Surprisingly, you can check whether you are a permanent resident or not with your resident card!
The status of residence is “permanent resident”. This visa is granted to foreigners who are allowed to live in Japan for a certain period of time. This status of residence can be confirmed by the “resident card” that the foreigner has.
What is a resident card?
A resident card is issued to foreign nationals who will stay in Japan for a medium to long period of time (3 months or more). It is issued to a foreign national upon approval of an application for status of residence, such as new landing permission, permission for change of status of residence, permission for extension of period of stay, etc. The resident card is issued to a foreign national when the application is approved.
Therefore, the resident card serves as proof that the status of residence and period of stay granted to the foreigner are legitimate. The card contains information such as the foreigner’s name, date of birth, gender, nationality or region, place of residence in Japan, status and period of stay granted, and whether or not the foreigner can work.
In addition, the resident card includes an IC chip that stores the same information electronically. This makes it possible for government offices and employers to verify the authenticity of the card and prevent forgery.
What is a permanent resident?
A permanent resident is a foreigner who is permitted to reside in Japan under the status of residence granted to foreign nationals. The conditions for becoming a permanent resident vary, depending on whether it is granted for policy reasons of the Japanese government or for human rights or humanitarian considerations.
The first type of “notified permanent resident” is a type of “permanent resident” that is officially recognized by the government in advance. The second type, “unannounced permanent residents,” are those who have not been officially notified, but are recognized as permanent residents under special circumstances. In the case of “unannounced permanent residents,” basically only foreigners who are already residing in Japan are recognized.
Permanent Resident” is a status of residence that is more stable than ”Settled Resident. This status allows a foreigner to reside in Japan without a period of stay.
Because of this, many foreigners who plan to live in Japan for the long term consider permanent residency as their ultimate goal. Compared to other residence statuses, it also makes procedures such as obtaining mortgages or renewing work contracts much easier.
On the other hand, unlike Permanent Residents, the term of stay for a Permanent Resident is 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, etc. and must be renewed before the expiration of the term of stay. If their status changes or their income is drastically reduced at the time of renewal, the renewal may not be approved.
In other words, while a “permanent resident” is a status that allows you to live in Japan, it does not mean that it is semi-permanent.
How to check your resident card
If “Permanent Resident” is written on the front of the resident card, it proves that the foreigner has the status of residence of “Permanent Resident. With this status of residence, there are basically no restrictions regarding employment, and the foreigner can work at any job. Basically, just like Japanese nationals, you can work at any job, in any form of work, with no restrictions on working hours.
However, as explained earlier, it is important to note that “permanent residents” have a period of stay. If the period of stay expires, the foreigner is illegally staying in Japan, and the employing company may be penalized
Therefore, even though permanent residency provides great stability, it is still essential to apply for renewal well before the expiration date. Immigration generally recommends applying around 3 months in advance to avoid complications..
Summary
The status of residence “Permanent Resident” is a visa granted for policy reasons or other special reasons by the Japanese government. The status of residence and period of stay can be confirmed with the “resident card” held by the foreigner him/herself.
