Permanent Residency Application from a Family Stay Visa【2025 Edition】

2. Can You Apply for Permanent Residency with a Family Stay Visa in Japan?

As a general rule, a person holding a Family Stay Visa cannot obtain permanent residency independently. An application for Permanent Residency from a Family Stay Visa is usually not approved when submitted alone.

However, if the application is submitted together with the main visa holder (such as a spouse or parent), it may be approved under certain conditions.

The Family Stay Visa is a dependent visa, meaning it is attached to the main holder’s status of residence. Therefore, if the main visa holder’s permanent residency application is denied, the dependent’s simultaneous application will also be denied automatically.

On the other hand, when applying together with family members, it is often possible to apply for Permanent Residency even if the applicant has not lived in Japan for more than 10 years or worked for 5 years.

This is because when the main applicant is granted Permanent Residency, the dependent’s visa category changes to “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident.” The Immigration Bureau examines the case as if the dependent were already in that category.

In short, if the dependent spouse has been in a genuine marriage for over 3 years and has lived in Japan continuously for at least 1 year, they can apply for Permanent Residency together. Likewise, children who have lived in Japan continuously for over 1 year can also apply simultaneously.

3. Specific Requirements for Applying for Permanent Residency from a Family Stay Visa

Permanent Residency applications are reviewed based on the “Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permit” published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. The main screening points are as follows:

1. Good Conduct

2. Stable and Independent Financial Basis

Note: Since Family Stay Visa holders are generally not allowed to work, their Permanent Residency applications are evaluated based on the income and stability of their sponsor (spouse or parent). Therefore, it is crucial that the sponsor has a stable financial situation.

3. Generally, Over 10 Years of Residence in Japan (Including 5 Years on a Work Visa)

However, this 10-year requirement is not always strictly applied to Family Stay Visa holders. There are certain exemptions as follows:

In other words, if your sponsor is a Japanese national or Permanent Resident, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency earlier than usual.

However, practical caution is required in certain cases:

If your residence period is very short (for example, right after arrival), immigration officers may doubt your intention to settle long-term or your stability, resulting in possible denial.

The strictness of screening may also vary depending on actual cohabitation, dependency, and the main sponsor’s status of residence.

Even if it is legally possible to apply, it is often safer to wait until you have lived stably in Japan for at least one year before applying.

4. Important Points When Applying for Permanent Residency

Sponsor’s Income Certificate is Crucial

Since Family Stay Visa holders live under the support of their sponsor, income certificates of the sponsor (withholding slip, tax certificate, and tax payment record) are critical documents for the application.

If the sponsor’s income is unstable, the Permanent Residency application may be denied.

Proof of Family Relationship Required

To demonstrate continuous cohabitation and genuine family ties, the following documents are usually required:

Be Careful About Unpaid Taxes or Insurance

If either the sponsor or the applicant has unpaid taxes, national health insurance, or pension contributions, it can negatively impact the application and lead to rejection.

5. Summary: Applying for Permanent Residency from a Family Stay Visa

We highly recommend consulting a professional for your application.

Although it is legally possible to apply for Permanent Residency from a Family Stay Visa, the outcome depends greatly on the applicant’s and sponsor’s situation.

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office has extensive experience assisting Family Stay Visa holders with successful Permanent Residency applications. We will carefully assess your family’s situation and propose the most suitable application strategy.

6. Popular Pages Related to Permanent Residency Applications

Japan Permanent Residency Application Guide

A comprehensive overview of permanent residency applications in Japan: key requirements (income, years of stay, taxes / pension compliance), typical patterns by status of residence, and how to respond to refusals.

Permanent Residency Guide from a Work Visa

An up-to-date guide for those who aim to obtain permanent residency in Japan from a work visa. Includes a self-check tool for work-visa holders on PR requirements.

Obtaining a PR Visa via Highly Skilled Professional Points

A service for those who wish to obtain a Highly Skilled Professional visa or permanent residency in Japan using the Highly Skilled Professional points system.

Permanent Residency Guide for Spouses of Japanese Nationals

For applicants moving from a spouse visa to permanent residency, this guide explains requirements, documents, and common refusal cases, with a PR self-check tool for spouse visa holders.

Permanent Residency Requirements Self-Check Tool

A 30-second self-diagnosis tool to check whether you meet Japan’s permanent residency requirements: Highly Skilled 70/80 points, work visa, spouse visa, and Long-Term Resident.

Reapplication Guide After Permanent Residency Refusal

What to do if your PR application is refused and how to prepare for reapplication.

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