What is Permanent Residency?

Permanent residency is the right for foreigners to stay in Japan indefinitely. With permanent residency, activities within Japan become unrestricted, and visa renewal procedures are no longer necessary. Additionally, permanent residents can work and choose their place of residence without restrictions, allowing for a stable life foundation. However, permanent residency is different from citizenship and does not grant voting rights or eligibility to run for public office.

Application Requirements

To apply for permanent residency, the following requirements must be met:

• Residency Requirement: Typically, you must have lived in Japan continuously for at least 10 years. However, this period may be shortened if you hold certain visas, such as a spouse visa or work visa.
• Stable Life: The applicant must have a stable income and living foundation. This includes proof of income tax payment for the past few years.
• Good Conduct: You must comply with Japanese laws and maintain good social behavior. This includes consideration of past criminal and violation records, such as fines for unlicensed driving or speeding over 30 km/h.
• Other Requirements: Being in good health at the time of application and not posing a threat to public safety are also required.

Stricter Maintenance of Permanent Residency (Effective March 2024)

New laws enacted in March 2024 have tightened the requirements for maintaining permanent residency. The following points have been strengthened:

• Restriction on Long-term Overseas Stay: If a permanent resident stays overseas for more than one year consecutively, their permanent residency may be revoked. In cases of special circumstances, prior notification and permission from the immigration office are required.
• Obligation for Regular Reporting: Permanent residents are required to regularly report their current residence and employment status to the immigration office. Failure to report may result in the revocation of permanent residency.
• Evaluation of Social Contribution: Permanent residents are expected to contribute to Japanese society, including fulfilling tax obligations and participating in the community like attending “chonaikai meeting”.

Conclusion

Applying for permanent residency is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, but successfully obtaining it greatly stabilizes life in Japan. It is important to thoroughly understand the application requirements and prepare the necessary documents. If you have any uncertainties or concerns, it is recommended to consult a specialist. Take a step towards obtaining permanent residency to enrich your life in Japan.This is an overview of the method and process for applying for permanent residency. We hope your life in Japan becomes more fulfilling.