How to get permanent residence in Japan

Most applicants can apply after 10 years of legal residence, and the status gives you some – though not all – of the same rights as Japanese citizens without having to renew a temporary residence permit regularly. This guide explains what permanent residency involves, the 2026/2027 changes, how to apply, and how to keep your status.

This guide is for information only and does not contain immigration or legal advice.

Key takeaways

• Long-term residents may apply for permanent resident (PR) status in Japan after living there legally for 10 years.
• Some applicants may be able to apply for PR status sooner if they qualify through the immigration points system – this usually applies to highly skilled workers.
• Permanent residency gives you many of the same benefits as citizenship, although you can’t vote or hold public office.
• PR applications can take 4 to 6 months to process, and there’s no formal appeals process if your application is rejected.

Wise for managing money across borders

• Track transfers between Japan and abroad.
• Hold and convert supported currencies in a Wise Account.
• Wise does not affect immigration decisions.

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Permanent residency in Japan

Most foreigners can apply for permanent residence (永住権) after 10 years of living in Japan, provided they meet all other requirements. Highly skilled professionals can apply even sooner.

Getting a permanent residence permit is not mandatory, but it provides extra benefits – including no longer having to renew or extend your temporary visa.

The Japanese Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁) is responsible for visas and immigration, including overseeing permanent residency. It is part of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ – 法務省).

Visas & Immigration

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What’s changing for permanent residency in Japan in 2026/2027

Before you apply, it’s worth getting to know Japan’s new permanent residency rules for 2026/2027, which affect key areas of your application.

Confirmed changes include:

• Japan is raising the permanent residency application fee from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 from October 2026.
• From April 2027, the authorities can revoke permanent residency for willful non-payment of taxes or social insurance.
• From April 2027, applicants will generally need a 5-year period of stay, as 3-year visas will no longer qualify.

Proposed changes for 2027 that are not yet final include:

• The proposed guidelines would require applicants to earn above the average Japanese household income.
• Applicants would also need an expected pension matching 30 years of employees’ pension contributions.
• Most applicants would need Japanese at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) B1 level.
• Spouses of Japanese citizens or permanent residents would need 5 years of marriage and 3 years in Japan.

Citizenship vs permanent residence in Japan

Citizenship and permanent residency in Japan come with similar rights. For example, you can live in Japan indefinitely, work for almost any employer in a legal job, take out a loan from a Japanese bank, and access the healthcare, education, and pension systems.

There are also notable differences. For instance, when you become a Japanese citizen (日本国民), you must give up your existing nationality or nationalities because Japan does not allow dual citizenship.

Other differences include:

• Japanese citizens must speak Japanese; permanent residents don’t currently have this requirement, but this could change from April 2027.
• You can become a naturalized citizen after 5 years and a permanent resident after 10 years, although different rules apply to highly skilled professionals.
• Unlike Japanese citizens, permanent residents cannot vote, work in public service jobs, or serve in public office.
• The authorities can deport permanent residents convicted of a crime. Japanese citizens cannot be deported.

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Requirements for permanent residence in Japan

The main requirement is that you’ll generally need to have lived in Japan for 10 consecutive years. You’ll need to have held a work visa for at least 5 of those years.

There are some exceptions to this 10-year residency requirement. For example, holders of a highly skilled worker visa can apply for permanent residence after 3 years if they earn 70 to 80 immigration points, or after 1 year if they score over 80 points.

You can apply after at least 5 years of legal residence in Japan if you are:

• Someone who has made a significant contribution to the country
• A long-term resident
• A recognized refugee

The residence requirement is reduced to 1 year if you are the child or spouse of a permanent resident. Spouses currently need to have been married for at least 3 years, but under the proposed rules they would need at least 5 years of marriage and 3 years in Japan from April 2027.

Note: Japanese law does not recognize same-sex marriages.

Income and financial requirements

Currently, there is no fixed income requirement for permanent residency in Japan, but you do need to show a stable, independent livelihood. In practice, the authorities look at whether you – or your household – can support daily life without relying on public welfare. A steady income, consistent employment, and savings all help demonstrate this.

This could change from April 2027. Under the proposed new rules, applicants would need an income above the average for Japanese households, as well as an expected pension matching 30 years of employees’ pension contributions.

Payment records matter just as much as the amount you earn. Resident tax, pension, and public medical insurance contributions should all be paid on time, as late payments can weaken an application even once the balance is cleared.

