Basic Requirements for spouse, long term holders for permanent appplication

If You Are a Highly Skilled Professional with 70 Points Maintained for 3 Years

Under Japan’s points-based system for highly skilled professionals (for example, in advanced technology or academic research), if you have maintained 70 or more points continuously for 3 years, you may apply for permanent residence.
 

Pre-Application Checklist

Self-Check Required
• Before applying for permanent residency, make sure to confirm your eligibility using the Self-Check Sheet (For Employment Status).
• If you answer “No” to any item, there is a high chance your application will be denied.
👉 [Self-Check Sheet for Permanent Residency Application (For Employment Status)]
LinkIconWorkVisa_PRcheck.xlsx
 

📄 List of Required Documents

 

Basic Documents

 
Application for Permanent Residency
Photo (1 piece)Size: 4 cm × 3 cm
 
Statement of Reason
Free format; describe your reasons for seeking permanent residency
If written in a foreign language, attach a Japanese translation
 
Certificate of Residence
For all household members, without My Number
 
Proof of Employment
- Certificate of Employment (for company employees)
- Copy of Final Tax Return or Certificate of Registered Matters + Business License (for self-employed)
- Written Description of Occupation + Supporting Documents (for others)
  
Proof of Income and Tax Payment (Past 3 Years)
(1) Resident Tax
- Taxation Certificate + Tax Payment Certificate (must confirm total income and payment status)
- If necessary, include copies of bankbooks, receipts, or other payment records
(2) National Tax Payment Certificate (No. 3)
Submit certificates issued by your local tax office for the following 5 tax categories: Withholding Income Tax and Special Reconstruction Income Tax、Declared Income Tax and Special Reconstruction Income Tax、Consumption Tax and Local Consumption Tax、Inheritance Tax、Gift Tax

※These certificates prove that there are "no unpaid National taxes" in each category.

(3) Other Income Proof
- Copy of bankbook (Web version acceptable, but no editing allowed)
- Other equivalent documents
 
Payment Status of Pension & Health Insurance (Past 2 Years)
Submit one of the following for each applicable system.
Pension
- Nenkin Teikibin (Annual Pension Statement, full-period version)
- Nenkin Net printout
- Copy of National Pension premium payment receipt
Health Insurance
- Copy of Health Insurance Card or National Health Insurance Card
- Certificate of National Health Insurance premium payment or receipt (copy)
- If you have a My Number Health Insurance Card, submit a screenshot of the Mynaportal page

For Business Owners
- Copy of insurance premium receipt
- Social Insurance Premium Payment Certificate or Confirmation Statement
 
Highly Skilled Professional Points Calculation Sheet
Latest version according to your current category at the time of application
LinkIconhsfp_english(2025_8_latest).xls
 
Supporting Documents for Points
Submit documents proving you have 70 points or more
If reusing documents, also submit a “Document Reuse Request Form”
 
Proof of Assets (choose one)
- Copy of bankbook
- Certificate of Real Estate Registration
- Other equivalent documents
  

Documents to Be Presented

Passport or Certificate of Status of Residence (presentation required)

Residence Card (presentation required)
 ・Copy is acceptable if submitted by proxy
 ・If you have a permit for activities outside your status of residence, present that too
 

Guarantor-Related Documents

Letter of Guarantee
LinkIconletter_of_guarantee_form_eng.pdf
Guarantor’s ID Document
 ・Copy of driver’s license, etc.
 
Optional Documents (If Applicable)
Documents Showing Contribution to Japan (Optional)
 - Copies of awards, letters of appreciation, honors, etc.
 - Letter of recommendation from organization representative
 - Other documents showing contribution
 
Others
Acknowledgment Form
LinkIconacknowledgment_form.pdf
 

Advice

 
Your score must remain at 70 points or above at the time of application and for the 3 years prior. Even small delays in tax, pension, or insurance payments may affect your application. If you are unsure how to confirm your points, please feel free to consult me.


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:
 
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).
 
Proper and consistent payment of taxes, pension contributions, and health insurance.
 
A stable and sustainable livelihood, with no concerns regarding public health or public order.
 
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.