How to Get Permanent Residency in Japan: The Total Guide

If you have lived in Japan for years, permanent residency gives you the right to stay in Japan without renewing your visa status again.

This guide explains how to get permanent residency in Japan. It covers the requirements, the fast-track routes, the documents you need, and the full application process.

Quick answer

To get permanent residency in Japan, most people need 10 years of residence in Japan. At least 5 of those years must be on a work visa or a spouse visa. A highly skilled professional visa can shorten this. Score 70 points and you can apply after 3 years. Score 80 points, and it drops to 1 year. As of 2026, you also need a 5-year visa status, a clean tax and pension record, and stable income. A transition period lets 3-year visa holders still apply through March 31, 2027.

What is permanent residency in Japan?

💡 Eijuken (永住権) is the Japanese term for permanent residency. In English, people also call it "PR" or "permanent resident status." The formal legal term is eiju kyoka (永住許可), meaning "permission for permanent residence."

Permanent residency in Japan (eijuken, 永住権) is a residence permit that lets you live and work in Japan with no time limit. In other words, you do not have to renew your visa status again.

If you plan to live in Japan for many years, permanent residency also comes with practical, everyday benefits. Applying is part of a longer process, but the benefits last:

• Easier bank loans. Japanese banks are often more willing to approve personal loans for permanent residents. This is especially true for mortgages.

• No employer restrictions. You can work any legal job. You do not need an employer to sponsor your status.

• Simpler family status. Your spouse and children can qualify for their own related residence status.

• No repeat visa applications. You do not need to file a new visa application every few years.

Most people must stay in Japan for at least 10 years to qualify. At least 5 of those years must be on a work visa or a family-based status, such as spouse of a Japanese national.

The highly skilled professional visa points system can cut this wait. If you score 70 points, you can apply for permanent residency after 3 years. If you score 80 points, you can apply after just 1 year. The J-Skip route offers a 1-year fast track for high earners, without any points calculation.

As of 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has tightened its rules. In most cases, you now need a 5-year visa status to apply for permanent residency. If you have a 3-year visa, a grace period lets you apply once, through March 31, 2027. You also need stable income and a clean record of tax, pension, and health insurance payments.

👉 Bookmark this guide. You will want to come back to it as you prepare your application.

👉 Note: This article cannot serve as a substitute for tailored legal guidance. We suggest you ask an immigration lawyer to help you with research for specific questions on how to get PR in Japan.

What are the basic eligibility requirements for permanent residency in Japan?

Japan's Ministry of Justice sets three basic requirements for permanent residency. These are good conduct (sokou youken, 素行要件), independent livelihood (dokuritsu seikei youken, 独立生計要件), and national interest (kokueki youken, 国益要件).

The following list, summarized from the Ministry of Justice's (MOJ) official statement, breaks these three requirements down. All of them must apply to you.

1. You have shown good behavior. You lead a law-abiding life in Japan. 

2. You have a stable income. You earn enough (or your spouse earns enough) to live independently in Japan. In practice, the immigration authorities apply a benchmark of approximately 3 million yen per year in annual income for a single applicant. An additional 700,000 to 800,000 yen per year is expected for each dependent. Income stability over the past 3 to 5 years is assessed, not just the most recent year.

3. You have a guarantor. Your guarantor must be a Japanese national or holder of a permanent residency visa. 

4. Your presence is good for the interests of Japan. 

2026 update: New visa duration requirement. As of February 24, 2026, the ISA revised its PR guidelines to require that applicants hold the maximum period of stay for their visa category, which is 5 years for most work and family visas. Previously, holding a 3-year visa was accepted in practice. A transitional provision allows applicants currently on a 3-year visa to submit one PR application before March 31, 2027. From April 1, 2027, only 5-year visa holders will be able to apply for permanent residency.

👉 Read also: Visa Renewal Japan 2026: Fees, Now October Fee Table & How to Apply and Japan Immigration News: What Every Foreign Resident Needs to Know (August 2026)

Additionally, the following clauses are stipulated in MOJ's guidelines:

• You have stayed in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years, 5 of which were under a work visa or other family status visa;

• You have not been fined or imprisoned. You have also fulfilled all public obligations, such as payments of tax, pension, and health insurance premiums;

• Your stay will not cause harm to public health in Japan.

