Permanent Resident Application Guarantor｜Eligibility, Responsibilities, and How to Ask for Support [2025 Update]

For each applicant of a Permanent Resident (PR) visa, it is mandatory to submit a Guarantor (Mimoto Hoshonin). Many applicants struggle to find a suitable guarantor and often ask questions such as “What responsibilities does the guarantor have?” or “Is there any financial burden involved?”

This article explains the latest 2025 requirements and responsibilities of a PR guarantor in simple terms, based on current Immigration Bureau guidelines.

1. Who Can Become a Permanent Resident Guarantor

The following individuals can serve as a guarantor for a PR application:

• A Japanese national
• A foreign national holding the “Permanent Resident” visa status

In most cases, a Japanese spouse acts as the guarantor. For foreign nationals living alone in Japan, it is common to ask a supervisor or colleague at work, a university professor, or a trusted Japanese friend.

Basic Requirements for a Guarantor

• Must have an address in Japan (Overseas residents are generally not accepted)
• Stable income and tax payment record (Pension recipients are acceptable if the income is stable)
• Reachable contact information such as phone number, email, or workplace
• No ties to antisocial groups or record of serious legal violations
• The guarantor must be an individual (corporations or organizations are not allowed)

There is no explicit age limit under law, but in practice, a legally adult and financially independent person (18 years or older) is expected.

2. Scope of Responsibility: Is There Any Financial Liability?

In Japan, many people associate “guarantor” with heavy financial obligations (as in rental contracts), but the guarantor for a Permanent Resident application does not have any financial liability.

So what kind of responsibility does it involve?

The latest 2025 version of the guarantor form states:

This means the responsibility is only a moral or social obligation (non-legal responsibility), and there is no legal enforcement or financial risk.

Guarantors are not required to cover damages from accidents or unpaid rent. It simply means being a person the applicant can consult when needed.

3. Recent Changes Compared to the Previous System

Previously, the guarantor form included the following obligations:

However, in practice, there were almost no cases where a guarantor had to pay for return travel costs. The current form has been simplified, and financial risk has been practically eliminated.

4. Official View from the Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice (Immigration Services Agency) states:

In other words, what the Immigration Bureau really wants to confirm is:

This “social connection” is an important factor in assessing the applicant’s settlement and stability in Japan.

5. How to Ask Someone to Be Your Guarantor

The following relationships are commonly accepted and make the PR application smoother:

• Spouse or family member: The relationship is easy to explain and is the most common pattern.
• Company representative or supervisor: Shows employment stability and is viewed positively in practice.
• Academic advisor or professor: Effective when changing from student status to PR, if familiar with your conduct and life in Japan.
• Long-term friend or acquaintance: Better if you can provide proof of interaction or shared history.

When asking someone, it is helpful to explain the following points clearly:

Clearing up misunderstandings and explaining the limited responsibility is key to gaining their consent.

6. Summary of Permanent Resident Guarantor

The Permanent Resident guarantor is a crucial element that demonstrates the applicant’s social credibility in Japan. During screening, the Immigration Bureau examines not only the applicant’s tax, pension, and conduct records but also the guarantor’s stability and social status. Therefore, choosing the right person as a guarantor can significantly improve the chance of approval.

However, it is essential to understand that the guarantor’s role is purely a moral support obligation, without any financial or legal liability. Understanding this will help potential guarantors feel comfortable accepting the role.

Immigration officers also evaluate the depth of the relationship and actual personal connection rather than the guarantor’s job title or social position. Ideal guarantors are those who genuinely understand the applicant’s lifestyle, such as a long-term supervisor, friend, or mentor.

Typically, applicants must submit the Guarantor Form along with the guarantor’s Certificate of Residence, Tax Certificate, and Employment Certificate. These documents help the Immigration Bureau assess the guarantor’s reliability, so be sure to prepare them carefully.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer’s Office, we also offer support for applicants who have difficulty finding or explaining the guarantor system. Please feel free to contact us for assistance.

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