How to obtain permanent resident status?
Foreigners married to Japanese nationals have the right to obtain “Permanent Resident Status. However, just because you are “entitled” does not mean that you will automatically obtain permanent resident status. In order to do so, you must clear a strict screening process after preparing and submitting an application and other necessary documents.
What is permanent residence?
For example, if Mr. A, a foreigner living in Japan on a work visa, marries Ms. B, a Japanese national, he/she can change his/her status of residence to that of “spouse, etc.”. The changed status of residence is what is commonly referred to as “Permanent Resident Status (Permanent Resident Status).
To obtain this “permanent resident status,” the spouse of a Japanese national, spouse of a permanent resident, spouse of a special permanent resident, biological child of a Japanese national (including special adoption), biological child of a permanent resident, or biological child of a special permanent resident must submit an application form and necessary documents to the Immigration Bureau and obtain permission.
However, even if Mr. A obtains this “permanent resident status,” it does not mean that he will acquire Japanese nationality. His nationality will remain that of a foreign national. It only means that he/she has acquired the right to reside permanently in Japan.
If Mr. A wishes to become a Japanese citizen, he must apply for naturalization. If this application is approved, Mr. A can acquire Japanese citizenship, but at the same time, he will lose his existing nationality. This is because dual citizenship is not allowed in Japan.
What documents are required for the application?
In order to obtain permanent resident status, the following documents must be prepared, collected, and submitted or presented to the Immigration Bureau.
(1) Application form for permanent residence
(2) A photograph (4 cm x 3 cm)
(3) Documents proving your identity (one of the following)
・A copy of the spouse’s family register (certificate of all items) (1 copy)
(*If the applicant is the spouse of a Japanese national)
・A copy of the family register (certificate of all items) of the parent (Japanese national)
（A copy of the family register of the parent (Japanese national) (if the applicant is a child of Japanese national)
・Marriage certificate of the applicant’s spouse or equivalent (1 copy)
（Marriage certificate or equivalent (if the applicant is the spouse of a permanent resident)
・Birth certificate or equivalent document (proving the relationship between the applicant and the Permanent Resident or Special Permanent Resident) (1 copy)
(*If the applicant is a child of a permanent resident or special permanent resident)
(4) Residence certificates for all family members (household) including the applicant (1 copy)
(5) A document certifying the occupation of the applicant or his/her dependents (1 copy)
Certificate of employment, copy of tax return or business license (self-employed), etc.
(6) Income and tax certificates of the applicant or his/her dependent(s) (for the last 3 years)
(7) Certificate of payment of public pension and insurance premiums for the applicant or his/her dependent(s)
(8) Passport or Certificate of Eligibility (to be presented)
(9) Resident card (to be presented)
(etter of Guarantee (1 copy), Copy of Driver’s License, etc. (1 copy)
(11) Document proving identification (to be presented)
(12) Letter of understanding (1 copy)
(13)Fee (8,000 yen)
What are the important points to keep in mind when applying for permanent residence?
As with any other application, never make false statements or falsify documents. If you submit a false statement or falsified document in your application, you will naturally not be granted permission. If the falsification is discovered after the permit is granted, the permit will be revoked.
In addition, the examination of an application for a permanent residence permit takes longer than that of other applications, six months or even longer in some cases. Therefore, if you wish to change from another status of residence to permanent residence, you must file your application with sufficient time left before the expiration date of your current status of residence.
In addition, a “Letter of Guarantee” is required to apply for permanent residence. In other words, the applicant must have a “guarantor.
This “guarantor” can be a parent, sibling, spouse, friend/acquaintance, or supervisor at work who has permanent resident status in Japan. In addition, the “guarantor” must have an annual income of at least 3 million yen and be in compliance with tax obligations.
Conclusion
Permanent residence” is literally the right to continue living in Japan for a long time. Moreover, there are no restrictions on working. However, because of this, the screening process is more rigorous than for other residence statuses. You need to be very careful when preparing your application and collecting documents.
