Permanent Residence
This is an application for permanent residency in Japan so that you will no longer be bound by regulations such as designated activities or period of stay.
Since Japan does not have a formal immigration policy, criteria for permanent residency is stricter than that for general status of residency. Permanent residence is basically permitted only for those whose permanent base for living is settled in Japan and whose stay in Japan aligns with national interests.
Since Japan does not have a formal immigration policy, criteria for permanent residency is stricter than that for general status of residency. Permanent residence is basically permitted only for those whose permanent base for living is settled in Japan and whose stay in Japan aligns with national interests.
Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised October 1, 2026)
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has revised its Guidelines. The revised Guidelines apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2027.
Legal requirements
1. Good conduct
You observe the law and lead a daily life that is not open to social criticism as a resident.
2. Sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living
You can support yourself now and in the future, with economic conditions at least equal to those of Japanese nationals. The review covers the whole household sharing one budget.
- Household income has continuously been above the average income of Japanese households of the same size.
- Your expected future pension reaches a certain level. A shortfall may be covered by financial assets.
3. Your permanent residence is in the interests of Japan
a. In principle, you have stayed in Japan for 10 years or more continuously, including 5 years or more under a work status (excluding Technical Intern Training, Employment for Skill Development, Specified Skilled Worker (i), Intra-company Transferee and some others) or a residence-based status.
b. You have not been sentenced to imprisonment or a fine.
c. You have duly paid taxes, pension and health insurance premiums, and fulfilled notification and other duties under the Immigration Control Act. Past delinquency or violations are also viewed negatively as a rule.
d. You hold the longest period of stay available for your current status. For applications filed by March 31, 2027, a 3-year period is treated as the longest period.
e. You have Japanese language ability at level B1 or above under the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. Highly skilled professionals and their families, and those who received six years or more of primary or secondary education in Japan, among others, are exempt.
f. You understand Japanese systems and rules.
g. If you are raising school-age children, they attend elementary or junior high school.
h. Within the past 10 years, you have not been absent from Japan for six months or more on a single trip, or for two years and six months or more in total, without a reasonable ground.
* Spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents need not meet 1 and 2. Recognized refugees need not meet 2.
Exceptions to the 10-year rule
(1) Spouse of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident: a genuine marriage of 5 years or more and 3 years or more of continuous stay in Japan. Their children: 3 years or more of continuous stay.
(2) Long-Term Resident: 5 years or more of continuous stay.
(3) Recognized refugee: 5 years or more of continuous stay after recognition.
(4) Highly skilled professional with 70 points or more: 3 years or more of continuous stay. With 80 points or more, or a specially highly skilled professional: 1 year or more.
(5) Persons recognized as having contributed to Japan, such as recipients of national honors: 5 years or more of stay.
The Agency has not published specific amounts for the income and pension criteria. You can check a guide figure with the simulator below.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has revised its Guidelines. The revised Guidelines apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2027.
Legal requirements
1. Good conduct
You observe the law and lead a daily life that is not open to social criticism as a resident.
2. Sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living
You can support yourself now and in the future, with economic conditions at least equal to those of Japanese nationals. The review covers the whole household sharing one budget.
- Household income has continuously been above the average income of Japanese households of the same size.
- Your expected future pension reaches a certain level. A shortfall may be covered by financial assets.
3. Your permanent residence is in the interests of Japan
a. In principle, you have stayed in Japan for 10 years or more continuously, including 5 years or more under a work status (excluding Technical Intern Training, Employment for Skill Development, Specified Skilled Worker (i), Intra-company Transferee and some others) or a residence-based status.
b. You have not been sentenced to imprisonment or a fine.
c. You have duly paid taxes, pension and health insurance premiums, and fulfilled notification and other duties under the Immigration Control Act. Past delinquency or violations are also viewed negatively as a rule.
d. You hold the longest period of stay available for your current status. For applications filed by March 31, 2027, a 3-year period is treated as the longest period.
e. You have Japanese language ability at level B1 or above under the Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. Highly skilled professionals and their families, and those who received six years or more of primary or secondary education in Japan, among others, are exempt.
f. You understand Japanese systems and rules.
g. If you are raising school-age children, they attend elementary or junior high school.
h. Within the past 10 years, you have not been absent from Japan for six months or more on a single trip, or for two years and six months or more in total, without a reasonable ground.
* Spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents need not meet 1 and 2. Recognized refugees need not meet 2.
Exceptions to the 10-year rule
(1) Spouse of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident: a genuine marriage of 5 years or more and 3 years or more of continuous stay in Japan. Their children: 3 years or more of continuous stay.
(2) Long-Term Resident: 5 years or more of continuous stay.
(3) Recognized refugee: 5 years or more of continuous stay after recognition.
(4) Highly skilled professional with 70 points or more: 3 years or more of continuous stay. With 80 points or more, or a specially highly skilled professional: 1 year or more.
(5) Persons recognized as having contributed to Japan, such as recipients of national honors: 5 years or more of stay.
The Agency has not published specific amounts for the income and pension criteria. You can check a guide figure with the simulator below.
Procedure for each case
Residing permanently in Japan