Special provisions to the 10-year residency clause

The standard route to permanent residency is 10 years of residence in Japan. During this time, you must not leave Japan for more than a year at once.

Some routes shorten this wait if you have lived in Japan for a shorter time under a qualifying status. Check the table below to see if you qualify for a faster path.

Route	Minimum time in Japan	Key condition
Standard	10+ years	At least 5 years on a work visa or family-based status
Spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident	1+ year	Married 3+ years, living in Japan
Child of a Japanese national or permanent resident	1+ year	Continuous residence
Long-term resident	5+ years	Continuous residence under long-term resident status
Recognized refugee	5+ years after recognition	Continuous residence
Contribution to Japan (diplomatic, social, economic, cultural)	5+ years	Recognized contribution

If you have a spouse who is a Japanese citizen, you may qualify for the fastest standard route. Check the highly skilled professional visa routes below for an even faster path.

Points-based preferential eligibility clause

Aside from the clauses mentioned up to this point, there are other clauses that will allow you to apply for a PR visa in Japan. Here are the Japan PR requirements based on the point system: 

• You have stayed in Japan for 3 straight years and have scored 70 points for a full 3 years + the year leading to your PR application. 

• You have stayed in Japan for more than 1 continuous year and have a total of 80 points for an entire year + the year leading to your PR application. 

Additionally, the J-Skip (Special Highly Skilled Professional) visa, introduced in April 2023, offers a separate fast track.

J-Skip holders can apply for permanent residency after just 1 year of continuous residence in Japan. J-Skip eligibility requires a master's degree or 10 or more years of professional experience, combined with an annual income of at least 20 million yen (or 40 million yen for business management roles). Unlike the standard HSP points system, J-Skip bypasses point calculations entirely.

The points mentioned here correlate to the points system developed for evaluating the immigration status of Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals. 

For easy calculation, use this Japan PR calculator.

Image: The Points Calculation Table from MOJ

Additionally, for those interested, here is the English-language Point Calculation excel form, hosted on the MOJ site. 

What documents are needed for permanent residency in Japan?

The following list is translated and summarized from the MOJ site and outlines what to prepare and the documents needed for permanent residency in Japan. Also note, that some of the required documents will depend on your current visa/employment status.

Here are the documents to prepare for your PR application:

• Permanent resident permit application 永住許可申請書 = eijuken shinseisho

• Photograph 4x3 (taken within the last 3 months)

• A reason letter for permanent residency Japan (free form, but must be submitted in Japanese) 理由書 = riyuusho

• Certificate of residence 住民票 = juminhyo

• Certificate of employment (if you are working for a company) 在職証明書 = zaishoku shomeisho

• Tax return (if self-employed) 確定申告書の控え= kakutei shinkokusho no hikae

• Business permit (if self-employed and applicable) 営業許可書 = eigyo kyokasho

• Tax payment proof, commonly covering the past 3 to 5 years 納税証明書 = nozei shomeisho / 課税証明書 = kazei shomeisho

• Proof of income/assets (photocopy of bank book, etc.) 預貯金通帳の写し= yochokintsuchou no utsushi

• National pension payment proof 各月の年金記録 / 国民年金保険料領収証書 = nenkinteikibin /kokuminnenkin hokenryou ryoushuushousho

• Health insurance premium payment proof 健康保険・厚生年金保険料領収証書 = kenkouhoken/kouseinenkinhokenryou ryoushuushousho

• Passport ID page photocopy  

• Residence card photocopy, front and back 在留カード= card

• Guarantor's letter (English form; Japanese form) 身元保証書 = mimoto hoshousho

• Documents certifying guarantor's nationality, residence, income, and occupation

Additionally, if you are applying with the point-based system, you will need to prepare the following: 

• Your points calculated based on the previously mentioned Point Calculation Table

• Evidence to support your point calculation score (photocopy of degrees, JLPT certificate, etc.)

Some other Japan permanent residency application documents includes a photocopy of your national health insurance card, letters of recommendation from upstanding citizens, and other additional material documenting your contributions to Japan and proof of good character as recommended by other immigration experts.

