Japan Permanent Residence Application Support | Requirements, Documents & Fees
Japan Permanent Residence Application Support
PR Requirements, Documents & Fees
Planning to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Japan? We help you review residence history, eligibility, taxes, pension and health-insurance records, and prepare an application appropriate to your circumstances.
What Does Permanent Residence Mean in Japan?
Permanent residence is a separate immigration status that, if granted, allows a foreign national to live in Japan without renewing a limited period of stay under a work or family status. Your residence card still has its own validity period and must be renewed when required.
Permanent residence is not Japanese nationality or a Japanese passport. Immigration decisions are made individually by the Immigration Services Agency.
Which Residence Period May Apply to You?
General residence route
The general guideline is at least 10 years of continuous residence in Japan, including at least five years under a qualifying work or residence status. Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i) do not count toward that five-year work-status component.
Spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident
An exception to the general 10-year rule may apply where a genuine marriage has continued for at least three years and the applicant has lived continuously in Japan for at least one year. Other conditions must still be reviewed.
Highly skilled professional route
Eligible applicants may qualify for shorter residence requirements under the 70-point or 80-point schemes or the applicable special highly skilled professional provisions. The points, relevant dates and supporting evidence must be checked.
Long-Term Resident and other exceptions
Some holders of Long-Term Resident status and certain other defined categories may qualify under special provisions. Eligibility depends on the precise category and history.
Key Requirements to Check Before Applying
Documents Commonly Needed for PR Applications
There is no single identical document list for every applicant. The Immigration Services Agency publishes separate requirements for spouses, work-status holders, Long-Term Residents and highly skilled professionals.
How the Application Process Works
Do Not Let Your Current Status Expire While PR Is Pending
If your current status will expire before the PR decision, the Immigration Services Agency instructs you to make a separate extension application before that expiration date. Track your existing residence card and any job- or family-related obligations during the PR examination.
Professional Fees
| PR application service | Professional fee (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Individual / salaried applicant | From ¥165,000 |
| Company owner / self-employed applicant | From ¥198,000 |
| Additional family member | From ¥77,000 per person |
The government permission fee, certified records, translations, postage and other costs are separate. Previous refusals, extensive travel, changes in income or complex evidentiary needs may require an individual quotation.
Support from an Administrative Scrivener
Detailed document review
We help identify which records support your residence, employment, family and public-obligation history.
Application and explanations
We prepare forms and relevant explanation documents in line with your actual circumstances.
Application intermediary
Where eligible, we submit the application through the authorized application intermediary system.
Consultation from across Japan
Online or remote consultation is available where suitable; any required original-document handling or attendance is discussed in advance.
Start with a Short Case Summary
If you wish to use a highly skilled points route, mention your qualification, income and any previous points calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is living in Japan for 10 years enough for automatic approval?
No. The general residence period is one part of the guideline. Your qualifying status, public obligations, livelihood where applicable and other conditions are reviewed.
Can the spouse of a Japanese national apply earlier?
The guideline provides a residence-period exception for certain spouses with a genuine marriage of at least three years and at least one year of continuous residence in Japan. Eligibility requires a case-specific review.
Can I use the highly skilled points route without currently holding Highly Skilled Professional status?
Some guideline routes allow assessment against the highly skilled points standard at specified past and present dates. The applicable category, residence history and documentary proof must be checked.
Does a pending PR application extend my present residence status?
No. If your existing period of stay will expire while PR is under examination, file a separate extension application before it expires.
Does permanent residence mean that I never renew a residence card?
No. The status itself has no limited period of stay, but the residence card is a separate document with a validity period.
Can your office guarantee PR approval?
No. We can review the guidelines, help prepare a properly documented application and assist with submission, but the decision belongs to the immigration authority.
Related Services
Official Immigration Information
Discuss Your Japan Immigration Application in English
Tell us your current location, residence status (if you are in Japan), relevant dates and the assistance you need. Our office will review the available procedure and provide a quotation before engagement.
Kawagoe Masanobu Administrative Scrivener Office
Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
Phone: +81-237-86-7198 (9:00–18:00 Japan time)
Online or remote consultation is available depending on your location and case. The linked contact form may display Japanese labels; you may write your inquiry in English. Application approval cannot be guaranteed.