7 Reasons Why Your Permanent Residency Application May Be Denied—and How to Avoid Them

🧭 Introduction

Obtaining a Permanent Residency visa (officially known as “Permanent Resident” status) is a major milestone that signifies a stable life in Japan and grants the important benefit of no longer being subject to any period of stay restrictions.

At the same time, it is not uncommon to hear concerns such as:
“Permanent residency is hard to get,” “I got rejected,” “I have no idea why I was denied.”

In this article, we will first clarify the basic requirements for permanent residency in Japan, and then explain the most common reasons for denial and how to address them—all from the perspective of a certified immigration lawyer.

“I thought I met all the requirements, but my application was rejected.”
“I want to apply again but don’t know what I need to fix.”
If this sounds like you, this article is especially for you.

---

Chapter 0: Basic Requirements for Permanent Residency and Key Screening Points

Simply “living in Japan for a long time” or “having a stable job” is not enough to be granted permanent residency. The Ministry of Justice has clearly defined eligibility criteria, and meeting them is essential.

---

✅ 0-1. The Three Core Requirements (Based on MOJ Guidelines)

1. Good Conduct
→ Assessed comprehensively based on criminal records, traffic violations, and tax compliance.

2. Financial Independence
→ Evaluated based on income, employment status, number of dependents, and overall financial stability.

3. Residency That Benefits Japan
→ Generally requires at least 10 consecutive years of residence in Japan, including 5 years of employment.

💡 Note: Certain visa categories—such as Spouse of Japanese National or Long-Term Resident—may be eligible under relaxed conditions (e.g., 5 years of residence).

---

✅ 0-2. Other Important Screening Factors

• Payment status for resident tax and national pension
• Records of health insurance premium payments
• Family structure and cohabitation status
• Employment history, including any gaps or periods of unemployment
• Consistency and persuasiveness of the applicant’s written statement

In recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on numerical indicators such as income, taxes, and residency history. Even minor delays or missed payments can result in rejection.

---

✅ 0-3. You Can Still Be Denied Even If You Meet the Requirements

• Earning over ¥3,000,000 annually as a full-time employee—but still denied
• Paying resident tax, but being disqualified due to lack of pension enrollment
• Having no behavioral issues, but facing rejection due to a poorly written explanation letter

In short, applications that lack overall balance and consistency are far less likely to succeed.
In the next chapter, we will examine seven real-world rejection patterns and specific countermeasures.

Chapter 1: Reason for Denial ①｜Unstable Income or Employment

---

◆ Common Rejection Patterns

• Annual income is below ¥3,000,000 (approximate threshold)
• Non-regular employment (e.g., dispatch worker, part-time, short-term contract)
• Frequent job changes or short employment periods
• Too many dependents, leading to concerns about insufficient financial capacity

---

◆ Why Does This Lead to Rejection?

When reviewing permanent residency applications, stability of livelihood is a key consideration. Merely having income is not enough—what matters is whether the income is stable and sustainable into the future.

Examples of high-risk cases include:

• Freelancers with fluctuating income
• Recently changed jobs within the past year
• Changes in dependent status due to divorce or separation

---

◆ Countermeasures and Advice

• Include income documentation for the past three years (e.g., tax certificates)
• Provide an employment contract and certificate of employment to demonstrate job stability
• If you have multiple dependents, add documentation showing your financial plan (e.g., detailed household expenses or proof of financial support from others)

---

✅ Administrative Scrivener’s Insight

For business owners or freelancers, it’s helpful to submit additional documents such as sales history, expense breakdowns, and future income projections to strengthen your application.

Chapter 2: Reason for Denial ②｜Unpaid or Delayed Tax Payments

---

◆ Common Rejection Patterns

• Unpaid or delinquent resident taxes or national pension premiums
• Tax payments are currently in installments (not fully paid)
• Multiple years of payment delays remain on record

---

◆ Why Does This Lead to Rejection?

Demonstrating that you fulfill your tax obligations is considered part of good conduct.
Particularly for permanent residency applications, your payment history of taxes, pension premiums, and health insurance contributions is scrutinized very closely.

Even short-term non-payment or late payments can become serious negative factors, as the authorities assess the completeness of your payment record over the past several years.

---

◆ Countermeasures and Advice

• Obtain an official certificate of full payment (issued by your local municipal office)
• If you are paying taxes in installments, complete the payments before applying
• If you have not enrolled in the national pension, enroll and pay retroactively before submitting your application

---

✅ Administrative Scrivener’s Insight

Simply stating “I’m paying now” is not sufficient.
Make sure to thoroughly check your entire payment history for any issues before applying.

Chapter 3: Reason for Denial ③｜Frequent Job Changes or Periods of Unemployment

---

◆ Common Rejection Patterns

• Multiple job changes within 2–3 years
• Unemployment lasting six months or longer
• Changing your residency status while unemployed

---

◆ Why Does This Lead to Rejection?

Permanent residency requires at least five years of work history in Japan.
If your employment history is fragmented or contains long gaps, it can raise red flags.
Frequent job changes may also lead authorities to question the stability of your residence in Japan.

---

◆ Countermeasures and Advice

• If there are gaps in your employment history, explain the reasons in a supplemental statement
• Include explanations in your written statement that show career consistency and logical reasons for changing jobs
• If you had a long break in employment, submit supporting materials that show how you supported yourself (e.g., financial support records, proof of savings)

---

✅ Administrative Scrivener’s Insight

Even if you were unemployed for a time, applications can still be approved if the reason is justifiable—such as for childbirth, caregiving, or medical treatment.
The key is clear and honest explanation.