Permanent residency vs. naturalization: what's the difference?

People often confuse permanent residency with becoming a Japanese citizen. They are very different outcomes.

Permanent residency (eijusha, 永住者) lets you keep your current nationality. Naturalization (kika, 帰化) makes you a Japanese citizen, and you generally must give up your other nationality.

	Permanent residency	Naturalization
Nationality	You keep your current nationality	You become Japanese; you generally give up your prior nationality
Typical wait	10 years (or 1–3 years on a fast track)	Around 10 years for most applicants, as of April 2026
Voting rights	No	Yes
Passport	You keep your current passport	You become eligible for a Japanese passport
Risk of losing status	Possible, including under new 2027 revocation rules	Very low once granted

There is also a separate status called Special Permanent Resident (tokubetsu eijusha, 特別永住者). This status mainly applies to Zainichi Koreans and Taiwanese residents and their descendants. It is governed by a different law than standard permanent residency.

If you want a Japanese passport and voting rights, naturalization is the path you need. If you want to keep your current nationality, permanent residency is the better fit for most long-term residents.

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for permanent residency in Japan

Break down an arduous task—one step at a time. Use this step-by-step roadmap to help you plan and prepare for how to apply for a permanent visa in Japan.

Step 1. Assess if you are eligible. 

Examine the eligibility guidelines and determine if you meet the criteria for permanent residency. There is enough documentation on the topic in English to complete this first step on your own. 

Step 2. Find a guarantor. 

Your guarantor must be willing to sign and submit a Letter of Guarantee. This is a moral responsibility, not a financial one. Your guarantor does not co-sign any debt and is not financially liable for you.

Their purpose is to attest for your good character.

All that is required of guarantors is that they are willing to sign the Letter of Guarantee and provide the following documents: a certificate of residence, tax certificate, and employment certificate. 

The guarantor must be a Japanese national or another individual who has PR in Japan. For those married to a Japanese national, their spouse can be their guarantor. If that is not the case for you, asking colleagues, bosses, or even Japanese friends would suffice.

Step 3. Consult a lawyer or book a consultation with an immigration bureau. 

For cases where you have a spouse, dependents, or other questions that may or may not affect your eligibility, consult a lawyer or a legal office specializing in visas. They can explain on how to get permanent residency in Japan for your specific case.

Alternatively, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau offers free consultations at the Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Step 4. Enroll and pay National Pension premiums. 

If you aren't already enrolled in Japan's National Pension System, you must apply and then show proof of having paid premiums for the last 24 months.

To acquire proof of payment, register to the nenkin.go.jp site and (after having paid your premiums) print out the “Monthly Pension Record” (各月の年金記録 = kakutuki no nenkin kiroku).

Step 5. Write a “reason” letter. 

There is no set form for this letter, but it must include why you desire a permanent resident visa.

You may also want to include a brief background, history of stay, career highlights in Japan, and your family structure. You can write it in English, but submit a Japanese translation, too. 

Step 6. Prepare documentation. 

Gather all needed documentation, print out the Japan PR application form, and get any English-language documentation translated to Japanese.

Step 7. Do a final check. 

Give the MOJ guidelines a final check, ensuring that all your documents are in order. Remember, one mistake on a form or forgetting a requested document can equal numerous delays. 

Step 8. File your application. 

Bring all documentation to the Immigration Bureau for your city (there are 12 branches in Tokyo). Wait times are notoriously long, and these offices are only open on weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM, so plan ahead.

After submitting your documents, you will be asked to write your address and name on a postcard, which they will send to you when your application results are ready.

Step 9. Wait and wait some more. 

Processing times for permanent residency applications have increased significantly in recent years.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency lists a standard processing period of 4 to 6 months for permanent residency applications. In practice, actual wait times run much longer.

The ISA's own published statistics show a national average of roughly 9 to 10 months for decisions issued in the year to March 2026. In Tokyo specifically, immigration professionals commonly report waits of 10 to 18 months, especially if the bureau requests extra documents.

Plan your timeline accordingly, especially if your current visa expires during the wait. Your existing visa status remains valid while your PR application is pending, but you must renew it if it expires before a decision is reached.

