2025-10-12

Recently, more and more people in Japan are considering moving abroad. Reasons vary, such as seeking better education for their children or finding work that suits them better. Here, we explain relocating to the EU and obtaining permanent residency in those countries.

How to Relocate Overseas

The number of people in Japan considering moving abroad is increasing year by year. The reasons vary greatly. For example, some want to provide their children with a better educational environment, others seek to broaden their career opportunities, and still others are attracted by lower living costs.

There are several ways to emigrate from Japan. Representative methods include: “employment with an overseas company or the overseas branch of a Japanese corporation,” “extended stay following overseas study,” “emigration associated with investment or starting a business,” and “emigration due to marriage or bringing family members from Japan.”

However, regardless of the method, obtaining a visa is the first step. Typically, the process involves first obtaining a short-term stay visa to reside overseas, then securing a student (study abroad) visa or work visa, and finally obtaining long-term residency permission. To ensure a smooth overseas move, it is crucial to clearly define how you will establish your life base locally and select a visa that aligns with your intended lifestyle.

It is important to understand not only the desire to “live overseas” but also the prospects for local income and the conditions for renewing your residency status beforehand.

How to Obtain Permanent Residency in the EU

The EU is a particularly popular destination for overseas relocation. Key reasons include the stability of labor markets and living standards across EU member states. Additionally, well-established education and healthcare systems, coupled with many countries actively welcoming immigrants, attract numerous foreigners seeking long-term stays.

To achieve permanent residency in the EU, one must first legally reside by obtaining a work visa or student (study abroad) visa in a specific country. After that, you can apply for permanent residency. Most countries require conditions such as “continuous residence for over 5 years,” “stable income,” and “enrollment in social insurance.” Basic communication skills in the local language and a clean criminal record are also important.

Furthermore, utilizing the “EU Blue Card” for highly skilled professionals offers preferential treatment regarding employment conditions and length of stay. This facilitates a smoother path to obtaining permanent residency.

However, permanent residency requirements vary by country. For example, Germany emphasizes stable income and language proficiency, while Portugal offers a “Golden Visa” program encouraging real estate investment and settlement. Therefore, you must select and prepare for the method best suited to your skills and background.

EU Permanent Residency

EU permanent residency grants the right to live and work indefinitely within that country. However, it’s important to note that “permanent residency” and “citizenship” are distinct concepts.

While permanent residency guarantees stable residence, it often does not grant rights such as the right to vote or stand for election in that country. However, obtaining permanent residency in the EU makes it relatively easy to move to and work in other EU member states, not just the country where you applied. This is a significant advantage.

For example, someone who obtains permanent residency in Germany can move to France or the Netherlands if they meet certain conditions. Such benefits are unique to the EU. However, it is important to note that leaving the country for an extended period may result in the loss of permanent residency. Therefore, maintaining continuous residency is necessary.

If ultimately aiming for citizenship, further long-term stays and applying for naturalization in the country are required. To stabilize life within the EU, obtaining permanent residency should be the first goal, requiring strategic planning.

Summary

When considering migration to the EU, you will first obtain a work visa or student visa to reside there. Subsequently, you must meet conditions such as “continuous residence for over 5 years,” “stable income,” and “enrollment in social insurance” before applying for permanent residency.