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For those who wish to live in Japan stably for a long time, the “Permanent Resident” Status of Residence is a significant goal. Once permanent residence is granted, there is no need to renew the Period of Stay, and work restrictions are removed. However, the hurdle for permission is high among all Statuses of Residence, and in principle, it requires fulfilling multiple requirements, such as staying for 10 years or more, and proper payment of taxes and social insurance premiums. In this article, an Administrative Scrivener will clearly organize the three legal requirements for Permanent Residence, necessary documents, and the application process, based on primary information from the Immigration Services Agency (isa.moj.go.jp). Additionally, we will explain the latest developments: the fee revision that took effect on October 1, 2026 (200,000 yen for Permanent Residence), and the expansion of grounds for revocation of Permanent Residence to be enforced in 2027.
“Permanent Resident” is one of the Statuses of Residence stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (hereinafter, Immigration Control Act). Obtaining permission offers significant benefits such as the following:
There is a similar system called “Naturalization,” but the two are fundamentally different. Permanent Residence is a Status of Residence that allows you to stay in Japan indefinitely while retaining foreign nationality, whereas Naturalization is a procedure to acquire Japanese nationality. While naturalizing grants you voting rights, etc., you generally lose your original nationality. Permanent Residence is chosen by those who “don’t insist on Japanese nationality but want to gain stability of stay.”
📌 Difference between Permanent Residence and Naturalization (briefly): Permanent Residence = stabilizing your stay while retaining foreign nationality / Naturalization = acquiring Japanese nationality. This article explains the “Permanent Resident” Status of Residence (Application for Permission for Permanent Residence).
Under the Immigration Control Act, to obtain Permission for Permanent Residence, you must, in principle, meet all of the following three requirements (Immigration Control Act Article 22). The Immigration Services Agency’s “Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (Revised on February 24, 2026)” provide the criteria for judgment.
| Requirement | Meaning (Guideline’s Interpretation) |
|---|---|
| ① Good conduct | Comply with laws and lead a life that is not socially criticized as a resident in daily life. |
| ② Sufficient assets or skills to support an independent livelihood | Not become a public burden in daily life, and be expected to lead a stable life in the future based on assets, skills, etc. (judged primarily on a household basis). |
| ③ The person’s permanent residence conforms to the interests of Japan (National Interest Suitability) | Comprehensively meet requirements such as a history of staying for 10 years in principle, fulfillment of public obligations, and public health considerations. |
Note that for a Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Permanent Resident, or Special Permanent Resident, requirements ① (good conduct) and ② (independent livelihood) may be partially relaxed or exempted. In the next Chapter 3, we will look in detail at the Period of Stay requirement, which is the most common stumbling block in practice, among the “③ National Interest Suitability” requirement.
Central to the National Interest Suitability requirement are the rules regarding the Period of Stay. The guidelines stipulate the following in principle:
There is an important point to note here. When counting the “5 years of work,” the period of stay under the Status of Residence “Technical Intern Training” and “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” is not counted towards these 5 years. Even for those who have worked for a long time as Technical Intern Trainees or Specified Skilled Worker (i), it is important to note that this period is not counted towards the “5 years of work.”
On the other hand, special provisions are established for individuals of certain statuses or positions, which shorten the 10-year Period of Stay. The main ones are summarized below.
| Target | Special Provision for Period of Stay (Principle) |
|---|---|
| Spouse of Japanese National, Permanent Resident, or Special Permanent Resident | Having a substantive marriage that has continued for 3 years or more, and having continuously stayed for 1 year or more. |
| Their biological child or special adopted child | Having continuously stayed in Japan for 1 year or more. |
| Those with the “Long-Term Resident” Status of Residence | Having continuously stayed for 5 years or more after obtaining permission as a Long-Term Resident. |
| Recognized refugees / Complementary protection beneficiaries | Having continuously stayed for 5 years or more after recognition. |
| Highly Skilled Professional / Highly Skilled Personnel | Staying for 3 years or more with 70 points or more, or 1 year or more with 80 points or more (special provisions according to points). |
Which category you fall into and when you can apply depends on your history of stay and family composition. If you are unsure, it is advisable to consult with a specialist, including regarding the application timing.
