Japan Permanent Residency Eligibility Checker [2026] | VisaSHOGUN

🏛️ Supervised by a Licensed Administrative Scrivener ｜ Updated for 2026 Requirements

Are You Ready to Apply for
Permanent Residency?

Answer 9 quick questions to check whether you meet the requirements for permanent residency in Japan.
Takes about 2 minutes.

Question 1 of 9
STEP 1 / 8
What is your current residence status (visa type)?
The number of years required — and whether a fast-track route is available — depends on your visa type. Check your Residence Card to confirm.
STEP 2 / 8
How long have you lived continuously in Japan?
For work visas and Long-Term Residents: a minimum of 10 years is generally required (including at least 5 years on a work or residence-based status).
STEP 3 / 8
Is the period of stay on your current Residence Card "3 years" or "5 years"?
Applying for permanent residency requires holding the maximum available period of stay for your visa type (e.g. "5 years" for Engineer/HSP and Spouse visas; varies for other types).
※ As a transitional measure until March 31, 2027, a "3-year" period of stay is also accepted.
STEP 4 / 8
What was your gross annual income in the most recent year?
You can find this figure in the "Payment Amount" field on your withholding tax slip (gensen chōshūhyō). The stability and continuity of your income will also be assessed.
万円 (¥10,000 units)
How many dependents do you support (spouse, children, etc.)?
STEP 5 / 8
Have you paid all resident tax and income tax on time for the past 3 years?
Even a single late or missed payment is a significant negative mark in the review. You can verify your payment record using your certificate of tax assessment and certificate of tax payment.
STEP 6 / 8
Have you paid all health insurance and pension contributions (Employees' Pension or National Pension) on time for the past 2 years?
Since 2019, health insurance and pension payment records have been mandatory verification items in the permanent residency review. You can confirm your record using a Certificate of Social Insurance Premium Payment.
STEP 7 / 8
Have you ever received a fine, prison sentence, or paid a traffic violation penalty?
A fine or prison sentence is a serious negative mark under the good conduct requirement. Minor traffic violations (on-the-spot fines / blue ticket) are generally not an issue, but violations resulting in a criminal fine (red ticket) are a concern.
STEP 8 / 9
Have you properly fulfilled all notification obligations, such as reporting changes of address, employer, or name?
Moving house, changing jobs, or changing your name (e.g. after marriage) must all be reported within 14 days. Failing to file these notifications can be a problem in the review.
STEP 9 / 9
How would you describe your Japanese language ability?
⚠️ [Planned for April 2027] Japanese language proficiency is expected to become a permanent residency requirement
Under the revised Immigration Control Act (expected to take effect April 2027), proficiency sufficient for daily life and administrative procedures (anticipated to be around JLPT N4–N3) is being positioned as a mandatory requirement. It is not currently part of the assessment, but if you are considering applying, we recommend starting preparation early.
📋 Detailed Check Results
Get a Free In-Depth Assessment of Your Situation
This checker provides a quick preliminary estimate only. The actual review depends on your individual circumstances. Our licensed scrivener will assess your situation in detail at no charge.
Start Your Free Consultation →
Free consultation · No obligation to proceed
※ This checker is based on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan's official guidelines (revised February 2026) and current practical standards, but does not guarantee the outcome of a permanent residency application. The income assessment reflects practical operational benchmarks; the actual review is subject to the agency's comprehensive discretion. Please consult a licensed administrative scrivener for detailed advice.

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❓ Common questions
Is the initial consultation free?
Yes — your first enquiry and consultation are completely free of charge.
Can you help with any type of visa?
We handle all major visa categories — work visas, spouse visas, permanent residence, and more.
Do you respond in English?
Absolutely. We respond fully in English (and Vietnamese). You don't need to write in Japanese.