Migrating to Japan as a Permanent Resident is a dream for many — offering access to long-term stability, freedom from visa renewals, and equal benefits in areas like housing and employment. However, Japan has strict and specific immigration pathways, and permanent residency isn’t granted immediately.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
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Who qualifies for permanent residency in Japan
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The legal routes you can take now
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A step-by-step breakdown of how to apply
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Tips to speed up the process
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What to do after getting approved
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Step 1: Understand What Japan Considers a Permanent Resident
Permanent residency (PR) in Japan allows foreigners to live, work, and study indefinitely without renewing a visa. But Japan does not issue PR immediately upon arrival. You must:
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Live in Japan for a certain number of years
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Contribute positively to society (e.g., pay taxes, have stable income)
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Show good conduct (no criminal record, etc.)
Step 2: Check if You Are Eligible for PR
There are 3 common eligibility routes to apply for PR in Japan:
Route A: Standard Long-Term Stay
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You have lived in Japan for 10 consecutive years, with at least 5 years under a work visa (e.g., Engineer, Specialist in Humanities).
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You must have a stable income and paid taxes consistently.
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You must be of good character (no crimes, no immigration violations).
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Route B: Highly Skilled Professional (Fast-Track PR)
If you have been approved under Japan’s Highly Skilled Foreign Professional (HSFP) point-based system, you can apply for PR in:
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1 year, if you score 80+ points
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3 years, if you score 70–79 points
Points are awarded for:
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Education level
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Work experience
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Annual salary (must be high)
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Japanese language ability
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Age and research output (for academics)
Ideal for engineers, IT specialists, doctors, researchers, finance professionals.
Route C: Spouse of a Japanese Citizen or Permanent Resident
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You are married to a Japanese national or a current PR holder.
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You have lived in Japan with your spouse for at least 1 year.
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You demonstrate a stable life and relationship.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Step 3: Secure a Visa and Move to Japan
Since PR is not given immediately, you must first enter Japan through a qualifying long-term visa, such as:
| Visa Type | Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Work Visa | IT, engineering, finance, teaching, research |
| Student Visa | Those pursuing higher education (can later switch to work visa) |
| Spouse Visa | Married to a Japanese citizen or PR |
| Business Manager Visa | For entrepreneurs opening a company in Japan |
| Highly Skilled Visa | For qualified professionals with high salary/experience |
Apply at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
Step 4: Start Living and Building Your Profile in Japan
Once in Japan:
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Register your residence at your local city hall
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Open a bank account and rent accommodation
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Pay your taxes and health insurance
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Maintain legal residence (no overstays, no crime)
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Keep employment stable
The longer you stay in Japan, the stronger your case becomes.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency
You can apply for PR at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Here’s how:
Required Documents:
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Completed Permanent Residency Application Form
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Valid Residence Card
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Passport
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Proof of residence (住民票 – jūminhyō)
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Tax payment certificate for past years (from city hall)
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Employment and income documents (tax return, salary slips)
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Guarantor letter (from a Japanese citizen or PR)
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Proof of language ability (recommended, but not always mandatory)
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Marriage certificate (if applying through family route)
Where to Submit:
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Submit to the regional immigration office nearest to your address in Japan.
Processing Time:
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Usually takes 4 to 8 months.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Tips to Speed Up Your PR Approval
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If eligible, apply through the Highly Skilled Visa system for faster PR access.
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Maintain clean immigration records.
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Keep financial records organized and up-to-date.
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Show consistent social integration (language skills, community activities).
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Ensure your guarantor is reputable and reliable.
What Happens After PR Approval
Once approved, you will receive a new Residence Card marked as “Permanent Resident.” This status:
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Has no expiration (except your Residence Card must be renewed every 7 years)
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No more visa renewals
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More freedom to change jobs
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Easier to apply for housing loans, leases, or even start a business
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Access to almost all public benefits like any other resident
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Important Warnings
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You can lose PR status if you leave Japan for more than 1 year without a re-entry permit.
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Any crime, fraud, or visa violations can delay or cancel your PR application.
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If unemployed long-term with no income, you may be rejected.
Not directly. But you can start the process today by:
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Securing a long-term work or family visa
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Living in Japan under the right conditions
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Applying for Permanent Residency after meeting the stay and conduct requirements
If you qualify under the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional route, you can achieve PR in as little as 1 year — making it one of the fastest permanent residency routes in the world.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Ready to Begin?
Choose your visa route
Prepare your documents
Apply at the Japanese consulate
Arrive in Japan and build your PR profile
Submit PR application when eligible