Step 10. Pick up your permanent residence card. 

When the application has gone through all the checks, a postcard will be sent to your address, notifying you that your permanent residence card is ready to be picked up.

Go to the specified bureau counter. Purchase a revenue stamp for 10,000 yen (the current fee as of this writing).

💡 Note: This fee is about to change. On March 10, 2026, Japan's Cabinet approved a bill raising the legal cap on this fee to 300,000 yen. A draft order published July 3, 2026 proposes setting the real new fee at 200,000 yen, effective October 1, 2026.

As of August 2026, this amount is still a draft. It is not yet final. If you can file your application before the new fee takes effect, you may save a significant amount.

Receive your Japan permanent residence card, and … might we suggest celebrations are in order?

👉 Note: If your application has been denied, you will receive a refusal notification in your mail. You can bring this refusal notification to the Immigration Bureau and ask for the refusal to be explained. However, this explanation will only happen once, so bring someone with you if you require Japanese assistance.

What does the permanent residence card look like?

A permanent resident card example from MOJ

Your permanent residence card looks like a standard residence card. It lists your name, photo, and address. It shows "Permanent Resident" as your residence status.

Carry your residence card at all times, just as you did on your previous visa.

Set a reminder to yourself to renew your permanent resident card every 7 years. Your PR status itself does not expire. Only the card does. If you plan to travel abroad, note that the Special Re-entry Permit (automatically granted at departure) is valid for 2 years.

If you need to stay abroad longer, you can apply for a standard re-entry permit valid for up to 5 years. If your re-entry permit expires while you are outside Japan, your permanent residency status is lost. Extended or frequent absences can also be questioned at renewal.

Important: PR revocation rules from April 2027

Under a revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act taking effect in April 2027, Japan's immigration authorities will be able to revoke permanent residency for intentional non-payment of taxes or social insurance premiums.

Unavoidable circumstances such as illness or unemployment are excluded, but the new law signals a stricter approach to PR compliance. Existing PR holders should ensure all tax, pension, and health insurance payments are current and on time.

👉 Official source: 永住許可制度の適正化Q&A, Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Japanese)

Is a Japanese-language requirement coming?

There have been reports that Japan may add a Japanese-language requirement for permanent residency in the future. As of this writing, this is only a proposal.

No official policy or law has been announced. If you already qualify for permanent residency, do not delay your application while waiting for a rule that is not yet in effect.

Check the Immigration Services Agency website for the latest updates before you apply.

7 common missteps to avoid when applying for permanent residency status in Japan

The following missteps to avoid are summarized from accounts relayed on a broad range of immigration-related law sites and forums and reflect real-world experiences of the process. 

Misstep 1: You didn't submit all your documents in Japanese. 

All documentation must be submitted in Japanese. E.g., if you include a photocopy of an English-language degree, add an attached paper that provides the Japanese equivalent.

Misstep 2: You are late on a pension payment, or you aren't enrolled. 

Many immigration services state that one of the primary causes for refusal is not enrolling in Japan's pension system or delayed pension payments.

As of 2026, the ISA enforces a zero-tolerance policy on late payments. Even a single late payment of tax, pension, or health insurance, even if later settled in full, can result in a denial. This applies to all social insurance obligations, and particular care is needed during job changes when switching between employer-managed insurance and the National Pension and National Health Insurance systems. (Source: Tokyo Immigration)

Misstep 3: You didn't promptly submit further requested documentation. 

During the application process, an immigration official may reach out to you to request further proof or additional documentation. A prompt response is necessary. (Source: Tokyo Immigration)

Misstep 4: Your annual income did not match the requirements. 

If you have many dependents, your taxable income will be lowered due to the deductions, which could become a reason for rejection. (Source: Continental Immigration)

Misstep 5: You left Japan for longer than 6 months during the PR application process. 

If you left Japan after applying for a PR visa and stayed out of Japan for longer than 6 months, your application will be rejected due to the absence. (Source: June Advisors Group)

Misstep 6: You have repeated traffic violations. 

