Basic Requirements for Working Visa holders
Subheading ①: If You Hold an "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" Visa
This is one of the most common work visas in Japan, covering professions such as IT, education, and business. To apply for permanent residence, you generally need to have lived in Japan for at least 10 years, with a minimum of 5 years working under this visa.
Required Documents
- Application Form
- Recent Photograph (4cm x 3cm)
- Copies of Passport and Residence Card
- Statement of Reasons for Application
- Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) for yourself and family members
- Tax Payment Certificates (for the past 5 years)
- Proof of Pension and Health Insurance Payments (for the past 2 years)
- Employment Certificate and Income Proof
- Guarantor’s Documents
- Proof of Contributions to Japan (optional, but helpful)
Advice
It is important that your work history consistently matches the category of your visa. If you are uncertain about your eligibility or documents, please contact me in advance for assistance.
Common Reasons for Refusal (Why Applications Get Rejected)
Even if you submit all documents, your Family Stay Visa (Dependent Visa Japan) may be refused in certain situations.
1.Unstable or insufficient income of the sponsor — Immigration must be convinced that you can financially support your family in Japan.
2.Lack of proper housing — If the accommodation is considered unsuitable for family members.
3.Unclear or missing family relationship documents — Incomplete or outdated marriage/birth certificates, or failure to provide legally recognized adoption papers.
4.Doubts about the authenticity of marriage — If the marriage is suspected to be a “marriage of convenience.”
5.Incorrect visa category — For example, applying for Family Stay when you should apply as “Spouse of Japanese National” or “Spouse of Permanent Resident.”
6.Past immigration violations — Previous overstays or visa breaches can negatively affect the application.
Guide to Basic Required Documents for Permanent Residence Application
We are dedicated to assisting foreign residents in Japan with their permanent residence applications (commonly referred to as Eijuken Kyoka or permanent residency).
This guide provides an overview of the essential certificates and documents required, depending on your current residence status (visa type). While the application process may appear complicated, careful preparation will make it much smoother and more reliable.
If you would like personalized advice or support, please feel free to contact us at any time. The standard review period varies: approximately 4 months at the Osaka or Nagoya Immigration Offices, and around 12 months or longer at the Tokyo Immigration Office.
My role is to help you prepare a strong and complete application so that you may build a secure future here in Japan.
☆Main Heading: Key Basics for Permanent Residence Application in Japan
To be eligible for permanent residence (Eijuken) in Japan, applicants are generally required to meet the following conditions:
〇A sufficient period of residence in Japan (typically 10 years, though a shorter period may apply depending on your visa type, such as Spouse of Japanese National, Highly Skilled Professional, or Long-Term Resident).
〇Proper and consistent payment of taxes, pension contributions, and health insurance.
〇A stable and sustainable livelihood, with no concerns regarding public health or public order.
〇A guarantor who is either a Japanese national or a permanent resident.
All documents must be submitted in Japanese. If any of your documents are in a foreign language, certified translations must be provided. Please prepare both the original documents and copies as required. Most of these can be obtained from your local city hall, tax office, or employer.
☆Common Misunderstandings and Frequent Reasons for Rejection
Many applicants are not aware of the strict evaluation standards for a Permanent Residence Application in Japan. Below are some of the common reasons why applications are often refused:
▲Insufficient residence period: Believing that “any long stay is enough.” In reality, the standard requirement is 10 years of continuous residence, unless you qualify for exceptions (e.g., spouse of a Japanese national or Highly Skilled Professional).
▲Unpaid or late taxes and insurance premiums: Even minor delays in tax, pension, or health insurance payments can result in rejection. Immigration places strong emphasis on proper payments.
▲Unstable income or employment: A sudden drop in income, frequent job changes, or reliance on temporary work may raise doubts about long-term stability.
▲Guarantor issues: Submitting an application without a suitable guarantor, or with a guarantor who has tax or financial issues, may cause delays or denials.
Incomplete documentation: Missing original documents, incorrect translations, or incomplete application forms are frequent mistakes that slow down or block the process.
Final Note
A Permanent Residence Visa in Japan is one of the most important steps for securing your long-term future in this country. While the requirements may seem complex, thorough preparation will greatly improve your chances of success. If you are unsure about your eligibility or documents, I am here to assist you as a certified immigration lawyer (Gyoseishoshi). Together, we can prepare a strong and reliable application for your future in Japan.