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Permanent Residence Application

The permanent residence application changes your current status of residence to 'Permanent Resident'. Required documents vary by visa type and employment status. The review period is often several months to over a year; check the agency's latest published processing times for current estimates.

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Documents needed

✓Permanent Residence Application form (download from Immigration Services Agency website)
✓Ryokai-sho / Statement of Understanding (confirming your obligations as a permanent resident)
✓Passport-style photo (4cm × 3cm) × 1 — not required for applicants under 16
✓Statement of reasons (why you need permanent residence)
✓Passport (present original; submit copy)
✓Residence Card (present original; submit copy)
✓Juminhyo / Resident Certificate (all household members, no My Number, issued within 3 months)
✓Letter of guarantee (from a permanent resident or Japanese national living in Japan)
✓National tax payment certificate / Nozei shomei-sho Form 3 — covers all 5 tax categories; certifies no outstanding balance as of the application date (obtain from tax office or e-Tax)
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Steps

1

Check the latest required documents list on the Immigration Services Agency website and download the application form and Statement of Understanding

2

Obtain a Juminhyo and municipal tax certificates (assessment and payment, required years) from your local city/ward office. Also obtain a national tax payment certificate (Form 3) from your tax office or via e-Tax

3

Obtain a pension payment certificate from your pension office and a health insurance payment certificate from your insurer or ward office

4
Company employee

Request an employment certificate, pay slips (last 3 months), and withholding tax slip (last 3 years) from your employer

5
Self-employed

Prepare tax return copies (last 3 years) and business performance records / contracts

6

Ask your guarantor (a permanent resident or Japanese national living in Japan) to complete the Letter of Guarantee

7

Write a Statement of Reasons explaining why you need permanent residence (length of stay, life foundations, contributions to Japanese society, etc.)

8

Prepare a passport-style photo (4cm × 3cm, white background, taken within 3 months) — not required for applicants under 16

9

Bring all documents to the immigration office counter in person to submit (postal submission — confirm with your regional office first)

10

Wait for the result (often several months to over a year; check the agency's latest monthly processing time data for current estimates)

11

Once you receive the approval notice, collect your Permanent Resident residence card at the designated counter (a ¥10,000 revenue stamp fee is required after approval)

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Important notes

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As a general rule, you must be residing in Japan under a status with the maximum period of stay (3 or 5 years). It is not sufficient to simply have more than 1 year remaining on your current visa

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Certificates issued in Japan are generally required to be issued within 3 months of the application date

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You may continue living in Japan under your current status during the review period (tokureikikan). If your visa expires during the review, you will also need to file a separate renewal application

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Any unpaid municipal tax, pension, or health insurance premiums significantly increases the chance of rejection. Verify your payment status before applying

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The application itself is free of charge, but a ¥10,000 revenue stamp fee is required after your application is approved (applicable to applications accepted on or after April 1, 2025)

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