Complete Guide to Japan Permanent Residency Requirements【2025 Update】

Permanent residency (PR visa) allows you to live in Japan without any time limit, and removes restrictions on changing jobs or renewing your visa. It is one of the most advantageous residence statuses in Japan.

However, applications are examined carefully based on three major requirements: good conduct, financial independence, and alignment with Japan’s national interest. The Immigration Bureau reviews your annual income, tax and pension payment records, years of stay, and whether your current status has the longest permitted period of stay.

This page summarizes key points of the permanent residency requirements in Japan according to the latest 2025 guidelines, explained in clear and practical terms by ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office.

Let’s start by looking at the general eligibility criteria for obtaining permanent residency.

1. General Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residency in Japan

The conditions for acquiring a permanent residency visa are clearly outlined in the “Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permission” published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Below is an easy-to-understand summary provided by ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office.

(1) Good Conduct
Applicants must obey the law and maintain a lifestyle that is not socially reprehensible as a resident of Japan.

(2) Financial Independence
Applicants must have sufficient assets or skills to maintain an independent livelihood, without becoming a public burden, and demonstrate the potential for stable living in the future.

(3) Contribution to Japan’s National Interest

A. In principle, applicants must have resided continuously in Japan for at least 10 years. Of this period, at least 5 years must be under a work or residence status (excluding “Technical Intern Training” and “Specified Skilled Worker Type 1”).
B. The applicant must have no record of fines or imprisonment and must properly fulfill public obligations such as tax, social insurance, and pension payments.
C. The applicant must currently hold a status of residence with the longest possible period of stay as stipulated in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
D. The applicant must not pose a risk to public health.

※ However, if the applicant is a spouse or child of a Japanese national, permanent resident, or special permanent resident, requirements (1) and (2) are not mandatory. Recognized refugees are also exempt from requirement (2).

Source: Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permission (Revised April 21, 2023)

1. Good Conduct

This means earning the trust of your local community in Japan — for example, having no serious legal issues or repeated traffic violations.

For detailed information about how traffic violations affect permanent residency requirements in Japan, please refer to the page below.

Permanent Residency and Traffic Violations

Will fines or traffic tickets affect your PR application? Explained by an immigration lawyer.

2. Financial Independence

This refers to your ability to support your life in Japan — such as having a stable income or sufficient savings.

Financial stability is evaluated on a household basis, including the income of your spouse or family members. While the Immigration Bureau does not set an official minimum, a general benchmark is an annual income of around 3 million yen.

For detailed explanation of the income requirement for permanent residency in Japan, see the following page:

Is 3 Million Yen Really Required for Permanent Residency?

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office explains how income affects your PR application.

3. Alignment with Japan’s National Interest

This includes living in Japan for over 10 years (with at least 5 under work or residence status) and fulfilling all public obligations, such as paying taxes and social insurance premiums.

For details on how unpaid taxes, pensions, or health insurance affect permanent residency requirements in Japan, please refer to the following page:

Permanent Residency and Unpaid Taxes / Pension / Health Insurance

Consequences, required documents, and countermeasures explained by experts.

Many applicants ask whether it’s necessary to hold the “longest period of stay” (usually 5 years) before applying for permanent residency in Japan.

In practice, both 3-year and 5-year residence statuses are acceptable for application. When applying as a family, as long as the main applicant has a 3-year or 5-year visa, dependent family members can apply even if their visa is only 1 year.

2. Cases Where the 10-Year Residency Requirement Is Relaxed

As explained above, the general permanent residency requirements in Japan include a stay of at least 10 consecutive years, with 5 years or more under a work or residence status. However, for the categories below, the required years of stay for a permanent residency application are relaxed.

(1) Spouses or children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or special permanent residents:
In the case of a spouse, a substantial and continuous marital relationship must have lasted for at least 3 years, and the applicant must have resided in Japan continuously for at least 1 year. In the case of a biological or adopted child, the child must have resided in Japan continuously for at least 1 year.

(2) Holders of the “Long-Term Resident” status who have resided continuously in Japan for at least 5 years.

(3) Recognized refugees who have resided continuously in Japan for at least 5 years after being granted refugee status (time spent during the refugee application process is not counted).

(4) Persons who are recognized as having made contributions to Japan in the fields of diplomacy, society, economy, culture, etc., and who have resided in Japan for at least 5 years.

※ For details, please refer to the guideline on “Contribution to Japan”.

