelihood" as written on　the Immigration Services Agency's website .
To obtain permanent residency, you need to work properly, earn a salary, and have the ability to live independently. Those who cannot support themselves through their work cannot obtain permanent residency. However, if your spouse (husband or wife) or parents work and can support the family, there is no problem.
For example, if the husband works at a company and the wife raises children at home, and the family lives on the husband's salary, the wife and children can also apply for permanent residency.

Living in Japan for More Than 10 Years

To obtain permanent residency, you need to have lived in Japan for more than 10 years. Additionally, you must have had a status of residence that allows you to work or continue living in Japan for more than 5 years.
For example, graduating from a Japanese university as a Student, obtaining a Working Visa (ESI) and working for a Japanese company for more than 5 years, and living in Japan for a total of more than 10 years.
Note: "Technical Intern Training (TIT)" and "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" are excluded.

In Case of Special Circumstances

In cases of special circumstances, you can apply for permanent residency even if you have not lived in Japan for 10 years, such as:

• You have been married to a Japanese national or a Permanent Resident for more than 3 years and have lived in Japan for more than 1 year.
• You have a Japanese national or a Permanent Resident as a parent and have lived in Japan for more than 1 year.
• You have lived in Japan for more than 5 years with the status of Long-Term Resident (LTR).
• You have been recognized as a refugee or complementary protection recipient and have lived in Japan for more than 5 years.
• You have been recognized for your contributions to Japan in fields such as diplomacy, society, economy, culture, etc., and have lived in Japan for more than 5 years.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Guidelines for Permanent Residency (Revised November 18, 2024)")

In such special circumstances, you can apply for permanent residency without living in Japan for 10 years. However, please note that this does not guarantee that you will pass the review.

How to Apply for Permanent Residency

If you meet the conditions to obtain permanent residency and wish to live in Japan permanently, you will apply for a "Permanent Resident Permit." The procedure is the same as applying for a status of residence.

How to Change Your Current Status of Residence to Permanent Resident

If you want to change your status of residence to Permanent Resident, you need to submit the necessary documents to the local Immigration Services office before your current period of stay ends. The necessary documents are listed on the Immigration Services Agency's website.
The reception hours for documents are from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. They do not accept documents on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, or the year-end and New Year holidays. The review period takes about 4 months. An application fee of 8,000 yen is required.
The application is generally made by the foreigner who wishes to obtain permanent residency. However, if the person cannot apply themselves, a qualified agent can apply on their behalf. Since the review takes time, please apply with enough time before your current period of stay ends.

Summary

Permanent residency allows you to live in Japan indefinitely and removes job restrictions. However, because the restrictions are removed, the review for the Permanent Resident Permit is said to be strict. You are required to have no criminal record, properly pay taxes, comply with Japanese laws, and have a stable income.
If you want to consult about changing your status of residence to Permanent Resident, it is good to consult the Immigration Services Agency's consultation desk or an administrative scrivener.