In recent Permanent Resident applications, particular emphasis is placed on whether public obligations are properly fulfilled. As part of the national interest suitability requirements, the guidelines require the proper fulfillment of the following obligations:
What is often overlooked here is the “payment deadline“. The guidelines state that even if payments have been made by the time of application, if they were not paid by the original deadline, they will generally be evaluated negatively. In other words, it is not always the case that “it’s okay because I paid it all later”. Consistently making payments by the deadline is the shortest path to Permission for Permanent Residence.
🔎 In Permanent Resident applications, not only “whether you paid” but also “whether you paid by the deadline” is scrutinized. Please note that “accidental delays” in pension, insurance premiums, and taxes can easily lead to denial.
Furthermore, the guidelines also include a note regarding transitional measures until March 31, 2027 for the payment of public pension and public medical insurance. As the details of handling may be revised, it is recommended to check the latest guidelines before applying.
Applications for Permission for Permanent Residence are submitted to the regional Immigration Services Agency office with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence (e.g., Fukuoka Immigration Services Agency Miyazaki Branch Office for residents of Miyazaki Prefecture). The required documents vary in detail depending on the Status of Residence and personal relationships, but the main ones are as follows:
The standard processing period from application to result is said to be approximately four months, but it can actually take more than six months. Even if the application is denied, it is possible to confirm the reasons and then prepare the requirements for a re-application. However, analyzing the reasons for denial requires a specialized perspective.
📅 Steps for Preparing an Application for Permission for Permanent Residence
For those considering Permanent Resident status in 2026, a point you must be aware of is the revision of fees for immigration procedures. The Act Partially Amending the Immigration Control Act (Act No. 32 of 2026) was promulgated on June 5, 2026 (Reiwa 8), and the Order for Enforcement of the amended Immigration Control Act (Cabinet Order No. 268 of 2026), which sets the actual amounts, was promulgated on August 28 of the same year. It took effect on October 1, 2026.
| Procedure | Before revision (applications accepted up to September 30, 2026) | After revision (from October 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Permission for Permanent Residence | 10,000 yen | 200,000 yen (Counter applications only) |
| Application for Change of Status of Residence / Application for Extension of Period of Stay | 6,000 yen | 10,000 to 75,000 yen depending on Period of Stay (online applications receive a discount) |
The fee for Application for Permission for Permanent Residence has been raised from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. It applies to applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8). For applications accepted up to September 30, 2026, the former 10,000 yen applies even if permission is granted in October or later (the basis is the date of application, not the date of permission).
⚠️ “300,000 yen” and “200,000 yen” are different things: The 300,000 yen set by Article 67, paragraph 1 of the amended Immigration Control Act is a statutory upper limit, not the amount actually paid. The amount actually paid is the 200,000 yen set by the cabinet order (Order for Enforcement of the amended Immigration Control Act = Cabinet Order No. 268 of 2026). For details on the fee revision, please also refer to our firm’s explanatory article: “Immigration Services Fee Revised on October 1st | Old Fees Apply Until September 30th“.
For applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026, the Fee for Application for Permission for Permanent Residence is now 200,000 yen. Because the cost has gone up, the burden of applying before the requirements are firmly met and receiving a Denial is also greater. Please make a judgment based on your own preparation status.
Another significant development is the expansion of grounds for revocation of Status of Residence for Permanent Residents due to the Immigration Law Amendment in Reiwa 6 (2024). This amendment was promulgated on June 21, Reiwa 6 (2024), and it has been stipulated by government ordinance that it will be enforced from April 1, Reiwa 9 (2027) (on the same day as the establishment of the Employment for Skill Development (ESD; Japanese: Ikusei Shuro) Program).
With this amendment, the following new cases will be added as grounds for revocation of Status of Residence for Permanent Residents:
This amendment means that being a Permanent Resident will no longer guarantee absolute security. Nevertheless, there is no need to be overly anxious. Normally, there will be no issues if you consistently pay your taxes and social insurance premiums by the deadline and properly submit notifications such as changes of residence. It is important to continue fulfilling public obligations appropriately even after obtaining Permanent Residence.
👤 We will summarize the key points that those aiming for Permanent Residence should be aware of starting today.
🏢 For companies employing foreign talent, employees obtaining Permanent Residence is also an important topic.
When considering the retention of foreign talent, creating an environment where employees have the option of Permanent Residence leads to an increase in a company’s recruitment and retention capabilities.