(5) Persons who are working at public or private institutions located in areas specified under a regional revitalization plan certified pursuant to Article 5(16) of the Act on Revitalization and Rehabilitation of Local Public Entities, and who are engaged in activities listed under Items 36 or 37 of the Ministry of Justice Notification No. 131 of 1990 (activities contributing to regional revitalization). If such activities are recognized as contributing to Japan, the requirement is at least 3 consecutive years of residence in Japan.

(6) Persons who score 70 points or more under the points calculation system stipulated in the Ministerial Ordinance on Highly Skilled Professionals, and who fall under one of the following categories:
A. Have continuously resided in Japan as a “Highly Skilled Professional” for at least 3 years; or
B. Have continuously resided in Japan for at least 3 years, and are recognized as having scored 70 points or more in the points calculation, based on their situation 3 years prior to the date of the permanent residency application.

(7) Persons who score 80 points or more under the same points calculation system and fall under one of the following categories:
A. Have continuously resided in Japan as a “Highly Skilled Professional” for at least 1 year; or
B. Have continuously resided in Japan for at least 1 year, and are recognized as having scored 80 points or more in the points calculation, based on their situation 1 year prior to the date of the permanent residency application.

(8) Persons who meet the criteria defined in the Ministerial Ordinance on “Special Highly Skilled Professionals” and fall under one of the following categories:
A. Have continuously resided in Japan as a “Special Highly Skilled Professional” for at least 1 year; or
B. Have continuously resided in Japan for at least 1 year, and are recognized as meeting the criteria for “Special Highly Skilled Professionals”, based on their situation 1 year prior to the date of the permanent residency application.

Source: Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permission (Revised April 21, 2023)

1. Spouses of Japanese Nationals, Permanent Residents, or Special Permanent Residents

If you are the spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident, you may apply for a permanent residency visa in Japan when both of the following conditions are met:

The 3-year period of substantial marital relationship does not have to be spent entirely in Japan. Time spent living together overseas can also be counted. For example, if you have lived together abroad for more than 2 years and then move to Japan, you may be able to apply for permanent residency after 1 year of residence in Japan.

A “substantial marital relationship” means that there is no reasonable suspicion of a sham or fake marriage.

If you are separated from your spouse or frequently return alone to your home country for extended periods, it may be difficult to meet the permanent residency requirements in Japan.

For the latest information on permanent residency applications from a “Spouse of Japanese National / Permanent Resident” status, please refer to the page below. A self-check tool for spouses to assess whether they meet the PR requirements is also available.

Permanent Residency Guide for Spouses of Japanese Nationals

This guide explains the requirements, documents, and common refusal reasons for those applying for permanent residency from a spouse visa. A self-diagnosis tool for PR eligibility is also available.

2. Long-Term Residents

If you hold a “Long-Term Resident” visa and have resided continuously in Japan for at least 5 years, you may qualify for a permanent residency application.

If you previously held a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National / Permanent Resident” status and later changed to a Long-Term Resident status due to divorce or bereavement, the period under your previous spouse status can also be counted. If the total period of stay under both statuses is 5 years or more, the residency requirement is satisfied.

For the latest information on permanent residency applications from a Long-Term Resident visa, see the guide below, which also includes a PR requirements self-check tool for Long-Term Residents.

Permanent Residency (PR) Guide from a Long-Term Resident Visa

A step-by-step guide for Long-Term Resident visa holders who wish to obtain permanent residency in Japan, including a self-check tool for PR requirements.

3. Recognized Refugees

Recognized refugees may apply for permanent residency if they have lived in Japan for more than 5 years after being granted refugee status. Time spent in Japan while the refugee application was still pending is not counted.

4. Persons Who Have Made Special Contributions to Japan

Applicants who fall under the “Contribution to Japan” guideline and have resided in Japan without problems for at least 5 years may qualify. In practice, this category applies to individuals such as Nobel Prize recipients, People’s Honor Award recipients, or those with an equivalent level of achievement, so it rarely applies to ordinary applicants.

5. Contributors in Specific Regional Institutions

This category covers those working at institutions located in areas covered by a regional revitalization plan under the Regional Revitalization Act, who have resided in Japan for 3 consecutive years or more and are recognized as contributing to regional revitalization. In practice, cases falling under this permanent residency requirement in Japan are considered to be very limited.

6. Highly Skilled Professionals with 70 Points or More

The key point here is that you may still fall under this special rule even if your current status of residence is not “Highly Skilled Professional,” as long as you meet the points and residency requirements.

For example, if you currently hold an “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” visa and your points calculation shows 70 points or more, and this condition has been met continuously for the past 3 years, you may apply for permanent residency earlier than under the standard 10-year rule.

