What changes in my rights and duties when I obtain permanent residence?
Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) ／ Published ／ Last updated
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
Once you obtain permanent residence, you no longer need to go through the procedure to extend your period of stay, and the restrictions on the work you may do disappear. On the other hand, the right to vote and the right to stand for election are rights granted only to Japanese nationals, and 永住者 do not have them. The 在留カード itself has a period of validity of 7 years from the date it is issued, and it has to be renewed.
What is this enquiry about?
An enquiry from someone who has obtained permanent residence, asking what changes compared with their previous status of residence.
Subject: permanent residence
Background to the enquiry: The enquirer has obtained permanent residence and no longer has to worry about the period of stay, but would like to get clear on what specifically changes compared with their previous status of residence.
Question: What changes when I obtain permanent residence? What rights and duties do I have compared with a Japanese national? And does the 在留カード of a 永住者 have a period of validity?
What happens to the period of stay and to restrictions on work?
You no longer need to extend your period of stay, and the restrictions on the kinds of work you may do disappear.
The period of stay becomes unlimited / You no longer need to go through the procedure to extend your period of stay as you did before. You can go on living in Japan with peace of mind into the future.
Restrictions on work disappear / Even where your previous status of residence limited the kinds of work you could do or the hours you could work, once you obtain permanent residence you can take up any kind of job freely, in the same way as a Japanese national.
What rights does a 永住者 have?
Besides the right to live permanently in Japan, the right to education, the right to a court hearing and property rights are guaranteed. However, there is no right to vote or to stand for election.
The right to live permanently in Japan / You can go on living in Japan with no limit on the period of stay.
The right to education / Your children have the right to receive education at Japanese schools in the same way as Japanese children.
The right to a court hearing / You have the right to have your case heard in a Japanese court, in the same way as a Japanese national.
Property rights / The right to own property in Japan and to inherit property is, as a rule, the same as for a Japanese national.
However, the right to vote and the right to stand for election are rights granted only to Japanese nationals, and 永住者 do not have them.
What duties does a 永住者 have?
The duty to obey Japanese law, the duty to pay tax, and the duty to enrol in National Health Insurance and the National Pension.
The duty to obey Japanese law You must comply with the Constitution of Japan, with the law, with local ordinances and so on.
The duty to pay tax Where you have income in Japan, you have the duty to pay tax in the same way as a Japanese national.
The duty to enrol in National Health Insurance and the National Pension Where you fall under certain conditions, you have the duty to enrol in National Health Insurance and the National Pension.
Under the amended 入管法 (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act), a system has been created that allows permanent residence to be revoked where a 永住者 intentionally fails to pay their public duties, and in certain other cases. This is explained in the next section.
When does the system for revoking permanent residence start?
The effective date is the 1st of April in 2027 (令和9年（2027年）4月1日). It has not started yet, and it is stated to cover cases such as intentionally not paying taxes and public charges.
Under the amended 入管法, a system has been created that allows permanent residence to be revoked where a 永住者 fails to observe duties under the 入管法, and in certain other cases. Its effective date is the 1st of April in 2027 (令和9年（2027年）4月1日), and it has not started yet.
Cases covered by revocation / There are 2: failing to observe duties under the 入管法 (intentionally not paying taxes and public charges), and being sentenced to imprisonment for certain serious intentional offences. In both cases, intent (故意) is stated to be a precondition.
Where there were unavoidable circumstances / Where someone could not pay for unavoidable reasons such as illness or job loss, this is stated to fall outside the system.
What "taxes and public charges" covers / In addition to national and local taxes, it includes public contributions such as National Health Insurance and pension contributions.
Where a ground for revocation applies / This does not mean immediate deportation. The system provides for a change of status of residence to 在留資格「定住者」 (Long-Term Resident) or similar, granted by the Minister of Justice acting on their own authority.
特別永住者 (Special Permanent Residents) / They fall outside this amendment.
This is not a system under which you lose permanent residence simply because a payment was accidentally late. Even so, please pay your taxes and public charges properly, and if circumstances make payment difficult, please speak to the counter early.
Does the 在留カード of a 永住者 have a period of validity?
Yes. The 在留カード itself is valid for 7 years from the date it is issued, and it has to be renewed before it expires.
The 在留カード (Residence Card) of a 永住者 does have a period of validity. The 在留カード itself is valid for 7 years from the date it is issued.
However, this period of validity is only the validity printed on the card. The status of residence 「永住者」 (Permanent Resident) itself has no expiry date.
You need to go through the renewal procedure before the period of validity expires.
The renewal procedure can be started from 2 months before the date the card expires.
As a rule you go in person to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau, but in some cases it is possible to apply online.
Failing to renew your 在留カード may lead to a penalty, so please do not forget to go through the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once I obtain permanent residence, do I no longer need to extend my period of stay?
That is right. You can go on living in Japan with no limit on the period of stay, and you no longer need to go through the extension procedure.
Do 永住者 have the right to vote?
No. The right to vote and the right to stand for election are rights granted only to Japanese nationals.
How many years is the 在留カード of a 永住者 valid for?
7 years from the date it is issued. This is only the validity printed on the card; the status of residence 「永住者」 itself has no expiry date.
From when can I start the renewal procedure for my 在留カード?
From 2 months before the date the card expires. As a rule you go in person to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau, but in some cases it is possible to apply online.
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.
