Permanent Residency (Eiju-sha)
Category: Residency · Processing time: 6–18 months
Recently verified
Apply through official authority
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-07-08.
Visa type
Residency
Processing time
6–18 months
Fees
GovernmentFee: ¥8,000 (Revenue stamps upon approval)
Validity
Indefinite (Residence card must be renewed every 7 years).
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
Save this visa to My Plan
Overview
Indefinite right to live and work in Japan. Path to citizenship: Yes (after additional years).
- Leads to permanent residency: No
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not specified, but stability is key.
- Financial requirement: Stable income sufficient for self-support (typically ¥3M+ annually for singles).
- Accommodation proof: Yes (Proof of stable residence in Japan).
Estimated Costs
- - GovernmentFee: ¥8,000 (Revenue stamps upon approval)
Required Documents
- - Application form for Permanent Residency
- - Residence card and passport copies
- - Employment certificate and tax/withholding statements (3–5 years)
- - Payment certificates for National Tax, Resident Tax, Pension, and Health Insurance
- - Statement of Reasons (Explanation of why you seek PR)
- - Guarantor documents (must be Japanese national or Permanent Resident)
Application Steps
- Audit all tax, pension, and health insurance records for the last 5+ years.
- Ensure you hold a visa with a 5-year maximum period of stay.
- Compile residency evidence (rental contracts, utility bills, proof of continuous stay).
- Prepare 'Statement of Reasons' for Permanent Residency.
- Submit application to the regional Immigration Services Agency (ISA) office.
- Attend biometrics/interviews if requested during the 6–18 month review period.
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration Services Agency of Japan →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Browse foreign embassies in Japan (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
Track your Permanent Residency / Settlement preparation
Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.
Get visa checklist updates
Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Permanent Residency / Settlement in Japan.
Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Indefinite or long-term right to remain
- - Unrestricted right to work in most destinations
- - Access to public healthcare and education at resident rates
- - Pathway to citizenship after additional qualifying period
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in Japan depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission auto
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In Japan, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in Japan for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for Japan, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter Japan, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border chec
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for Japan through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa processi
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Japan, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Permanent Residency / Settlement. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Application submitted while holding a 1-year or 3-year visa (Automatic rejection).
- - History of late payments or non-payment of taxes, pension, or insurance.
- - Overseas absences exceeding 100 days/year or 150 days/5-year period.
- - Inconsistency in employment history or income reporting.
Application Tips
- - Check your visa validity immediately; if you hold a 3-year visa, aim to renew it to 5 years before applying for PR.
- - Use the 'Mynaportal' app to audit your own social insurance and tax history before the ISA does.
- - Do not trust agents promising 'guaranteed' results; PR applications are highly discretionary and document-heavy.
- - Consider hiring a licensed [Administrative Scrivener (Gyoseishoshi)](https://english.visajapan.jp/eiju.html) to audit your documents, as PR rejection can hurt future applications.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This visa is designed for applicants matching Residency pathway criteria.
Typical processing time is 6–18 months, subject to documentation quality and application volume.
Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.