Obtaining permanent residency (PR) is a major milestone for many foreign nationals living in Japan long-term. With PR status, you are no longer required to renew your visa and are free from employment restrictions. It also opens up more opportunities—for example, applying for home loans, accessing educational support schemes, and providing greater stability for your family.

In regions like Shiga Prefecture and Kyoto City, where the number of foreign residents continues to grow, demand for permanent residency applications is increasing. However, approval is not granted simply because you’ve lived in Japan for a long time. The application is subject to strict screening criteria.

In this article, I will explain the PR application process from the perspective of a qualified administrative lawyer (gyoseishoshi), focusing on the requirements and special considerations for applicants living in Shiga and Kyoto.

Basic Requirements for Permanent Residency

Residency Duration

In principle, applicants must have resided in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years, including at least 5 years under a work-permitting visa such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.

Certain applicants (e.g. spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents) may qualify under relaxed criteria.

Good Conduct

Authorities will review your conduct, including any criminal record, traffic violations, and overdue taxes or insurance. Even minor offences may impact your application, especially if repeated. Recently, pension and health insurance payments have also come under closer scrutiny.

Financial Stability

You must be financially self-sufficient. As a general guideline, an annual income of at least ¥3 million for individuals, and ¥4–5 million for families is recommended. This can be demonstrated through payslips, tax records, and bank statements.

Stability of Residence Status

You must have been responsibly engaged in your permitted activities under your current visa. Frequent changes in visa status or jobs may negatively affect your evaluation.

Regional Considerations in Shiga and Kyoto

Shiga Prefecture: Local Circumstances

In Shiga, foreign workers are concentrated in cities like Hikone, Kusatsu, and Otsu. Many applicants are engineers or former technical trainees. In some cities, the required documentation may vary slightly, making it especially helpful to consult a local legal professional familiar with regional practices.

Kyoto City: Important Notes

Kyoto has a large population of international students and residents through marriage. The Kyoto Immigration Office offers multilingual support, but documentation standards remain high. In culturally complex cases (e.g. religious practices or family ties abroad), thorough explanations and solid evidence are essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Permanent Residency Application

Although the process may appear simple, each step requires careful attention—from document preparation to submission and screening. Below is a practical breakdown for applicants living in Shiga or Kyoto.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Key points to review include:

• Years of residence in Japan (10 years for most applicants; special rules for Highly Skilled Professionals)

• Current visa status and validity (applications from individuals with a 1-year visa are generally not accepted. You must hold a current residence card with a 3-year or 5-year period of stay at the time of application.)

• Annual income, employment type, and tax status

• Conduct history (e.g. traffic violations, criminal record)

A consultation with an administrative lawyer can help assess whether you’re eligible now or what you may still be missing.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You may need around 50 documents depending on your visa type, family situation, and occupation. Typical documents include:

• Application form (MOJ format)

• Passport or residence certificate (Certificate of Eligibility)

• Income/tax certificates (住民税の納税証明書 and 課税証明書 for the past 5 years, showing both income and tax payment status)

• Certificate of employment or tax return documents

• Withholding slips (for salaried workers)

• Residence card

• Family documents (e.g. Japanese spouse's family register)

• Photo (4cm × 3cm)

  
  

Note:

• Many documents must be issued within 3 months before submission. You may need to reissue them before filing.

• If documents from your home country are required (e.g. birth certificate), a Japanese translation and translator’s details must be attached.

Step 3: Prepare and Organise Your Documents

Once all documents are ready, they must be carefully checked, ordered, and filed for submission.

If working with a legal professional, the following support is available:

• Cross-checking for consistency and accuracy

• Writing supporting documents (e.g. statement of purpose, life history)

• Labelling and arranging documents in the correct order

• Preparing a checklist for immigration submission

Step 4: Submit to the Immigration Office (Shiga & Kyoto)

Applicants must submit their documents in person at the local immigration office. Postal submissions are not accepted.

In Shiga:

• Otsu Immigration Office (walkable from JR Otsu Station)

In Kyoto:

• Kyoto Branch Office (near JR Tambaguchi Station)

Bring:

• All completed documents

• Residence card and passport (originals must be shown)

No appointment is required, but early arrival is advised due to possible queues.

Step 5: Screening Period

Although the official standard processing time is 4 months, in practice it often takes 6–18 months.

During this time, the Immigration Bureau may:

• Request additional documents

• Call you for clarification

• Visit your home or workplace

Important:

• You must renew your current visa if it expires while your PR application is being reviewed.

• If you change jobs or move house, notify Immigration immediately.

Step 6: Notification of Results

You will be notified by postcard or phone.

• If approved: You’ll receive a new Permanent Resident Residence Card. Bring the ¥10,000 stamp to receive it.

• If denied: No detailed explanation in writing is provided. Work with a legal expert to understand why and plan a resubmission strategy.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Document Errors

The most common issues are incomplete or incorrect documents. Even small errors—like expired certificates or missing translations—can delay or derail your application.

Low Income at Time of Application

If your current income is slightly below the guideline, stable earnings in past years or significant savings may help. Analyse your financial situation carefully in advance.

Conduct Concerns

Even minor traffic violations or unpaid National Health Insurance may affect your chances. Try to resolve these issues before applying.

Why Work with an Administrative Lawyer?

The PR application process involves numerous documents and strict evaluation criteria. Getting expert support can significantly increase your chances of success.

Benefits of professional support include:

• Avoiding common documentation errors

• Providing alternative documents or explanations for borderline cases

• Reducing the burden of dealing with Immigration directly

In Shiga and Kyoto, each office has local quirks. Consulting a lawyer familiar with your region helps ensure a smoother application process.

Final Thoughts

Applying for permanent residency is a major step toward building a stable life in Japan. However, approval is not guaranteed—even with long-term residency.

Applicants in Shiga and Kyoto should be aware of local practices and ensure they fully understand and meet the requirements. If you're unsure at any stage, consulting a legal professional is highly recommended.

💬 Initial consultations are free—feel free to get in touch anytime.