Japan permanent residence

Spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residents and special permanent residents: three years of genuine marriage and one year of residence in Japan (their children: one year). Long-Term Residents: five years. Recognised refugees and persons granted complementary protection: five years after recognition. People with recognised contributions to Japan: five years. Highly Skilled Professionals: three years at 70 points or one year at 80 points, and J-Skip holders one year.

The ISA guidelines (revised 24 February 2026) require good conduct, assets or skills sufficient for an independent livelihood, and that permanent residence is in Japan's interest. In practice that means ten years of continuous residence with at least five on a work status (excluding Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i)) or a residence-based status; no fines or prison sentences; timely payment of taxes, pension and health insurance contributions and compliance with immigration notifications; holding the longest period available for your current status (three years is accepted until 31 March 2027); and no public-health risk.

Payments made late, even if settled before applying, are in principle assessed negatively.

The application includes a letter of reason, the family residence certificate, proof of employment or business, five years of residence tax certificates and payment records (three years for some routes), national tax payment certificates, pension and health insurance payment records for two years, a guarantor's letter and documents proving assets. HSP applicants add points calculations for the relevant years.

There is no fee to apply. On approval you pay by revenue stamp: JPY 200,000 for applications received from 1 October 2026, or the former JPY 10,000 if the application was received by 30 September 2026; certain applicants pay a reduced JPY 20,000. Standard processing is four to six months. Your current status remains valid while the application is pending, but you must keep extending it if it would expire.

Permanent residents still hold a residence card, renewed every seven years, must keep the address up to date and need a re-entry permit for absences longer than one year. Permanent residence can be revoked in cases set out in the Immigration Control Act, for example after serious criminal convictions.