Repeated traffic violations could be cause for refusal. The number should be less than 5 traffic fines in the last 5 years and less than 4 in the last 2 years. (Source: Continental Immigration)

Misstep 7: You did not have the correct number of points for the required number of years. 

If you are applying based on the Point system, you must have the full amount of points at the time of application + 3 full years for the 70 points clause or 1 full year for the 80 points clause. (Source: Continental Immigration)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get permanent residency in Japan?

Most people need 10 years of residence in Japan. At least 5 of those years must be on a work visa or a family-based status. Spouses of Japanese nationals can apply faster, after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence. The highly skilled professional visa points system can cut this to 3 years (70 points) or 1 year (80 points). After you apply, processing takes 4 to 6 months by the official standard. In practice, it often takes 9 to 10 months nationally, and 10 to 18 months in Tokyo.

What are the income requirements for Japan PR?

There is no single official income rule. Immigration officers commonly use a benchmark of about 3 million yen per year for a single applicant. They add roughly 700,000 to 800,000 yen per dependent. Your income needs to be stable over the past 3 to 5 years. If you have many dependents, deductions that lower your taxable income can work against you.

Can I apply for permanent residency in Japan with a 3-year visa?

As of February 2026, you generally need a 5-year visa to apply. If you currently hold a 3-year visa, a transition period lets you submit one application before March 31, 2027. After that date, only 5-year visa holders can apply. The ISA decides whether to grant you a 5-year visa based on your residence history, employment, and tax record.

What documents do I need to apply for permanent residency in Japan?

You need the permanent residence application form (eijuken shinseisho, 永住許可申請書) and a passport-style photo. You need a reason letter written in Japanese, plus a residence certificate (juminhyo, 住民票). You also need proof of employment or tax returns, tax payment certificates, and pension and health insurance records. Add a copy of your passport and residence card, plus your guarantor's letter. If you apply under the points system, add your points calculation and supporting evidence.

Can Japan revoke permanent residency status?

Yes. Starting April 1, 2027, a revised law lets Japan revoke permanent residency for intentional non-payment of taxes or social insurance. Illness or job loss are excluded from this rule. Keep all your payments current to protect your status. You can also lose permanent residency status if you leave Japan without a valid re-entry permit, or if your permit expires while you are abroad.

How many points do I need for the highly skilled professional fast track to PR?

You need 70 points, held for 3 straight years, to apply after 3 years. You need 80 points, held for 1 full year, to apply after just 1 year. Points come from your education, work experience, salary, age, and Japanese language ability. The Ministry of Justice publishes an official points table and a downloadable Excel form.

Is it possible to get permanent residency in Japan after only one year?

Yes, in two ways. First, score 80 or more points on the highly skilled professional system and hold that score for 1 full year. Second, qualify for the J-Skip visa, which needs a master's degree or 10+ years of experience and an income of at least 20 million yen. J-Skip started in April 2023 and skips the points calculation entirely.

What happens if my Japan PR application is denied?

You will get a refusal notice by mail. Bring it to the immigration bureau to ask for the specific reason. This explanation only happens once, so bring a Japanese speaker if you need help. Common reasons for denial include late tax or pension payments, low income, or missing documents. You can reapply once you fix the issue.

Is a Japanese-language requirement coming for permanent residency?

Not yet. There have been reports of a possible future language requirement. As of this writing, it is only a proposal, with no official policy or law in place. Do not delay an application you already qualify for while you wait for a rule that does not yet exist.

How much does a permanent residency application cost right now?

The current fee is 10,000 yen, paid by revenue stamp when your application is approved. A draft government order proposes raising this to 200,000 yen, starting October 1, 2026. As of August 2026, this new amount is not yet final.

What does a Japan permanent resident card look like?

It looks like a standard residence card. It shows your name, photo, and address, plus "Permanent Resident" as your residence status. You must renew the physical card every 7 years, even though your permanent residency status itself does not expire.

In closing

We hope this guide helped you understand how to get permanent residency in Japan.

If you are thinking of living in Japan for an extended period of time, then having a permanent residency status can help to simplify many processes for you.

The paperwork required for permanent residency requires meticulous attention, so if you're looking for help with research or filling out applications, consider using MailMate's bilingual assistant service—which is exclusively available to MailMate users.