Required documents for permanent residency application for Working Visa holders in Japan.

Required Documents for Permanent Residency Application (For Work and Dependent Visa Holders)

 

If you hold an Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services or Professor, Artist, Legal/Accounting, Reserch, Medical, Intra-company transfer, Nursing care, Skilled labor, Entertainer, Instractor, Journalist

 

Main Required Documents (Standard)

The following documents are generally required for the application. Please note that additional documents may be requested based on individual circumstances.

• Permanent Residency Application Form (1 copy)
• Photo (4 cm × 3 cm, 1 piece)
• Statement of Reasons for Applying for Permanent Residency (Free format, written in Japanese)
• Passport (Show at the counter. No copy required)
• Residence Card (Show at the counter. No copy required)
• Resident Record (Juminhyo) covering all household members including the applicant
• Must include relationship details
• Must NOT include My Number
• Letter of Guarantee (1 copy)
• Copy of the Guarantor's ID (e.g., driver's license)
• Acknowledgment Form prescribed by the Immigration Services Agency (1 copy)

 
letter_of_guarantee_form_eng.pdf
acknowledgment_form.pdf
 

Documents to Prove Family Relationships

Submit one of the following. If the document is written in a language other than Japanese, a Japanese translation must be attached.
 

• Full Family Register (Koseki Tohon)
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Acknowledgement of Parentage Certificate, etc.

 

Documents Related to Occupation, Income, and Assets

Documents to Prove Occupation

• Certificate of Employment (issued by employer)
• For self-employed individuals: Business License, Notification of Business Opening, etc.
• Copy of Final Tax Return (for self-employed individuals)

 

Documents to Prove Income and Assets

• Copy of Bankbook (all pages)
• Real Estate Registration Certificate (if applicable)
• Other documents showing financial stability

 

Resident Tax Certificates

• Taxation Certificate and Tax Payment Certificate for the past 5 years (1 copy per year)
• Obtain from your local municipal office

 

National Tax Payment Certificate

• Submit the “No. 3” National Tax Payment Certificate from the nearest tax office
• Covers: Withholding Income Tax, Self-assessed Income Tax, Consumption Tax, Inheritance Tax, Gift Tax
• Required for the entire period since your arrival in Japan

 

Documents Related to Social Insurance and Pension Payments

• Copy of Health Insurance Card (Social Insurance or National Health Insurance)
• Copy of Pension Book (if available)
• Documents showing payment status of insurance and pension for the past 2 years (e.g., receipts, payment certificates)
• If enrolled in Employees’ Pension (Kosei Nenkin), include documents verifying payment from employer or pension records

Notes Based on Visa Type

For Work Visa Holders (e.g., Engineer, Humanities, Skilled Labor)

• Your statement of reasons is very important
• Should include: work status, future goals, intention to settle in Japan
• You must continuously and properly fulfill public obligations such as paying taxes and social insurance
• Submit supporting documents that show financial stability
• e.g., bankbook, employment certificate, etc.

For Dependent Visa Holders

• Submit official documents proving family relationship with the sponsor (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)
• Submit documents that confirm cohabitation or actual support, such as a resident record or the sponsor’s income certificate
• If the sponsor holds a work visa, their tax, insurance, and employment status will also be carefully reviewed

 

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.

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.

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