2022-09-052022-10-04

A permanent residence visa entitles foreigners to stay in Japan without any restriction on the length of stay. However, many foreigners wonder about the application procedure for a permanent resident visa, such as how to apply or what documents are required. This article summarizes the application procedure for a permanent residence visa.

Application procedure for a permanent residence visa

To obtain a permanent resident visa, you must apply for a permanent residence permit and obtain approval from the Minister of Justice.

Matters related to the permanent residence are governed by Articles 22 and 22-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

• Who can submit an application

The applicant with foreign citizenship, their legal representative, or an authorized representative can apply for a permanent residence visa.

A legal representative is an employee of the company where the foreign national applicant works or an employee of a public interest entity that supports the admission of foreign nationals.

An authorized representative is an attorney or administrative scrivener retained by the permanent resident visa applicant or an authorized representative to apply with immigration authorities.

Requirements for applying for a permanent residence visa

• Good behavior

This includes abiding by Japanese laws, not having been sentenced to prison or fined, and not having committed multiple traffic violations.

In addition, young people under the age of 19 must not be under protective measures under the Juvenile Code.

• Independent living
  According to the “Guidelines for Permanent Residence (Revised May 31, 2019)" issued by the Immigration Department, only people who are not a burden to the community in their daily lives and who can be expected to live a stable life in the future based on their assets or abilities can apply.
  In other words, they do not receive public assistance, etc., and have sufficient income. In most cases, an annual income of about 3 million yen or more is required.

• ​National Interest
  In general, applicants must have been residents of Japan for at least 10 years, must not have been sentenced to a fine or imprisonment, must have fulfilled their public duties, and must not pose a threat to public health.

Required documents for applying for a permanent residence visa

Required documents for applying for a permanent residence visa are primarily the application for a permanent residence permit, current residence card, passport, letter of guarantee, statement of reasons for the application, permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the previously granted residence status, photograph (the applicant must be at least 16 years old), certificate of residence, document certifying employment, etc. 

Procedure for applying for a permanent residence visa

1. Compilation and preparation of documents
   The applicant gathers the required documents and prepares a permanent residence visa application form and a statement of reasons for the application.

1. Application for a visa for permanent residence
   Submission of the required documents to the relevant immigration authority.
2. Application review
   The application process for a permanent resident visa is more rigorous and the processing time is longer than for another medium to long-term residence permits. Depending on the content of the documents submitted, it usually takes about 6 months to 1 year.
3. Notification of the result

If your permanent resident visa is approved, you will be notified by postcard. You will then receive your residence card at your local immigration office.

However, you can only change your registration information at the local government office. The deadline for this is 14 days from the date of the change.

Summary

To obtain a permanent residence visa, you must apply for a permanent residence permit and obtain approval from the Minister of Justice. Compared to other medium to long-term residency statuses, the review is more rigorous and generally takes about 6 months to 1 year.

First, it is important to check if you meet the requirements for a permanent residence visa. If you are unsure, it is safer to consult an expert such as an administrative scrivener.