Compared with the general permanent residency requirements in Japan (10 years of stay and 5 years under a work status), this special rule significantly relaxes the required years of stay.

7. Highly Skilled Professionals with 80 Points or More

If your Highly Skilled Professional points are 80 or higher, the residency requirement is further relaxed and you may be able to apply for permanent residency in as little as 1 year.

If you would like to try calculating your Highly Skilled Professional points, please visit the page below. It includes an automatic points calculator you can use before preparing your permanent residency application.

Obtaining a Permanent Residency Visa via Highly Skilled Professional Points

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

Q&A on Permanent Residency Requirements in Japan

Q1. My current period of stay is “3 years”. Can I still apply for permanent residency in Japan?

Yes, you can. In principle, one of the permanent residency requirements in Japan is that you are staying with the maximum period of stay permitted for your current status. However, the maximum period differs by status: for some it is 3 years, for others 5 years. If 3 years is the maximum period for your current status, it is not a problem.
In addition, when your family members apply at the same time, there is a practice that as long as the main applicant holds a 3-year (or 5-year) period of stay, dependents may have a 1-year period of stay without issue.

Q2. Are periods of “exemption / deferment / student special payment” for pension treated as unpaid and negative for my PR application?

No. Exemption, deferment, and student special payment schemes are considered legally approved treatments, and they are not immediately treated as unpaid. However, because “proper fulfillment of public obligations” is an important part of the permanent residency requirements in Japan, you should be able to explain the period, reason, and your status at that time, and, where possible, make retroactive contributions in a planned way for the portions you can still pay. Examples of supporting documents include: a certificate showing your pension payment history and a memo or plan for retroactive payments.

Q3. I frequently travel abroad for business trips or temporary returns. Does this affect the 10-year residency count?

Short, intermittent trips abroad are generally not a problem. However, long, continuous absences or situations where the Immigration Bureau may doubt whether your actual activities and life base are in Japan can negatively affect your application.
It is helpful to prepare documents that explain the purpose, duration, and frequency of your trips, as well as your employment situation (for example, that your main workplace is in Japan), such as assignment letters, itineraries, and employment contracts / proof of salary paid in Japan. You should also demonstrate the continuity of your life in Japan, including tax payment and social insurance enrollment. Related: Q&A for applicants worried about their residence history

Q4. I have many dependents and my annual income is around 3 million yen. Can I still meet the financial independence requirement?

For work-type statuses (such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Business Manager, Highly Skilled Professional), an annual income of 3 million yen or more is generally a basic requirement. On top of this, you should expect to add roughly 700,000 yen per dependent as a practical benchmark.

On the other hand, for status categories based on personal relationships (such as Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Long-Term Resident), the financial independence requirement is assessed based on the overall household situation. Therefore, even if your own income is below 3 million yen, it may still be possible to satisfy the permanent residency requirements in Japan depending on household income and assets.
Related: The 3 million yen income benchmark for obtaining permanent residency

Q5. I have traffic violations and minor fines. Will this negatively affect my PR application?

If a minor violation occurred only once and you can clearly show measures to prevent recurrence, it does not automatically mean your application will be refused. However, repeated or malicious violations will be evaluated negatively. It is effective to demonstrate your law-abiding attitude, for example by showing the time that has passed since the violation, attendance at traffic safety courses, or internal company measures and education on compliance.
Related: The impact of traffic violations on permanent residency applications

4. Summary of Permanent Residency Requirements in Japan

The examination for permanent residency (PR visa) is based on a comprehensive assessment of multiple factors, including good conduct, stable income, fulfillment of public obligations, and years of residence. It is not decided only by “how much your income is” or “how many years you have stayed”. The balance among each item is crucial for meeting the permanent residency requirements in Japan.

For example, even if your income temporarily decreased or there was a period when tax or pension payments were delayed, the likelihood of approval can change significantly depending on how you prepare supporting documents and present explanations.

Conversely, when it appears difficult to meet the requirements, you can reduce the risk of refusal by taking a more strategic approach, such as adjusting the timing of your application or changing to a different status of residence before applying for permanent residency.

Additionally, even if you currently hold a “work visa”, if you satisfy the Highly Skilled Professional points criteria of 70 or 80 points, the residency period requirements can be relaxed, and you may be able to apply for permanent residency in Japan earlier.

If you are unsure whether you meet the permanent residency requirements in Japan, it is especially important to consult an expert who understands both the law and practical procedures. We can propose the optimal timing for your application and concrete methods to prove your eligibility.

5. 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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