It depends on your objective. Permanent Residence is a system to stabilize your stay while retaining foreign nationality, while Naturalization is a system to acquire Japanese nationality. If you do not wish to change your nationality, Permanent Residence is an option; if you wish to obtain rights as a Japanese national (such as voting rights), Naturalization is an option. Which is more appropriate needs to be considered based on your individual circumstances.
While they are included in the “10 consecutive years of Status of Residence,” the Period of Stay for Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i) is not counted when calculating “5 years or more under a work Status of Residence.” If you aim for Permanent Residence from these Status of Residence, the Period of Stay after transitioning to a work Status of Residence (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or Specified Skilled Worker (ii)) becomes important.
A single delay does not immediately make it impossible, but the guidelines generally evaluate cases where payments were not made by the deadline negatively. From now on, it is essential to ensure on-time payments, and depending on the situation, individual judgment is required, such as applying after a certain period. Please consult with a professional.
Yes. Under the Order for Enforcement of the amended Immigration Control Act (Cabinet Order No. 268 of 2026, promulgated August 28, 2026), the Application Fee for Permission for Permanent Residence became ¥200,000 from October 1, 2026. It applies to applications accepted on or after October 1; for applications accepted up to September 30, 2026, the fee remains ¥10,000 even if permission is granted in October or later. Note that the ¥300,000 set by the Act (Article 67, paragraph 1 of the Immigration Control Act) is an upper limit, and the amount actually paid is ¥200,000.
Not necessarily. With the Law Revision in Reiwa 6 (2024), from April 1, 2027, intentional non-payment of public dues (taxes, social insurance premiums, etc.) will be added as a ground for revocation of a Permanent Resident’s Status of Residence. However, if you consistently pay your taxes and social insurance premiums appropriately and submit necessary notifications, there is usually no need to worry.
Yes. Our office, based in Miyazaki City, provides consultations regarding Status of Residence. We support you from checking your period of stay to preparing necessary documents and drafting application forms. Please start with a free consultation.
Application for Permission for Permanent Residence is a high-hurdle Status of Residence that generally requires a 10-year period of stay and fulfillment of three legal requirements (good conduct, independent livelihood, and conformity to national interests). Especially in recent years, emphasis has been placed on on-time payment of taxes and social insurance premiums, and fulfillment of notification obligations. Additionally, 2026 will see continued significant developments, such as the fee revision (200,000 yen for Permanent Resident, in force from October 1, 2026) and the expansion of grounds for revocation of Permanent Resident Status, effective in Reiwa 9 (2027). Identifying the right time to meet the requirements and consistently fulfilling public obligations are key to obtaining Permanent Resident Status and ensuring stability thereafter. If you are unsure about your own case, please consult with an expert early.
Our office provides consultations to both foreign nationals and accepting companies, based on the latest institutional trends.
Please feel free to use our free consultation service first.
Before you submit, let us take a look.
Free Immigration Pre-Submission Check ›
For those who will apply for a status of residence at the Immigration Services Bureau by themselves. Before you submit, we check your application form and supporting documents and tell you about any missing documents and points to watch. We accept checks online (Google Meet, about 20 minutes) or via LINE.
・Eligible: applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence and extension of period of stay (applications for permanent residence are accepted only from residents of Miyazaki Prefecture). Naturalization is not covered.
・Online (Google Meet): once per application. Replies via LINE: available for the same application until you submit it.
・Our guideline for replies via LINE is, in principle, within 2 business days (we are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; replies may take longer when we are busy).
・Please send copies of your documents by LINE or email. For your residence card, send the front side only; please do not send the side showing your My Number.
・What we tell you is our office’s opinion. It does not guarantee approval; the outcome depends on the decision of the Immigration Services Bureau.
・We only point out missing documents and points to watch. We do not prepare or rewrite your application documents for you or draft text for them, and we do not tell you whether your application is likely to be approved (if you would like to engage us, we will introduce the Self-Prep Course, the Light Plan and the Standard Plan).
・If we find that a document contains information that is not true, or that the application is not your own (or a family member’s), we will decline the check.
This article is written based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Details of the system and implementation dates may change in the future. For actual applications, please confirm with the official information from the Immigration Services Agency or our office.
Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
