Basic Requirements for Long term resident holders

Basic Requirements for spouse, long term resident holders

About the permanent resident in Japan

Basic Requirements for long term resident holders for permanent appplication

Basic Requirements for long term resident holders

Required Documents for Permanent Residency Application for “Long-Term Resident” Visa Holders

Basic Documents Required for All Applicants

The following are the standard documents required for all applicants regardless of individual circumstances:

  • Permanent Residency Application Form (designated format)
  • Statement of Reasons for Application (free format)
  • Acknowledgment Form
  • ID Photo (4 cm x 3 cm)
    • Taken within the past 6 months; generally not required for applicants under the age of 16.
  • Residence Card (original to be shown)
  • Passport (original to be shown)
  • Resident Record (for all household members, without My Number listed)

 
LinkIconacknowledgment_form.pdf

Documents Related to the Applicant (Long-Term Resident)

[Documents Proving Family Relationships]

Documents that verify the applicant’s familial relationships such as birth, marriage, or recognition. Submit all applicable documents:

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

If the documents are issued outside Japan, a Japanese translation must be attached.
 

[Proof of Employment and Income]

  • Certificate of Employment, Withholding Tax Slip (Gensen Choshu-hyo), and Payslips (for company employees)
  • Copy of Final Tax Return, Notification of Business Opening, Business License, etc. (for self-employed individuals)
  • If the applicant is financially dependent, income-related documents of the supporter must also be submitted.

[Tax Payment and Taxation Certificates]

  • Certificates related to Residence Tax obtained from the city/ward office (for the past 5 years):
    • Residence Tax Payment Certificate
    • Residence Taxation Certificate
  • National Tax Payment Certificate (Form No. 3) issued by the Tax Office for the following tax types:
    • 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
      Submit certificates for the entire period since arrival in Japan.

[Proof of Social Insurance Premium Payments]

  • Documents showing the payment status of pension premiums (for the past 2 years)
    • e.g., Annual Pension Statement, Nenkin Net records
  • Documents showing the payment status of health insurance premiums (for the past 2 years)

 

Documents Related to the Guarantor

A guarantor is required when applying for permanent residency. The guarantor should ideally be a relative or someone closely related to the applicant and must be either a Japanese national or a permanent resident.
Prepare the following documents:

  • Letter of Guarantee (designated format)
    Use the official format provided by the Immigration Services Agency. Include the relationship with the applicant and the scope of guarantee (e.g., living expenses, legal compliance, return travel costs).
  • A copy of the guarantor’s ID (one of the following):
    • Copy of Driver’s License
    • Resident Record (issued within 3 months, without My Number)
    • Copy of Passport (photo page)
    • Residence Card (for foreign permanent residents)

LinkIconletter_of_guarantee_form_eng.pdf

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.