2025-08-30

Permanent residency refers to the right to live permanently in Japan. Foreign nationals holding this status have no restrictions on their period of stay and are free to choose any occupation. How can one determine whether a foreign national residing in Japan holds permanent residency?

What is Permanent Residency?

Permanent residency, as the name suggests, is the “right for a foreign national to reside permanently in Japan.”

Foreign nationals can work in Japan by holding a work-related visa. If that individual has resided in Japan for over 10 years and meets certain requirements, such as holding a valid residence status for over 5 years, they can apply for “Permanent Residence Permission.”

If granted, they obtain what is commonly referred to as “permanent residency.” This removes restrictions on the length of stay. It also generally eliminates restrictions on employment. In essence, it allows them to live a life very similar to that of Japanese citizens.

How to Verify Permanent Residency

Foreign nationals residing in Japan for the medium to long term are issued a “Residence Card.”

This “Residence Card” displays the holder’s name, date of birth, gender, nationality/region, place of residence, status of residence, employment restrictions (if any), period of stay (expiration date), type of permission, date of permission, and date of issuance. A photograph of the holder is also affixed in the upper right corner of the card’s front side.

Note that a “Residence Card” will not be issued to individuals falling under any of the following categories:

・Persons whose period of stay is determined to be “3 months” or less
・Persons whose status of residence is determined as “Temporary Visitor”
・Persons whose status of residence is determined as “Diplomat” or ‘Official’
・Persons whose status of residence is determined as “Designated Activities” and who are employees or family members of the Japan offices of East Asian relations associations (e.g., Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan) or the General Delegation of Palestine in Japan

・Special Permanent Residents
・Individuals without a status of residence

For foreign nationals holding permanent residency, the “Status of Residence” column will indicate “Permanent Resident”.

What is a Special Permanent Resident Certificate?

In addition to Permanent Residents, Japan also grants “Permanent Residency” to “Special Permanent Residents”.

“Special Permanent Residents” are individuals of Korean or Taiwanese descent residing in Japan prior to World War II who remained in Japan after the war, along with their descendants.

While both Permanent Residents and Special Permanent Residents hold residence statuses permitting permanent residence in Japan, they differ in the following aspects: Permanent residents hold a status of residence based on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, while special permanent residents hold a status of residence based on the Act on Special Measures Concerning Immigration Control for Persons Who Renounced Japanese Nationality Based on the Treaty of Peace with Japan. In other words, the two are based on different laws.

The application destinations for permanent residence permits and certificates also differ. Permanent residents apply for permanent residence at the Regional Immigration Bureau in their area of residence. Special permanent residents apply for the issuance of a Special Permanent Resident Certificate at the local government office in their area of residence.

For special permanent residents, the document proving acquisition of “permanent residence” is not the “Residence Card” but the “Special Permanent Resident Certificate”. This certificate lists the holder’s name, date of birth, gender, nationality/region, and place of residence. Additionally, a photograph is affixed in the upper right corner of the front side of the certificate.

Summary

For foreign nationals residing in Japan, whether they are permanent residents can be confirmed by checking the “status of residence” on their “Residence Card.” Furthermore, whether they are special permanent residents can be confirmed using their “Special Permanent Resident Certificate.”