Permanent Residency Application Requirements and Document Self-Checklist [2026 Edition]
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Supervised by an Administrative Scrivener
Created based on official information from the Immigration Services Agency and practical experience. Last updated: April 2026.
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Permanent Residency Application
Requirements & Document Self-Checklist
Requirements & Document Self-Checklist
This checklist allows you to confirm your eligibility for permanent residency application item by item. Conditions are automatically filtered when you select an application route.
🚨 Latest Information for 2026: Significant Fee Increase Expected
A cabinet decision on March 10, 2026, indicates that the statutory maximum fee for permanent residency applications will be raised from the current 10,000 yen to 300,000 yen. We recommend taking action now to apply under the current fee (10,000 yen).
STEP 1｜Please select your application route
General Route
Work visa (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
Generally 10+ years
Generally 10+ years
Spouse Route
Spouse of Japanese national/permanent resident
Married for 3+ years
Married for 3+ years
Highly Skilled Professional 70 Points
70+ points
3+ years
3+ years
Highly Skilled Professional 80 Points
80+ points
1+ year (fastest)
1+ year (fastest)
General Route (Work Visa): This is the standard route for those holding work visas such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Business Manager, or Skilled Labor. In principle, continuous residency in Japan for 10 years or more (including 5 years or more under a work or residency status) is required.
STEP 2｜Please review each item and check the box
Completion Status
0 / 0 items
All requirements and documents have been confirmed!
Once you are ready, we recommend applying before the fee increase.
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Residency Period and Status Requirements
Required
RequiredHave continuously resided in Japan for 10 years or more
Among these, residency under a work or residential status must be 5 years or more. This can be verified with your residence card and entry/exit stamps in your passport.
RequiredCurrent period of stay is the maximum "5 years"
For Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, spouse, etc., "5 years" is required. As a transitional measure, "3 years" is also acceptable until March 31, 2027 (after which "5 years" will be mandatory).
RequiredNo long-term absences from Japan (6 months or more) during your period of stay
As a requirement for continuous residency, a long period of overseas residence is not allowed. Short business trips or returns to one's home country are generally not an issue.
Requirements for Good Conduct and National Interest
Required
RequiredHave not received a fine, imprisonment, or penal servitude in the past
Minor traffic violations (such as speeding) do not necessarily lead to disapproval, but if there has been any penalty more severe than a traffic ticket, consult with an expert.
RequiredNo history of immigration law violations or illegal employment
If there are past violations of status of residence, unauthorized activities, or overstays, it is necessary to consult with an expert before applying.
RequiredNot receiving public assistance such as welfare
The ability to maintain an independent livelihood is required. This is judged based on household income, including the spouse's income.
Payment Status of Taxes, Social Insurance, and Pensions
Most Important
RequiredPaid resident tax and income tax in full by the deadline for the past 5 years
Even one day of delinquency will result in a "negative assessment". Retroactive payment will not improve the assessment. Verify with tax certificates (for the past 5 years).
RequiredPaid health insurance and employee pension premiums in full by the deadline for the past 2 years
This has been a mandatory check item since the 2024 guideline revision. Any period of unpaid premiums carries a high risk of disapproval. Verify with your pension statement (Nenkin Teiki-bin) or at a pension office.
RequiredFulfilled all notification obligations (e.g., when changing jobs) by the deadline
Check if there are any outstanding notifications for changes in affiliation or address. Failure to notify will be a significant negative assessment if discovered during screening.
Stable annual income of 3 million yen or more (guideline)
While there are no clear official standards, an annual income of 3 million yen or more is a practical guideline. Higher income may be required if there are many dependents. Verify with withholding tax statements from the past 3 years.
Readiness of Required Documents
Document Check
DocumentApplication for Permanent Residency (with photo attached)
Download the latest form from the Immigration Services Agency website. Photo size: 4cm x 3cm (taken within 6 months).
DocumentLetter of Reason (Reason for desiring permanent residency)
This is a core document for screening. Describe your ties to Japan, contributions, and future life plans concretely. It is free-form, but the richness of its content affects the screening.
DocumentGuarantor's Letter (Request from a Japanese national, permanent resident, or special permanent resident)
The guarantor must be a Japanese citizen, permanent resident, or special permanent resident residing in Japan. The guarantor's own certificate of residence and income certificate are also required.
DocumentCertificate of Residence (for all household members, with relationship listed)
Issued within the last 3 months. Must include all household members and their relationships. Can be issued at convenience stores (My Number Card required).
DocumentCertificate of Taxation and Certificate of Tax Payment for Resident Tax (for the last 5 years)
Five years are required, more than for other visa applications. Issued by the city/ward office. Even a single missing year will affect the review.
DocumentCertificate of Public Pension Enrollment and Premium Payment (for the last 2 years)
Issued by Nenkin Teikibin (pension regular mail) or the pension office. Required document starting from the 2024 revision.
DocumentCertificate of Public Health Insurance Premium Payment (for the last 2 years)
Issued by the health insurance society or city/ward office. Also required from 2024.
DocumentCertificate of Employment and Employment Contract from your workplace
To prove current employment status and income. Request from your employer as early as possible.
DocumentWithholding Tax Statement for the last 3 years
Document showing stability and continuity of income. Obtain from your employer.
DocumentBank Balance Certificate (Optional)
Effective as supplementary proof of asset status. Especially effective if annual income is low or there are many dependents.
💴 Application Fee (Revenue Stamp)
Current Fee
¥10,000
Payable upon permission (not at time of application)
Increased Fee (Planned)
Up to ¥300,000
Expected to be implemented within FY2026
📖 Detailed Article
How to Get a Permanent Resident Visa (Permanent Residence Permit) - Conditions and Review Points
Read more about review points and cases of rejection →
🔍 Diagnostic Tool
Permanent Residence Requirement Checker [Question Format]
Diagnose if you can apply in 2 minutes →
Why not leave your permanent residence application preparation to VisaSHOGUN?
For those who want to act before the fee increase or are unsure about preparing the statement of reasons, start with a free consultation. Professional plans with administrative scrivener support are also available.
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