Permanent Residency Application from Long-Term Resident Visa【2025 Updated Guide】

If you currently hold a Long-Term Resident visa, you have a good chance of obtaining permanent residency in Japan. However, “Long-Term Resident” covers diverse cases—such as divorce or bereavement, Nikkei 3rd/4th generation descendants, children or stepchildren of Permanent Residents or Japanese nationals—and the evaluation points differ for each case during the permanent residency review.

In recent years, immigration authorities have also emphasized not only income and tax compliance but also integration into Japanese society (community participation, children's schooling, and Japanese proficiency).

This page explains, from a professional perspective, the requirements, process, and necessary documents for Long-Term Residents who wish to obtain permanent residency in Japan.

1. Who Qualifies for a Long-Term Resident Visa

The Long-Term Resident visa in Japan is not tied to a specific type of activity like other work-related visas. Instead, it is a residency status broadly granted to individuals who have special personal or family connections with Japanese nationals or Japan itself.

The reasons for obtaining this visa vary widely depending on each person’s circumstances. Common examples include:

• Continuing to live in Japan after divorce or bereavement from a Japanese spouse
• Being a descendant of Japanese nationals (Nikkei 3rd or 4th generation) with relatives living in Japan
• Being a biological child of a Permanent Resident or Japanese national
• Continuing residence as a stepchild of a Japanese or Permanent Resident

Because “Long-Term Resident” covers such a diverse background, individualized documentation and explanations are essential when applying for Permanent Residency.

2. Comparison Between Long-Term Resident and Permanent Resident

Both Long-Term Resident and Permanent Resident visas indicate a strong connection to Japanese society, but the key difference is whether the residence period must be renewed.

Long-Term Residents are granted 1-, 3-, or 5-year terms, and renewal depends on employment stability, income level, and payment of taxes and social insurance.

Once you obtain Permanent Residency, your status becomes indefinite. You can continue to live in Japan even after job changes, unemployment, or divorce. You also gain complete freedom to change professions, start a business, or have side jobs.

Permanent Residents also enjoy more flexibility for long-term stays abroad, making it a stable option for those with overseas business or family obligations. Family members of Permanent Residents also benefit from favorable visa treatment.

In short, acquiring Permanent Residency is a major step toward stability and broader life options. If you hold a Long-Term Resident visa, meeting certain conditions allows you to upgrade to Permanent Resident status.

3. Requirements for Applying for Permanent Residency from Long-Term Resident Visa

1. Length of Stay Requirement

As a general rule, Long-Term Residents must have resided continuously for more than five years after obtaining the status.

However, the requirement can also be met if you have five years in total combining related statuses, such as:

• Changed from Japanese Spouse visa to Long-Term Resident

Example: 3 years on Japanese Spouse visa + 2 years on Long-Term Resident visa = eligible.

Also, your current visa must be for the maximum available period (3 or 5 years).

2. Income and Financial Independence

The main focus of the screening is income stability. For Long-Term Residents, including single parents, the following aspects are carefully reviewed:

• Reasonable annual income (guideline: around 3 million yen)
• Credibility of employer (e.g., social insurance enrollment)
• Job continuity and stability

If you are self-employed or run a private business, the following supporting documents are essential:

• Financial statements, business registration, proof of operations
• Evidence of stable sales (e.g., contracts)
• Savings or assets showing financial stability

There is no legally defined minimum income, but aiming for about 3 million yen per year is recommended. Depending on your region and family size, some flexibility may apply.

Those currently receiving welfare benefits are generally not eligible, though exceptions may exist if sufficient assets are proven.

3. Integration into Japanese Society

Permanent Residency screening now emphasizes not only financial stability but also social integration and community involvement.

Examples include:

• Participation in your child’s school or PTA activities
• Community volunteer work
• Long-term housing contracts or home ownership
• Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N2 or higher is a strong plus)
• Full compliance with tax and social insurance

While recommendation letters or community support statements have no legal weight, they can serve as effective positive supporting evidence.

4. Free Self-Check System for Long-Term Resident Permanent Residency Eligibility

Before applying, it’s important to confirm whether you meet the general requirements for Permanent Residency.

This simple test helps you check your eligibility based on length of stay, behavior, income, taxes, social insurance, and family situation.

The results will indicate whether you currently qualify and highlight areas needing improvement. The test takes only a minute and requires “Yes/No” answers.

Click the button below to try our Permanent Residency Eligibility Check for Long-Term Residents.

4. Required Documents for Permanent Residency Application from Long-Term Resident Visa

Please note that the list of required documents for Permanent Residency from a Long-Term Resident visa may change frequently due to legal revisions. Always confirm the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website.

If you request support from ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we will prepare the documentation that gives you the highest possible chance of approval, based on the required documents listed on the Immigration Bureau website and tailored to your individual situation as a Long-Term Resident applying for Permanent Residency.

5. Process and Screening Period for Obtaining Permanent Residency from Long-Term Resident Status

1. Process for Obtaining Permanent Residency from Long-Term Resident Visa

When a person holding a Long-Term Resident visa (status of residence: Teijūsha) applies for Permanent Residency, the main screening points are usually continuous residence of more than five years and the stability of their livelihood, including income, tax payment, and social insurance enrollment.

Although Long-Term Residents enjoy relatively flexible working conditions with fewer restrictions, Permanent Residency applications focus more strictly on stable livelihood (no history of public assistance), good conduct, continuous employment, and stable family support relationships.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we provide one-stop support for Permanent Residency applications from Long-Term Resident status. We organize your work history, income records, family dependents, and tax/social insurance payment status, and then propose the application strategy that gives you the highest possible chance of approval as a Long-Term Resident seeking Permanent Residency.

