Permanent Residency

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. Highly Skilled Professionals (HSPs) can apply after 1 or 3 years depending on points. 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. Late payments of residence tax (住民税) or short gaps in pension payments can lead to rejection. 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 (you must hold a 3- or 5-year visa) 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 typically several dozen documents depending on your situation. Typical documents include: Application form (MOJ format) Residence certificate (including all household members) Income/tax certificates (past 3 years: the Immigration Bureau now prefers “納税証明書その1 &amp; その2” from the tax office in addition to city certificates.) Certificate of employment or tax return documents Withholding slips (for salaried workers) Copies of residence card and passport 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 &amp; 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) Revenue stamp worth ¥8,000 (only payable if approved) 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 in in exceptional cases 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 ¥8,000 stamp to receive it. If denied: No written explanation 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.

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