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
The biggest difference is the period of stay. 定住者 has a set period of stay and has to be renewed, while 永住者 has no time limit and needs no renewal. In principle neither has restrictions on work, but 永住者 has stricter requirements to apply, and tends to carry greater standing in society.
What is this enquiry about?
This is for people who are unsure which status of residence to aim for in order to live in Japan for a long time.
Subject: choosing a status of residence
Situation: The person is thinking about living in Japan for a long time, and the statuses of residence 「定住者」 and 「永住者」 have come up as the options.
Question: How do 定住者 and 永住者 differ in their nature, in the requirements for obtaining them, and in their advantages and disadvantages? Which one suits my own case?
What kind of status of residence is 「定住者」?
It is a status of residence that allows a stable life in Japan over a long period, and it has to be renewed.
定住者 is one of the statuses of residence that allow a person to lead a stable life in Japan over a long period. In concrete terms, it covers people such as the following.
A stepchild of the spouse of a Japanese national
A foreign national supported by a Japanese national, a permanent resident, or a special permanent resident (特別永住者)
People of Japanese descent (2nd generation, 3rd generation and so on)
Other foreign nationals recognised as needing to stay in Japan for a long period for special reasons
The period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months, and it has to be renewed. As for work, in principle there are no restrictions.
What kind of status of residence is 「永住者」?
It lets you stay in Japan with no time limit, with no renewal of the period of stay and no restrictions on work.
永住者 is a status of residence that lets you stay in Japan with no time limit. You no longer need to renew your period of stay, and there are no restrictions on work.
It can be described as a more stable status of residence, granted to foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for a long period and meet certain requirements.
Where exactly do 定住者 and 永住者 differ?
They differ on 5 points: period of stay, requirements for applying, standing in society, 再入国許可, and bringing family to Japan.
Period of stay
定住者 is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months, and has to be renewed. 永住者 has no time limit and needs no renewal.
Restrictions on work
定住者 has none in principle. 永住者 has none.
Requirements for applying
For 定住者, the decision is made on the individual circumstances, and it can be relatively flexible. For 永住者, the number of years of continuous residence, conduct, the ability to support oneself and so on are examined, and strict requirements apply.
Standing in society
定住者 tends to be lower than 永住者, and 永住者 tends to be higher.
再入国許可
For 定住者 it is the same as for an ordinary status of residence. For 永住者 the validity period is longer (up to 5 years), and みなし再入国許可 (Special Re-entry Permit) is also available.
Bringing family to Japan
For 定住者 it depends on the circumstances. For 永住者 it may be relatively easy.
What are the advantages and the points to watch for 定住者?
The requirements for obtaining it are relatively flexible, but it has to be renewed from time to time, and standing in society tends to be lower.
Advantages
Relatively flexible requirements: The requirements can be relatively easy compared with 永住者. In particular, where you are supported by a Japanese national or a permanent resident, or where you are of Japanese descent, it can be relatively easy to obtain.
No restrictions on work: You can work freely in a wide range of fields.
You can stay for a long time: The longest period of stay is 5 years, and by renewing it you can stay in Japan for a long time.
Points to watch
The period of stay has to be renewed: You need to go through the renewal procedure at the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) from time to time.
Standing in society tends to be lower: This can put you at a disadvantage in screening for loans and the like.
You may be subject to deportation: If you break the law or the like, you become subject to deportation.
What are the advantages and the points to watch for 永住者?
No renewal is needed and standing in society is high, but the requirements for applying are very strict, and it does not give you Japanese nationality.
Advantages
The period of stay has no time limit: You no longer need the renewal procedure, and it becomes easier to plan your life over the long term.
No restrictions on work: You can work freely.
High standing in society: It is easier to gain trust in Japanese society, and various procedures may go more smoothly.
A stable base for your life: You can build a more stable base for your life, for example by buying a home or starting a business.
The 再入国許可 is valid for longer: The procedure for a temporary trip abroad becomes simpler.
Bringing family to Japan is relatively easy: It may become easier for your spouse and your children to obtain 在留資格「永住者の配偶者等」 (Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident).
Points to watch
The requirements for applying are very strict: You need to meet many requirements, such as the number of years of continuous residence, conduct, and a stable income.
You cannot obtain Japanese nationality: It gives you the right to live here permanently while keeping your foreign nationality.
You may be subject to deportation: Even after becoming a permanent resident, if you break the law or the like you become subject to deportation.
You still need to renew your 在留カード: You no longer renew the period of stay, but when the validity period of the 在留カード (7 years) ends, it has to be renewed.
Which one should I choose?
The status of residence that suits you differs with your own situation, such as your family relationships and how long you have been in Japan.
定住者 may suit you if: you are in a particular family relationship, for example if you are supported by a Japanese national or a permanent resident, or you are of Japanese descent. Or if you cannot meet the requirements for 永住者 but wish to stay for a long time.
永住者 may suit you if: you have lived in Japan for a long period, have a stable base for your life, and wish to live here permanently.
First check your own situation, and compare the requirements, the advantages and the points to watch for each. If you are unsure how to decide, please consult a specialist such as a 行政書士 (certified administrative procedures legal specialist, gyoseishoshi) who is familiar with residence procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between 定住者 and 永住者?
The period of stay. 定住者 is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months and has to be renewed, while 永住者 has no time limit and needs no renewal.
Can a 定住者 work freely?
Yes. In principle there are no restrictions on work for a 定住者, and you can work in a wide range of fields.
Once I become a 永住者, do the 在留カード procedures become completely unnecessary?
They do not become unnecessary. You no longer renew the period of stay, but the 在留カード is valid for 7 years, and the renewal procedure is needed when that period ends.
Does becoming a 永住者 give me Japanese nationality?
No. 永住者 is only a status of residence; it gives you the right to live in Japan permanently while keeping your foreign nationality.
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.
