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Permanent Resident Visa
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- By Saki Nakahara, Immigration Lawyer
- Last Updated:
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The standard requirement is a residence in Japan for the past 10 years, with the last 5 years spent under an appropriate work visa. However, there are exceptions that can shorten this required period.
PR status brings advantages like avoiding visa renewals and broadening the scope of activities you can engage in. On the flip side, there are disadvantages, such as tax implications, requiring you to pay taxes on your worldwide income.
The processing time for the Permanent Resident Visa is notably lengthy, ranging from 6 to 12 months, depending on the case.
You still need to renew your Permanent Resident Visa card once every 7 years.
There are five main scenarios for obtaining a Permanent Resident Visa in Japan:
Scenario 1:
The applicant has been residing in Japan for 10 years, with at least 5 years spent under a working visa (excluding Technical Intern Training Visa and Specific Skilled Worker (i) Visa).
Scenario 2:
The applicant is a spouse of a Japanese or Permanent Resident, married for more than 3 years, with a minimum of 1 year of residence in Japan.
Scenario 3:
Highly Skilled Professionals (including those deemed as such) need to fulfill residency conditions based on the point system:
- 1 year for 80 points and above
- 3 years for 70 – 80 points
Scenario 4:
The applicant is a J-Skip Visa (Specially Highly Talented Personnel System) holder and has been residing in Japan for 1 year.
Scenario 5:
The applicant is a long-term resident and has been residing in Japan for 5 years.
Throughout these specified periods, other requirements must be fulfilled, such as the prompt payment of taxes, health insurance, and pensions. Now, let’s delve into the detailed requirements.
Here is a list of requirements for the Permanent Resident Visa:
- Good conduct
- Financial self-sufficiency
- Visa compliance
- Continuous residency
- Maximum duration of stay
- Taxes and social contributions
- Adherence to notification requirements
- Securing a guarantor
1. Good conduct
To qualify for Permanent Resident status in Japan, maintaining an exemplary record is essential. This requires a clean criminal history, consistent tax payments, and adherence to other legal obligations.
2. Financial self-sufficiency
Demonstrate the ability to independently support yourself in Japan, typically through stable employment and sufficient savings to cover living expenses.
3. Visa compliance
Meeting the criteria to maintain your current visa status is crucial. For instance, work visa holders must sustain appropriate employment, while spouses of Japanese nationals should maintain a stable marriage.
4. Continuous residency
You need to have lived in Japan continuously for at least 10 years, with at least 5 years spent under a work visa or other visas granted based on family status.
Additionally, you must have physically stayed in Japan for more than 6 months in total within a 12-month period prior to and during the application process.
5. Maximum duration of stay
Currently, your visa should allow you to stay in Japan for the longest possible period. The immigration bureau has announced that, for the time being, 3 years can be considered the “maximum duration of stay” as stated in their announcement.
6. Tax and social contributions
Consistently fulfilling tax obligations and contributing to the official Japanese social security system without missing deadlines is essential.
7. Adherence to notification requirements
Compliance with all administrative requirements is crucial. This includes promptly submitting any necessary notifications, such as updates regarding employers or changes in company addresses, to the Immigration Office.
8. Securing a guarantor
To apply for the Permanent Resident Visa, you must secure a guarantor, either a Japanese national or a Permanent Resident Visa holder. The guarantor, assuming a moral rather than a legal obligation, will not be held legally accountable for the applicant’s actions or fees.
The list of required documents varies depending on your current visa status. To obtain a customized list for your specific case, we recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer, but here is a general list for your reference to help you understand the basic requirements.
- Application Form
– The appropriate form needs to be selected based on your current visa status. - Headshot
– Taken within the last 3 months (4cm x 3cm) - Acknowledgement Form
- Letter of Application (Free format)
- Passport and Residence Card
- Documents to prove status
– Family register, marriage certificate, etc if the applicant is currently on family visa - Documents to show national tax payment status
- Documents to show resident tax payment status
- Documents to show pension premium payment status
- Documents to show public medical insurance premiums payment status
- Copy of bank passbook to prove your savings
- Certificate of Employment, copy of tax returns, or documents explaining the occupation of the applicant
- Letter of Guarantee
- Documents proving your contribution to Japan (if any)
- Certificate of residence of guarantor
- Resident tax certificates of the guarantor
- Certificate of employment of the guarantor
etc..
Advantages of Permanent Resident Visa:
- No more visa renewals
- You can stay in Japan through life’s changes
- Expanded scope of activities to engage in
- Easier access to loans
1. No more visa renewals
The major advantage is that you no longer need to renew your visa. With a Permanent Resident Visa, you can enjoy the freedom to stay in Japan indefinitely without the hassle of renewal applications, although it’s essential to be aware that deportation remains a possibility in the case of committing a crime.
2. You can stay through life's changes
Life happens, but your stay in Japan remains constant. Even in the face of a spouse’s passing or divorce, your Permanent Resident status ensures you can stay in Japan, providing peace of mind during challenging times.
3. Expanded scope of activities to engage In
As a Permanent Resident, you have the flexibility to engage in various activities without visa-related restrictions. There are no limitations on the types of jobs you can undertake, allowing you to participate in any occupation legally.
4. Easier access to loans
Holding a Permanent Resident Visa can significantly improve your financial standing by making it easier for you to obtain loans from banks. You will find it easier to access financial support for personal or entrepreneurial endeavors
Disadvantages of Permanent Resident Visa:
- Tax implications
- Exit Tax
- Losing parental accompaniment status
1. Tax implications
Over time, you may be required to pay taxes not only on your income in Japan but also on your global income. This could result in a higher tax bill, particularly if you possess significant income from overseas. Make sure to consult with your tax accountant for details.
2. Exit tax
Exit tax is applied to valuable financial assets, both within Japan and overseas, upon your permanent departure from Japan. Permanent Resident Visa holders may be subject to this tax, leading to potential financial implications, especially if you possess substantial assets.
3. Loss of parental accompaniment status
Attaining Permanent Resident Visa may render you ineligible for the parental accompaniment system. This change could impact high-skilled foreign workers with children under specific conditions, influencing their family’s immigration status.
The processing time for a Permanent Resident Visa application is typically 6-8 months, with instances where it could extend up to one year or even longer.
As the application review period is currently lengthening, we strongly recommend consulting with your immigration lawyer at the earliest opportunity.
At Small Seasons & Co., we specialize in visa application support and business setup services for foreign nationals. Our team is fully bilingual and proficient, ensuring a seamless and efficient handling of your case.
- By Saki Nakahara, Immigration Lawyer
- Last Updated:
Table of Contents
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