Permanent Residency Support
Live in Japan with peace of mind
- no more visa renewals.
If you’ve made Japan your home and want to stay long-term, applying for Permanent Residency is a major step forward. It frees you from the hassle of visa renewals and opens more doors for work and life in Japan. However, the application process can be complex, and many people feel unsure about whether they meet the requirements or how to prepare the necessary documents.
As a bilingual administrative lawyer, I provide full English support and stand by your side throughout the entire process.
What Is Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency allows you to stay in Japan indefinitely, without needing to renew your visa. You can also:
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Change jobs or start your own business without restrictions
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Sponsor family members more easily
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Enjoy greater stability and flexibility in your daily life
Unlike temporary visa renewals, permanent residency is granted only once, but the requirements are strict - especially regarding your stay history, income, taxes, and conduct.
Common Requirements
While the details vary, general requirements include:
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Around 10 years of residence in Japan
(shorter for spouses/children of Japanese nationals or highly skilled professionals) -
Stable income
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Good conduct (no criminal or immigration violations) and properly fulfilled public duties (taxes, pensions, etc.)
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Stable residency status (you should currently hold a visa status that allows the maximum period of stay available under your visa category)
Even if you're unsure whether you qualify, feel free to contact me - I’ll give you honest feedback on your current situation.
My Support Process
01.
Free Initial Consultation
I begin with a friendly, no-obligation consultation to understand your situation, explain the requirements, and assess your eligibility. Consultations are available online or in person, in English or Japanese.
02.
Contract & Initial Payment
If you decide to proceed, I will prepare a service agreement and request an initial payment before beginning work. This ensures I can dedicate the necessary time and care to your application.
03.
Document Checklist & Application Preparation
You will receive a personalised checklist and full guidance on what documents to submit. I will help you complete all necessary forms, draft your personal statement, and gather supporting materials.
Where required, I also assist with translation and Japanese-language documentation.
04.
Submission to Immigration
As a certified administrative/immigration lawyer, I can submit your application on your behalf. You won’t need to visit the Immigration Office in person.
Once the final balance has been paid, I will get your new Residence Card to you immediately, should your application be approved.
05.
Follow-up & Ongoing Communication
I will remain in contact with Immigration during the review process, handle any requests for additional documents, and keep you informed every step of the way. You are never left wondering what’s happening.
06.
Result & Re-application Support
If your application is approved, I will guide you through the next steps and ensure that all formalities are properly completed.
If your application is not approved, I will help you carefully review your documents and circumstances to identify possible reasons based on available information. If appropriate, I will support you in preparing one re-application at no additional charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much income do I need to apply?
There’s no official minimum income, but you must demonstrate financial stability - typically through your tax records and salary slips.
As a rough guideline, an annual income of around ¥3 million or more for a single person is considered sufficient. I will help you assess your documents in detail.
Q2: How long does the application process take?
Although the official processing time is stated as around 4 months, in practice it often takes over a year - and in some cases, up to 12 to 18 months depending on your situation.
During this time, it’s essential to ensure that your current residence status does not expire. If your residence status is nearing its expiration date, you must renew it as usual - even while your permanent residency application is under review.
I will support you throughout the entire period and liaise with Immigration if any follow-up is required.
Q3: What should I do if my application is not approved?
If your application is not approved, don’t worry - this is not the end of the road. I will carefully review the reason for the refusal and explain it to you in clear terms.
In many cases, you can reapply after strengthening certain areas (e.g. income, tax records, residency period). I also offer re-application support at no additional fee if appropriate.