2. Screening Period by Immigration Bureau

Because Permanent Residency applications from Long-Term Residents involve a wide range of screening items, the standard processing time is usually around 6 months to 1 year. During busy periods, it may take more than one year.

The Immigration Services Agency regularly publishes the average processing time each month. Please check the latest information at the link below.

6. Q&A on Permanent Residency Application from Long-Term Resident Visa

The basic requirement for Permanent Residency application is that the Long-Term Resident has continuously lived in Japan for at least 5 years.

During this period, the Immigration Bureau will check for stable employment history, consistent income, and proper payment of taxes and social insurance. Even if there have been job changes or income fluctuations, you can still apply if your overall lifestyle is stable.

There is no fixed minimum income requirement for Permanent Residency, but immigration officers focus on whether your household can maintain a stable life. As a general reference, about 3 million yen annual income is expected for single applicants, and 4 to 5 million yen for those with dependents.

However, even with a large family, if your household income, savings, and your spouse’s income are stable overall, it is still possible to apply for Permanent Residency.

Yes. Even if you have changed jobs several times, you can apply as long as your current employment is stable and continuous. Since Long-Term Residents have fewer restrictions on work content, changing job types is not necessarily disadvantageous.

However, if you have left jobs frequently in a short period, it is important to include an explanation letter and supporting documents that clearly demonstrate the stability of your lifestyle and income.

Yes. Unpaid taxes or insurance contributions can very likely result in denial.

For Permanent Residency, immigration officers carefully review whether resident tax has been paid for the past 5 years, and national pension/social insurance for the past 2 years. If you have any unpaid amounts, you must settle them before applying and submit proof showing consistent payments thereafter.

Yes. Your spouse and children can apply together with you since they depend on the Long-Term Resident’s household stability.

However, for your spouse, a genuine ongoing marriage must be confirmed, and for children, stable schooling and living conditions must be proven. The family’s overall income, tax, and insurance status will also be reviewed, so be sure to prepare sufficient supporting evidence if you have many dependents.

7.Google Customer Reviews

8. Permanent Residency Application Support Service for Long-Term Residents

1. Service Overview

This service provides professional support for those residing in Japan under the Long-Term Resident status who wish to obtain Permanent Residency for a more stable and secure life foundation.

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office has supported many Long-Term Residents in their Permanent Residency applications, preparing strategic documentation focused on key evaluation points such as income stability, tax and social insurance compliance, and family support relationships to ensure a high approval rate and smooth screening process.

Common cases where Long-Term Residents consider applying for Permanent Residency include:

• Those who have lived in Japan for over 5 years continuously
• Those who wish to stabilize family life (spouse/children) and remove future visa uncertainty
• Those with continuous employment, stable income, and proper tax/social insurance payments
• Those who have built long-term lives in Japan through marriage, childrearing, or caregiving

While Long-Term Residents enjoy freedom of activity, the Permanent Residency screening focuses more strictly on financial stability and good conduct. Therefore, accurately preparing documentation and explanations required by immigration authorities is essential.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office, experienced administrative scriveners familiar with Permanent Residency screening criteria will fully support your application from start to finish.

2. Service Contents

1. Proposal and preparation of documents that maximize your approval chances
2. Application submission and endorsement procedures at Immigration Bureau
3. Simultaneous acquisition of Re-entry Permit (if requested)
4. Progress updates and handling of additional document requests during screening
5. Free reapplication in case of initial rejection

3. Why choose ACROSEED

Why clients choose ACROSEED


• Founded in 1986; industry-leading 40,000+ visa filings
• 99.9% approval rate; trusted by many clients
• No travel expenses; flat fees nationwide
• Extensive track record in complex/re-application after refusal cases
• No add-on fees; transparent pricing
• Free re-application until approval if refused
• Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese

Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications

ACROSEED was founded in 1986. Since 1990—the first year administrative scriveners were allowed to handle immigration under the law—we have specialized in immigration work. Our total filings exceed 40,000 (as of March 2025).

We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa filings annually, visiting immigration twice a week to stay current on examinations and legal changes.

By choosing ACROSEED, you get services based on the latest examination trends and the industry’s deepest practical experience.

99.9% approval rate—peace of mind backed by clients’ trust

Since opening in 1986, ACROSEED has always prioritized trustworthy services. At the free consultation stage, if approval seems unlikely, we explain this and decline the engagement.

As a result, we have maintained an approval rate of 99%+ (including re-applications) since opening.

However, for cases with a viable chance where clients wish to proceed, we will make a maximum effort together.

Our attentive, tailored service has earned broad support from clients.

No travel fees—flat rates nationwide

Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle immigration cases nationwide at flat rates with no travel expenses.

For distant clients, we offer online consultations via Skype or Zoom so you can speak face-to-face with your consultant just like an in-person visit.

Strong results in difficult and re-application cases

We have many approvals for cases repeatedly refused by clients on their own or by other law firms.

ACROSEED’s track record is unparalleled, and we are often referred the most difficult cases from around the country—operating like a “general hospital” for the industry.

Don’t give up—consult us even for seemingly difficult cases.

No add-on fees—transparent pricing

Our service fees are only those listed on our website.

We do not add fees due to client circumstances such as frequent travel or prior refusals.

We provide a transparent pricing system for your peace of mind.

Free re-application until approval if refused

If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.

While some competitors offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem.

Accepting a case casually and leaving a refusal record in your filing history can make approval much harder later.

Clients who choose ACROSEED from among many firms deserve our stance of “getting the fastest approval possible—and if refused, supporting relentlessly until approval.”

4. Service Fees for Permanent Residency Application from Long-Term Resident Visa (Tax Excluded)

No additional fees will be charged based on your personal conditions.

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office provides nationwide service. Clients outside Tokyo can also request support at the same price.

We accept Visa and MasterCard payments.

9. 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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