Permanent Residence in Japan: Requirements, Documents & Time [2026]

Permanent residence (eijyu) removes the need to renew your period of stay and lifts restrictions on the type of work you can do. This guide covers the three requirements, the years of residence needed, documents, the fee, and processing time, plus the new revocation system starting in April 2027.

① Benefits of permanent residence

• No need to renew your period of stay (though the residence card itself is renewed every 7 years)
• No restrictions on the kind of work you may do
• Easier to gain social credit, e.g. for a home loan

② The three legal requirements

• Good conduct: obey the law and lead a life not subject to social criticism
• Independent livelihood: assets or skills that ensure a stable life without becoming a public burden
• In the national interest: meeting the residence-period conditions below (③)

* Spouses or children of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident are exempt from ① and ② and judged on ③ only.

③ Required years of residence (10 years in principle, with exceptions)

In principle you must have lived in Japan continuously for 10+ years, including 5+ years on a work or resident status. The main exceptions are:

④ Paying taxes, pension and insurance (now closely checked)

Payment of taxes (resident & income tax), public pension, and public health insurance premiums is examined. Even if all is paid by the time you apply, a history of late payment counts against you. Make sure there are no arrears before applying. Documents typically required include the last 3 years of resident tax and the last 2 years (24 months) of pension payment records.

⑤ Main documents (example for a work status)

• Application form, photo (4cm×3cm), letter of reasons
• Proof of personal status (family register, marriage certificate, etc.), juminhyo
• Employment certificate / proof of income
• Resident-tax taxation & payment certificates (last 3 years)
• National-tax payment certificate (type 3)
• Pension payment records (last 2 years), copy of health insurance card
• Letter of guarantee (the guarantor must be a Japanese national or permanent resident)
• Present your passport and residence card

* Documents differ by status category (spouse, long-term resident, highly skilled, etc.). The above is an example for work statuses.

⑥ Fee, where to apply, processing time

• Fee: 10,000 yen when granted (revenue stamp; raised from 8,000 yen in 2024)
• Where: the regional immigration office for your area of residence
• Processing: standard 4–6 months (it can take longer in practice)

FAQ

How many years must I live here to apply?In principle 10 continuous years (including 5 on a work or resident status). Exceptions: spouse of a Japanese/permanent resident (3-year marriage + 1-year residence), Long-Term Resident (5 years), highly skilled professional (3 years at 70 points, 1 year at 80 points).

Will unpaid taxes or pension lead to refusal?Proper payment of taxes, pension and insurance is a key screening item. A history of late payment counts against you, so clear any arrears before applying.

How much is the permanent residence fee?10,000 yen (revenue stamp) when granted. It was raised from 8,000 yen in 2024.

Can permanent residence be revoked?From April 2027 the revised Immigration Act allows revocation for willful non-payment of taxes/social insurance or certain serious crimes. Keep paying taxes and pension after you obtain PR.