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If a 定住者 holder's permanent residence application was denied on the income requirement, how should I prepare to reapply?

Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO)　／　Published 4 October 2026　／　Supervised by 佐藤拓行政書士

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）

Who this article is forTrying again for permanent residence from 定住者, an enquiry from the applicant herself.

Answer

If the denial of permanent residence was only because the independent livelihood requirement was not met, the reason why the period of stay under 定住者 has so far been set at 3 years may be the same. Setting aside matters such as age, a 5-year period of stay is said to be the guide for permanent residence; at the same time, considering the steep rise in fees (revenue stamp costs) and reports of stricter screening, one approach is said to be to switch early to an employment contract, build up a record of several years (up to the point where a fixed-term contract becomes open-ended, if it is fixed-term), and then apply for permanent residence.

What is this enquiry about?

Trying again for permanent residence from 定住者, an enquiry from the applicant herself.

Subject: from 定住者 to 永住者 (Permanent Resident)
Application type: 永住許可申請 (Application for Permanent Residence)
Situation: The applicant is an American woman who has lived in Japan for about 20 years. She originally stayed under 日本人の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Japanese National) through marriage to a Japanese husband, and divorced more than 10 years ago. Partly because she has a child (now 18 years old and a university student), a change to 定住者 was granted, but her period of stay has continued to be renewed at 3 years. She currently teaches English conversation lessons under a service contract from a company. The year before last she applied for permanent residence by herself but was denied, and was told that her annual income fell short of the requirement. Her next 定住者 renewal is in fiscal 2028 (2028年度), and she would like, if possible, to apply for permanent residence together with that renewal.
Questions: (1) Would switching from the current service contract to an employment contract (with higher pay planned) raise the chance of approval? (2) Should she first obtain a 5-year period of stay under 定住者 and then apply for permanent residence?

Is the period of stay under 定住者 staying at 3 years related to the denial of permanent residence?

If the denial was only because the independent livelihood requirement was not met, the reason for the 3-year period of stay may be the same.

Should I get a 5-year period of stay before applying for permanent residence?

A 5-year period of stay is considered to be the guide for permanent residence.

Setting aside matters such as age, a 5-year period of stay is considered to be the guide for permanent residence.

Should I switch from a service contract to an employment contract?

One approach is said to be to switch early to an employment contract, build up a record of several years, and then apply for permanent residence.

Considering the steep rise in revenue stamp costs as a fee and reports of stricter screening, one approach is said to be to switch early to an employment contract, build up a record of several years (up to the point where a fixed-term employee becomes open-ended), and then apply for permanent residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

If permanent residence was denied on the income requirement (independent livelihood requirement), does it also affect the period of stay under 定住者?

If the denial was only because the independent livelihood requirement was not met, the reason why the period of stay under 定住者 has been set at 3 years may be the same.

Is it better to apply for permanent residence after obtaining a 5-year period of stay under 定住者?

Setting aside matters such as age, a 5-year period of stay is said to be the guide for permanent residence.

Should I switch to an employment contract instead of staying on a service contract?

One approach is said to be to switch early to an employment contract, build up a record of several years (up to the point where a fixed-term contract becomes open-ended), and then apply for permanent residence.

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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. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.