2022-09-062022-10-04

When applying for a permanent residence visa, many foreigners are concerned about the documents required for a permanent residence visa. For example, they do not know what documents they need to submit, or they want to know more about how to fill out the application form. This article provides an overview of what documents are required to apply for a permanent resident visa.

Documents required to apply for a permanent residence visa

The application for a permanent residence visa is subject to strict scrutiny. Therefore, there is a possibility that approval will be denied if the documents are insufficient or incomplete. It is therefore important to make sure that there are no problems with the documents before applying.

The most important documents you need to apply for a permanent residence visa are the following.

• Permanent resident visa application form
  The form is available at the regional immigration office or can be downloaded from the Internet.

• Chronology
  Criminal history, educational background, employment history, etc.

• Residence card
  Present it at the counter.

• Original passport
  Present it at the counter.

• Letter of guarantee
  The guarantor must be Japanese or a permanent resident.

• Reason for application.
  Note the reason for permanent residence in Japan, current job, living situation, family situation, pension/insurance coverage, etc.

• Permit to engage in activities other than permitted under the current status of residence
  Present the permit at the counter if you have one.
  
  Permit to engage in activities other than those permitted under the current status of residence is permission required to engage in activities other than those permitted under current residency status, such as “activities to operate a business with income or activities to receive remuneration."

• Photograph (applicant must be at least 16 years old).
  One photograph (length 4cm x width 3cm)

• Certificate of residence
  With a listing of all family members.

• Documents proving your profession
  Certificate of employment, certified copy of the commercial register, etc.

• Documents proving your income
  Withholding tax certificate, copy of final tax return, tax payment certificate, etc.

The above documents are for reference only. Required documents vary depending on the applicant’s residency status and circumstances (list of applicable statuses below).

• The applicant is the spouse of a Japanese citizen, the spouse of a permanent resident, the spouse of a special permanent resident, or the child of any of these.
• The applicant has the residence status of a long-term resident.
• The applicant has an occupational residence status (“engineer/specialist in humanities/international services", “skilled worker", etc.) or “dependent" residence status.
• The applicant applies for a permanent residence permit as a “highly qualified foreign professional".

For more information, visit the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

(Reference: Immigration Services Agency “Application for Permanent Residence")

​​https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-4.html

When can you apply for a permanent residence permit?

In many cases, it takes about six months to a year for an application for permanent residency to be processed. Therefore, it is safe to apply when your current residency status has at least one year remaining.

When applying for permanent residency, you will also need to select a guarantor who must be Japanese or a permanent resident.

Be careful when selecting a guarantor, as they must also have a stable income and meet their tax obligations.

Summary

When you apply for permanent residency, you will need to provide several documents. The documents required may vary depending on your residency status and circumstances. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an expert in advance, such as an administrative scrivener, if you have any concerns.