Chapter 4: Reason for Denial ④｜Frequent Changes in Visa Status Without Clear Explanation

---

◆ Common Rejection Patterns

• Multiple status changes: e.g., Student → Engineer/Specialist → Spouse → Long-Term Resident → PR
• Operating as a freelancer while still holding a work visa (e.g., Engineer/Specialist/Humanities/International Services)
• Current lifestyle or employment does not match the type of visa held

---

◆ Why Does This Lead to Rejection?

Changing visa status is not a problem in itself.
However, if the reasons behind those changes are unclear, it may cast doubt on your long-term intention to reside in Japan.

For example, continuing freelance work under a standard work visa may be perceived as unauthorized activity if not properly explained.

---

◆ Countermeasures and Advice

• Create a chronological chart showing your visa status transitions
• Provide brief written explanations for each change (e.g., marriage, childbirth, career change)
• Submit documents that prove your current activity matches your visa status (e.g., job description, contracts)

---

✅ Administrative Scrivener’s Insight

This is an area where lack of explanation often leads to rejection.
Be especially careful to avoid contradictions with previous visa applications and reason statements.

Chapter 5: Reason for Denial ⑤｜Traffic Violations or Minor Offenses

---

◆ Common Rejection Patterns

• Multiple minor traffic violations such as cycling without lights or running red lights
• Repeated speeding or illegal parking offenses within a year
• Record of fines or summary indictments for violations

---

◆ Why Does This Lead to Rejection?

One of the key criteria for permanent residency is good conduct.
Even minor infractions, if repeated, may be seen as a lack of respect for Japanese laws and regulations.

Serious offenses that involve fines or criminal charges—such as DUI or hit-and-run—can be fatal to your application.

---

◆ Countermeasures and Advice

• Obtain your official driving record from the police to check for violations
• If you have violations in the past 3–5 years, consider waiting before applying
• For minor offenses, include a written statement expressing reflection and efforts to improve

---

✅ Administrative Scrivener’s Insight

The excuse “It happened five years ago, so it should be fine” often doesn’t hold up.
What matters is the type, frequency, and pattern of violations—these are evaluated as a whole.

Chapter 6: Reason for Denial ⑥｜Errors or Lack of Clarity in Application Documents

---

◆ Common Rejection Patterns

• The written statement is too generic or unclear
• Inconsistencies between documents (e.g., work history vs. family registry)
• Mistakes or mistranslations in translated documents that affect clarity

---

◆ Why Does This Lead to Rejection?

Permanent residency applications are judged almost entirely through document review.
In other words, your documents “speak for you.”

Even small errors, inconsistencies, or unexplained blanks can instantly cause suspicion or result in rejection.

---

◆ Countermeasures and Advice

• Organize your work history, residence history, and other details in a chronological format for consistency
• Have a third party—preferably a professional—review your documents before submission
• If translation is needed, use a translator who is experienced in immigration procedures

---

✅ Administrative Scrivener’s Insight

Assuming that “they’ll understand even if there are small errors” is risky.
Your documents should be complete and self-explanatory, with no need for additional clarification.

Chapter 7: Reason for Denial ⑦｜Mismatch Between Visa Status and Actual Lifestyle

---

◆ Common Rejection Patterns

• Holding an “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa while doing unrelated work
• Holding a “Spouse of Japanese National” visa but living separately for extended periods
• Staying in Japan under a “Dependent” visa but engaging in unauthorized employment

---

◆ Why Does This Lead to Rejection?

Your residency status indicates the type of activity that permits your stay in Japan.
If your actual situation does not align with your visa type, it can significantly damage your credibility.

For example, if someone on a Spouse visa is living apart from their Japanese spouse without a clear reason, it may raise concerns about the authenticity of the relationship.
Similarly, working under a Dependent visa without authorization is a serious violation.

---

◆ Countermeasures and Advice

• Ensure that your current job duties match your visa category
• Prepare strong evidence of cohabitation, such as joint residence records, utility bills, or mail
• If there is a discrepancy between visa status and actual activity, provide a clear written explanation

---

✅ Administrative Scrivener’s Insight

Even if there is no clear “lie,” applications that feel inconsistent or raise suspicion are much more likely to be denied.

For Those Considering Reapplying｜Identify the Reason for Denial and Turn It into a Strength

If your application for permanent residency is denied, the key to success lies in how much you can improve before reapplying.

---

✅ Key Points to Review Before Reapplying

• Carefully interpret the reason stated in your denial notice
• Re-check the consistency and accuracy of all submitted documents
• Review whether your income, tax payments, or residence history can be improved
• Consider seeking advice from a professional, such as an administrative scrivener

---

💬 Common Misunderstanding
“Since I can reapply in three months, I’ll just submit it again right away.”
→ This is often inefficient.
Submitting the same or only slightly modified documents without addressing the actual problems will likely result in another rejection.

📝 Summary｜Permanent Residency Requires Both Substance and Well-Prepared Documents

At first glance, applying for permanent residency in Japan may seem simple.
However, in reality, it involves a highly multifaceted evaluation process.

There are countless real-world examples of denied applications, and the first step toward a successful reapplication is understanding exactly why an application is rejected.

When you decide to apply for permanent residency, it’s essential to take a realistic look at your own situation and ensure you’re fully prepared.

If you’re unsure about your documents or feel uncertain about whether you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional.

---

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

“I want to obtain permanent residency quickly and securely.” “I’m worried about preparing all the documents.”
If this sounds like you, please feel free to contact our office in Osaka (Yodogawa-ku). We support clients from all over Japan, providing the most effective assistance based on our extensive experience with immigration procedures.

If you want to secure your permanent residency smoothly and confidently, contact our office today.

Related Articles