The 定住者 visa for 2nd- and 3rd-generation descendants of Japanese emigrants: what are the requirements and documents?

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 forA status of residence that allows long-term residence in Japan on the basis of a blood relationship.

What is the 定住者 visa for people of Japanese descent?

A status of residence that allows long-term residence in Japan on the basis of a blood relationship.

定住者 is one of the statuses of residence granted to foreign nationals who have a special connection with Japan. For people of Japanese descent, long-term residence in Japan may be allowed on the basis of that blood relationship. This mainly covers 2nd-generation descendants (the child of a Japanese national) and 3rd-generation descendants (the grandchild of a Japanese national).

What are the requirements for a 2nd-generation descendant?

There are 4: being the child of a Japanese national, a lawful status of residence, good conduct and an independent living.

1. Being the child of a Japanese national
   Your father or mother is a Japanese national.
2. Holding a lawful status of residence
   You hold a valid status of residence at the time of the application (other than 在留資格「短期滞在」, Temporary Visitor).
3. Good conduct
   You obey Japanese law and live without causing problems as a member of society.
4. Being able to make an independent living
   You can live stably on the income or assets of yourself, your spouse or other relatives.

Even someone born as the child of a Japanese national may not hold Japanese nationality, depending on whether nationality was reserved and on the nationality law of the place of birth. It also matters that there is no problem with how you have stayed in Japan in the past, such as overstaying or illegal work.

What are the requirements for a 3rd-generation descendant?

They tend to be stricter than for a 2nd-generation descendant, and your base of life and your will to work are looked at as well.

1. Being the grandchild of a Japanese national
   Your grandfather or grandmother is a Japanese national.
2. Having a stable base of life
   You have the means and the housing to live stably in Japan.
3. The will to work
   You intend to work in Japan and stand on your own feet.

Beyond this, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan weighs up your individual circumstances as a whole.

Weight is placed on being able to make a living yourself, rather than simply being supported by relatives. Once you hold 定住者, as a rule there is no limit on the work you may do.

What documents are needed?

The application form and documents on your civil status, plus documents proving the blood relationship and the ability to make a living.

For a 2nd-generation descendant

• 在留資格変更許可申請書 (Application for Change of Status of Residence)
• Passport and 在留カード (Residence Card)
• The applicant's birth certificate
• The father's or mother's family register, current or closed, showing that they are a Japanese national
• Certificate of employment, certificate of income, tax payment certificate, certificate of bank balance and so on (documents proving the ability to make a living)
• 身元保証書 (Letter of Guarantee), where required

For a 3rd-generation descendant

• 在留資格認定証明書交付申請書 (Application for Certificate of Eligibility), if the person is being brought from abroad, or 在留資格変更許可申請書, if they are already in Japan
• Passport
• The applicant's birth certificate, and the father's or mother's birth certificate
• The grandfather's or grandmother's family register, current or closed, showing that they are a Japanese national
• Official documents proving the family relationship between the applicant and the grandparent
• CV, certificate of employment, certificate of income, certificate of bank balance and so on (documents proving the ability to make a living)
• Material about your home (tenancy agreement and so on)
• 身元保証書, where required

Other documents required by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan may also be needed.

What applies to every application?

Give accurate information, and attach a Japanese translation to documents in another language.

• Ability to support yourself　Whether you have a job and experience, help from relatives, savings, property and other assets are all looked at
• Accurate information　Give accurate information based on the facts. Statements that are not true lead to a denial
• Translation of documents　Always attach a Japanese translation, with the translator's name, to documents written in another language
• Check the latest information　Requirements and required documents can change
• Individual circumstances　The points examined and the documents needed can differ according to your family, your history in Japan and your work

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

• What is the procedure for renewing a 定住者 visa, and what documents are needed?
• Changing from a spouse visa to 定住者: what Japanese ability is expected?
• Marrying a 3rd-generation descendant of Japanese emigrants: can I apply as the spouse of a 定住者?
• What visa will the child of a 3rd-generation couple (a 4th-generation descendant) get?

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.