If you are a Highly Skilled Professional with 80 Points Maintained for 1 Years Holder
If you have achieved and maintained 80 or more points continuously for at least 1 year, you may apply for permanent residence after only 1 year of residence in Japan. Immigration authorities will also consider whether you are likely to maintain 80 points in the future, so it is helpful to highlight your long-term contributions.
✅ 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)]WorkVisa_PRcheck.xlsx
List of Required Documents for the Applicant
[1] Proof of Income and Tax Payment (Past 1 Year)
■ 1-1. Documents Related to Resident Tax
A. Taxation (Non-taxation) Certificate & Tax Payment Certificate (one copy each)
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Must include total income and tax payment details
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Issued by the municipal office
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One document is sufficient if it includes both income and payment information
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Required regardless of residence status (e.g., work visa, spouse, long-term resident)
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If submission is difficult, a substitute such as a withholding slip or pay stub (copy) may be used
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If newly arrived in Japan or unable to obtain due to relocation, consult the Immigration Services Agency
B. Proof of Timely Tax Payment
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Copy of passbook, receipts, etc.
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Not required if all taxes were deducted at source (special collection)
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Online passbooks are acceptable (only if uneditable)
■ 1-2. Documents Related to National Tax
Tax Payment Certificate (No. 3)
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Withholding income tax & Special income tax for reconstruction
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Income tax & Special income tax for reconstruction (for self-filed returns)
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Consumption tax & Local consumption tax
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Inheritance tax
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Gift tax
■ 1-3. Other Proof of Income
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Copy of bank/savings passbook
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Other equivalent documents
[2] Public Pension and Health Insurance Payment Status (Past 1 Year)
Submit relevant documents based on the system(s) you were enrolled in. If enrolled in multiple systems, documents for each are required. Mask any personal identification numbers to make them unrecoverable.
■ 2-1. Public Pension
A. “Nenkin Teikibin” (Annual Pension Statement) – for all applicable periods
B. Printed pension record for each month from Nenkin Net
C. Copies of National Pension Premium Payment Receipts
■ 2-2. Public Health Insurance
A. Copy of Health Insurance Card
B. Copy of National Health Insurance Card
C. Certificate of Payment of National Health Insurance Premium (Tax)
D. Copy of Receipt for National Health Insurance Premium (Tax)
※ From December 2024 (Reiwa 6), health insurance cards will transition to My Number-based insurance cards
[Additional Documents: My Number Insurance Card Related]
(1) Screen from Mynaportal showing the date of qualification (within the last 3 months)
■ 2-3. For Business Owners of Social Insurance-Applied Establishments
Submit one of the following:
A. Copy of Receipt for Health Insurance and Welfare Pension Insurance Premiums
B. Certificate of Social Insurance Premium Payment or Payment Confirmation Form
[3] Documents Related to Highly Skilled Professional Points
Highly Skilled Professional Points Calculation Sheet
Latest version according to your current category at the time of applicationhsfp_english(2025_8_latest).xls
■ 3-1. Points Calculation Sheet (80 Points or More)
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One copy for the point total at the time of application
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One copy for the point total one year prior
■ 3-2. Supporting Documents for Points
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Documents that prove a total score of 80 points or more
【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 letter_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
acknowledgment_form.pdf
Advice
You must demonstrate that you have continuously maintained 80 points for at least 1 year and show your potential for continued contributions, such as innovation, leadership, or advanced research. Please contact me if you need support in preparing or verifying your documents.
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.