If some of your income or family support comes from abroad, keeping clear records of those transfers can make the paperwork easier. Wise is one option some expats use to send and receive money across borders at the mid-market exchange rate with transparent, low fees, and with a clear record of each transfer.

Other conditions

Other conditions for permanent residence generally include:

• You must demonstrate good conduct and comply with the law.
• You must have sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living.
• The application must be considered to be in the interests of Japan.

To meet the final condition, the applicant must show that they:

• Have not been given a fine or sentenced to imprisonment.
• Have appropriately fulfilled their public duties, including paying taxes, making state pension contributions, and taking out public medical insurance.

Children or spouses of Japanese citizens, permanent residents, or special permanent residents are not required to have good conduct or be able to create an independent living. Refugees are also exempt from the requirement to have the assets or skills to make an independent living.

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Required documents for a permanent residency application

You’ll need to submit proof to support your application for permanent residency in Japan. Required documents include:

• Completed application form
• Completed letter of consent
• Your passport or Certificate of Eligibility, or a statement explaining why you don’t have these
• Your residence card and those of all household members, with My Number omitted
• Two recent photos; minors under 16 don’t need to submit a photo
• Completed letter of guarantee, usually from your parent or spouse
• Proof of your guarantor’s ID, such as their driving licence
• Proof of your and/or your guarantor’s employment
• Proof of your and your guarantor’s income and tax payment status
• Proof of state pension and public medical insurance contributions

Extra proof for family members

Children or spouses of Japanese citizens, permanent residents, or special permanent residents can apply by providing the documents above, as well as proof of their relationship with the guarantor, such as a birth or marriage certificate.

Extra proof for long-term residents, dependents, or those on a worker’s visa

If you’re a long-term resident, dependent resident, or in Japan on a worker’s visa, you’ll also need:

• A reason statement explaining why you need permanent residence, written in or translated into Japanese
• If you’re a dependent, proof of ID, such as a birth certificate or family register
• Proof of assets, such as a real estate registration certificate
• Proof of your contributions to Japan, such as letters of recommendation or appreciation

Extra proof for highly skilled foreign professionals

The additional documentation for highly skilled workers is the same whether you have 70 to 80 immigration points or more than 80 points. Extra documents include:

• A reason statement explaining why you need permanent residency, translated if it isn’t in Japanese
• Proof of the highly skilled professional point calculation table
• Explanatory documents for each item in the point calculation
• Proof of assets

How to apply for Japanese permanent residence

You must apply for permanent residence before your existing visa expires. It’s a good idea to start collecting the necessary paperwork well in advance so you’re not in a hurry when it comes to applying.

Applications can be submitted at the local Regional Immigration Services Bureau (地方出入国在留管理官署) or Immigration Information Center (外国人在留総合インフォメーションセンター). Check the appointment process with the location you plan to visit in advance to avoid unnecessary wait times.

If your application is successful, you can follow the online procedure to exchange your residency status to ‘permanent’ on your residence card.

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

The processing time for a permanent residency application is usually around 4 to 6 months. Straightforward cases tend to fall within that window, while complex applications, missing documents, or requests for extra evidence can take longer.

Because of this, it’s a good idea to start collecting your certificates and payment records 6 to 12 months before you plan to apply, so you have time to fix any gaps.

Renewing your permanent residence status in Japan

Once you have been granted permanent residency, you can stay in Japan indefinitely. However, you’ll need to renew your residence card.

Residence cards are valid:

• Until your 16th birthday if you are under 16
• For 7 years if you are over 16

If you leave the country for more than a year, you must apply for a re-entry permit when you want to return to Japan.

Can you lose your permanent residency rights in Japan?

It is possible to lose your permanent residence status in Japan if you:

• Leave the country without a special re-entry permit
• Don’t return to Japan before the deadline on your re-entry permit
• Commit fraud during your application
• Are sentenced to more than 1 year in prison
• Commit a crime related to drugs or sex work
• Willfully fail to pay your taxes or social insurance from April 2027

If you fail to pay tax or insurance, the authorities first check whether something unavoidable, such as illness or job loss, prevented payment and then whether you knowingly chose not to pay. If they determine that the non-payment was willful, your PR status may be revoked.

Losing permanent resident status doesn’t automatically mean deportation. The authorities may switch you to another status, such as Long-Term Resident. If you have arrears, a criminal record, or long absences from Japan, get professional immigration advice.

What should you do if your application is rejected?

Although you might ask the Regional Immigration Services Bureau for the reason behind your rejection, there are no formal means to appeal a decision on your permanent residence application. Instead, you can try to reapply later.