Home ／ Articles & Guides ／ Permanent residence

What are the requirements for permanent residence, and what documents do I need?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 17 February 2025　／　Last updated 21 August 2026

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

Answer

For permanent residence you need these 3 requirements: (1) good conduct, (2) being able to make an independent living, and (3) being in the interests of Japan. The requirement to be in the interests of Japan includes "having resided in Japan continuously for at least 10 years in principle (of which at least 5 years continuously under a work status or a residence-based status)". A special rule applies to the spouse of a Japanese national.

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry about the requirements for permanent residence, from someone in his 7th year of life in Japan.

Subject: status of residence (visa)
Application type: 永住許可申請 (Application for Permanent Residence)
Situation: US national, male, 35 years old, married (his spouse is a Japanese national). He came to Japan in April 2018 on a work visa under 在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) and now works at an IT company. His annual income is 6 million yen (600万円). He is in his 7th year of life in Japan.
Question: I would like to apply for permanent residence. What requirements do I have to meet? And what documents are needed for the application?

What are the 3 requirements for permanent residence?

There are 3: good conduct, being able to make an independent living, and being in the interests of Japan.

Good conduct
You have no criminal record and you observe Japanese laws and regulations.
Being able to make an independent living
You have enough income and can lead a stable life.
Being in the interests of Japan
Your permanent residence is recognised as being in the interests of Japan.

What is looked at under the requirement to be in the interests of Japan?

4 points: the years you have been in Japan, whether you have performed your public duties, your period of stay, and public health.

That you have, in principle, resided in Japan continuously for at least 10 years. That within that period you have resided continuously for at least 5 years under a work status or a residence-based status
That you have not received a fine, a prison sentence or the like. That you have performed your public duties, such as your tax obligations
That you hold the longest period of stay available for the status of residence you currently have (for the time being, a period of stay of 3 years is also acceptable)
That there is no risk of harm from the point of view of public health

Is there a special rule for the spouse of a Japanese national?

Yes. If the marriage has continued for at least 3 years and you have been in Japan continuously for at least 1 year, you can apply.

The enquirer has lived in Japan for 7 years, so he does not meet the 10-year residence requirement that applies in principle. However, there is a special rule for the spouse of a Japanese national.

A genuine married life has continued for at least 3 years, and you have been in Japan continuously for at least 1 year. If these 2 conditions are met, you can apply for permanent residence even without meeting the 10-year residence requirement.

The enquirer has been married for at least 3 years and has lived in Japan for 7 years, so he may be able to apply under this special rule.

What documents are needed for the application?

In addition to the prescribed set of documents, you need a 理由書 setting out why you wish to have permanent residence.

In addition to the list of required documents set by the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan), you submit a 理由書 (written explanation) setting out matters such as why you wish to have permanent residence.

Other documents may also be needed depending on your individual circumstances. Screening for permanent residence is strict, so please consult us while you are still gathering documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not meet the 10-year residence requirement?

If you are the spouse of a Japanese national, you can apply even without meeting the 10-year residence requirement, provided that a genuine married life has continued for at least 3 years and you have been in Japan continuously for at least 1 year.

Can I apply for permanent residence with a 3-year period of stay?

Yes. The requirement is that you hold the longest period of stay available for the status of residence you currently have, but for the time being a period of stay of 3 years is said to be acceptable.

Does it affect my application if I have not paid taxes or pension contributions?

Yes, it does. Having performed your public duties, such as your tax obligations, is part of the requirement to be in the interests of Japan.

Is it enough to gather only the documents on the fixed list?

In addition to the documents on the list and the 理由書, other documents may be needed depending on your individual circumstances.

Free consultation

Tell us your situation and we will answer it directly. Available in Japanese and English.

Get a free consultation

This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.