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If my annual income has gone down, will it affect the screening for 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

It is essential to explain in detail, in a 理由書 (written explanation), how your annual income came to fall. Without an explanation, it may be misunderstood as a drop in your ability or as business trouble at your employer. It also adds weight if you show, through savings and other assets, that you will not have difficulty supporting yourself.

What is this enquiry about?

A person with 13 years of residence and 8 years with the same employer asks how a fall in income over the last few years will be viewed.

Should I explain why my income went down?

Yes, this is essential. Without an explanation, it may be misunderstood as a drop in your ability or as business trouble at your employer.

You are right that an explanation in a 理由書 is essential. Simply saying "my pay went down" may be misunderstood as a drop in your ability or as business trouble at the workplace.

How should I think about an income level of 3 million yen?

For a single person, an annual income of at least 3 million yen over the last 5 years is said to be a guide figure in practice.

As to the ability to make a living in screening for 永住許可, for a single person an annual income of at least 3 million yen (300万円) over the last 5 years is said to be a guide figure in practice.

How should I show my assets?

By showing savings and real estate together, you can argue that you will not have difficulty supporting yourself.

In the enquirer's case, his strongest point is not his income but his assets. He holds savings and real estate in Japan and abroad totalling more than 20 million yen (2,000万円), so even though his income only reaches the guide figure, he can argue strongly that he will not have difficulty supporting himself.

For assets held abroad, please submit documents proving those assets, such as a bank balance certificate or a property register from that country, together with a translation.

A useful way to put it together is: "My income has gone down, but it moved as the contract provided, and because I have assets there will be no difficulty in living permanently in Japan." As this is an application in his mid-40s, please do not rely on the income figure alone; show the level of savings and the record of tax payment together, as a whole. The 13-year record of residence and 8 years of continuous service at the current workplace are thought to be viewed highly as signs of being settled in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my annual income has gone down, do I need to explain it in a 理由書?

Yes. Simply saying "my pay went down" may be misunderstood as a drop in your ability or as business trouble at your employer, so explaining the background in detail is essential.

What documents can I use to show why my income fell?

If you have the original employment contract containing the provision for the reduction, or a certificate from the company showing that an allowance was paid for the increased workload, this adds a great deal of weight.

What annual income is used as a guide for the ability to make a living?

For a single person, an annual income of at least 3 million yen (300万円) over the last 5 years is said to be a guide figure in practice.

Will assets held abroad also be taken into account?

You can show them by submitting documents proving those assets, such as a bank balance certificate or a property register from that country, together with a translation. If you show savings and real estate together, you can argue that you will not have difficulty supporting yourself.

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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.