Permanent Residence in Japan: Am I Eligible?
Answer Box
General requirement: 10+ years in Japan with 5+ years on a work/residence visa. Must demonstrate stable income (approx. 3 million+ yen/year), no criminal record, consistent tax and pension payments. Exceptions exist for spouses, highly skilled professionals, and long-term residents.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Standard Route | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Residency | 10+ years in Japan | At least 5 years on work/residence status |
| Current Visa | 3-year or 5-year visa | Longest available period for your category |
| Income | Stable, sufficient | Generally 3 million+ yen/year (household) |
| Tax Compliance | All taxes paid on time | Income tax, resident tax, no late payments |
| Pension/Health Insurance | All premiums current | National Pension and Health Insurance paid |
| Criminal Record | None | No arrests, traffic violations may be considered |
| Good Conduct | Required | No immigration violations, stable employment |
Who Can Apply Earlier?
Spouse of Japanese National
Married 3+ years and living in Japan 1+ year — see our spouse route guide for details.
Highly Skilled Professional
With 80+ points on the HSP scale: eligible after 1 year. With 70+ points: eligible after 3 years.
Long-Term Resident
5+ years of continuous residence with stable employment may qualify under relaxed criteria.
Self-Assessment Checklist
- ☐ 10+ years in Japan (5+ on work visa)
- ☐ Hold 3-year or 5-year visa currently
- ☐ Annual income 3 million+ yen
- ☐ All taxes paid on time (past 5 years)
- ☐ National Pension paid (past 2 years, no gaps)
- ☐ Health insurance premiums current
- ☐ No criminal record or immigration violations
Q: Do student years count toward the 10 years?
Yes, student years count toward the 10-year total, but you need at least 5 years on a work or residence visa (not student visa). Student years alone are not sufficient.
Q: I missed a pension payment — can I still apply?
Immigration checks the past 2 years of pension records closely. A single late payment may not disqualify you, but a pattern of missed payments will. Pay any arrears before applying and wait for a clean 2-year record.
※ This article is for informational purposes only. Immigration policy may change. Consult an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.
