Live in Japan permanently after 10 years of stay with working visa

2015/04/01

Points for permanent residence in Japan

Approval of permanent residency from a Minister of Justice

*It has become clear that according to the“Guidelines related to approval of permanent residency”announced by the Ministry of Justice in 2004, the fulfillment of the following conditions is an important factor in the judgment process.

1. The person is of good conduct (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 22, Clause 2, No. 1)

It is required that the applicant does not fall under ANY of the following:

(1) Person who has been imprisoned or fined (excluding traffic fines) for breaking Japanese law

(2) Person with continuous protective measures via juvenile law

(3) Person with special circumstance so that they may not be recognized for good behavior due to repeated illegal activity or public disturbance in daily life or at work. (Example: Person who repeatedly breaks minor traffic laws)

2. The person must have sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living

It is required that the person must not be a public burden in daily life and have assets or skills that can be expected to allow a stable lifestyle in the future. (Inspection point for entering and living in Japan. Please be aware of cases where income tax is tax exempt due to having many dependents.)

3. The person’s permanent residence is regarded to be in accord with the interests of Japan. (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 22, Clause 2, Introduction)

The person must fulfill ALL of the following:

(1) The person must have been living as a member of Japan for an extended period of time

The person has stayed in Japan for more than 10 years consecutively. It is also required that during his/her stay in Japan the person has had work permit or the status of residence

(2) The person has been never sentenced to a fine or imprisonment. The person fulfills public duties such as tax payment.

(3) The maximum period of stay allowed for the person with his/her current status of residence is to be fully used.

Example: A person living in Japan with a “Specialist in Humanities / International Affairs” visa must have the 3-year period visa. (1-year period visa does not fulfill the requirement)

(4) There is no possibility that the person could cause harm from the standpoint of public health.