How to Write a Statement of Reasons for Permanent Residency｜Tips and Real Examples

📝 Introduction｜The “Statement of Reasons” is Key to a Successful PR Application

When applying for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa in Japan, one of the required documents is the “Statement of Reasons”. This is a written explanation—authored by the applicant—of why they wish to obtain permanent residency.

While this document may be technically classified as “optional” under the law, in practice it is virtually indispensable. It serves as a crucial tool to communicate the applicant’s background, intentions, and sincerity—things that cannot be fully expressed through other supporting documents like income, tax, or pension records.

This article, from the perspective of a certified administrative scrivener, explains in detail the role of the Statement of Reasons, how it should be structured, what to include, real-life examples, common mistakes, and professional tips for writing a persuasive document.

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Chapter 1｜What Is a “Statement of Reasons” in the First Place?

1-1. Optional on Paper, but Practically Mandatory

Under Japan’s Immigration Control Act, submitting a Statement of Reasons is not a legal obligation. However, in actual practice, it is required in almost all applications, and legal professionals such as administrative scriveners will almost always instruct their clients to prepare one.

Without this document, the rationale for seeking permanent residency remains unclear. Especially in more complex cases—such as frequent job changes, fluctuating income, or applications submitted after a short period of stay—its absence may negatively affect the evaluation.

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1-2. What Immigration Officers Are Looking For

A simple or vague phrase like “I love Japan” is not enough. What immigration officers really want to understand are the following:

• How deeply your life is rooted in Japan
• What kind of life you plan to build here and how you intend to contribute to society
• Whether your past residence history, tax records, and pension payments reflect responsible behavior
• Whether you have complied with Japanese laws and regulations
• How you plan to contribute to Japanese society through permanent residency

With these expectations in mind, your Statement of Reasons should be thoughtfully organized and address these points clearly and sincerely.

Chapter 2｜6 Key Elements to Include in Your Statement of Reasons

When writing your Statement of Reasons, it’s crucial that you convey your sincerity and seriousness. It’s not just about expressing your feelings—it’s about logically and clearly presenting the information immigration officers are looking for.

Below are six essential elements that should be included in nearly all cases:

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① Why You Wish to Continue Living in Japan (Your Motivation for Permanent Residency)

• Why do you want to live in Japan long-term?
• What kind of stability or peace of mind does living in Japan offer you?
• Why are you choosing Japan over returning to your home country?

Example:
“I wish to remain in Japan because my family’s life is already firmly established here.”
“My current job is based in Japan, and I intend to continue working there long into the future.”

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② Current Employment and Income Situation, and Future Outlook

• Where do you currently work, what is your job, and what is your income level?
• Emphasize that you are financially independent and self-sufficient
• Explain your job stability and prospects for continued employment

Example:
“I am currently employed full-time at [Company Name] and plan to continue working there for the foreseeable future.”

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③ Family and Community Connections

• If you have a spouse or children in Japan, highlight your strong family ties
• Mention your marriage to a Japanese national, living with family, or involvement in local events
• Note your engagement with your local community, neighborhood, or school

Example:
“My child attends the local elementary school, and our family actively participates in community events.”

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④ Your History in Japan and Social Integration

• Outline your journey in Japan (e.g., from student to employee to family life)
• Mention Japanese language skills, cultural adaptation, and community involvement
• Explain your visa history and whether there have been any problems or violations

Example:
“I have been living in Japan for 12 years, have never had issues renewing my visa, and have become well integrated into my local community.”

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⑤ Attitude Toward Tax, Pension, and Legal Compliance

• Describe your payment history for taxes, health insurance, and pension
• Emphasize your awareness of and commitment to your legal obligations
• Mention avoidance of traffic or legal violations

Example:
“I file my tax returns and pay my resident tax every year without fail. I also make regular pension contributions.”

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⑥ Future Goals and Desire to Contribute to Japanese Society

• Share your goals after obtaining permanent residency
• Explain how you plan to use your skills to contribute to society
• Mention your desire to give back to the community or provide long-term stability for your family

Example:
“After obtaining PR, I hope to further support my child’s education and contribute to Japanese society through my work and volunteer efforts.”

Chapter 3｜Sample Statement Template

Below is a sample Statement of Reasons that can be used for a permanent residency application. Please customize the content according to your actual circumstances.

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[Sample Statement of Reasons]

Date:
Reiwa ○○, Month ○, Day ○

To: Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Applicant Name: ○○○○ (Signature)

Statement of Reasons for Permanent Residency Application

I hereby apply for permanent residency in Japan. Below, I outline the reasons for my application.

I entered Japan in ○○ (year/month), and have been living here for the past ○ years. I am currently employed full-time at ○○ Company, where I receive a stable monthly income and fulfill my obligations by appropriately paying taxes and pension contributions.

I have been married to my Japanese spouse for ○ years, and we are raising our child(ren) together as a family in Japan. Our child is currently attending a local elementary school and is well-adapted to Japanese society.

I also value my involvement in the local community. I actively participate in events organized by the local government and engage with neighbors, building a lifestyle rooted in the region.

During my stay in Japan, I have not been involved in any legal violations or incidents. I have led a responsible and sincere life here. I wish to continue living in Japan with my family in a stable and secure manner, and I hope to contribute to society as a responsible member.

For these reasons, I respectfully request your favorable consideration of my application for permanent residency.

Sincerely,
(Your Name)

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※ Please note: This is a general template. The contents should be modified based on the applicant’s personal history and current circumstances.

Chapter 4｜What Not to Write: Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

The Statement of Reasons is not just a formality—it plays a critical role in complementing your official records and proving your credibility as an applicant. The following are common mistakes and expressions that should be avoided.

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❌ Examples of What to Avoid

① Too Abstract or Vague

Bad example:
“I’m applying because I want to live in Japan.”
“I just love Japan.”

▶ These statements lack substance. Instead, you must clearly explain your actual lifestyle, personal history, and social background in Japan.

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② Overly Assertive or Arrogant Tone

Bad example:
“I’ve already contributed enough, so I deserve permanent residency.”

▶ Permanent residency is not a right—it is a permission granted by the Japanese government. A humble and respectful tone is essential. Avoid words like “deserve” or “entitled.”

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③ False or Exaggerated Claims

Bad example:
“My monthly income is 300,000 yen.” (Actual income is 200,000 yen)
“I’ve been volunteering in the community.” (No verifiable proof)

▶ False statements may be treated as misrepresentation, which can seriously harm your application. Make sure everything written aligns with your supporting documents.

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④ Unnecessarily Negative or Emotional Content

Bad example:
“I previously overstayed my visa, but…”
“I’m lonely after my divorce and need permanent residency.”

▶ While honesty is valuable, overly negative information should be rephrased with a constructive tone. If you must explain a difficult situation, consider submitting a separate “Letter of Explanation” (経緯説明書).

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⑤ Copying a Template Without Personalization

Bad example:
Using someone else’s statement with details that clearly don’t match your own situation.

▶ A statement that doesn’t reflect your actual circumstances will lack credibility. Templates can be helpful for reference, but your final version should be written in your own words.

Chapter 5｜Support from Administrative Scriveners for Writing the Statement

Many applicants struggle with how to write their Statement of Reasons. At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide comprehensive support tailored to each applicant’s individual circumstances. Our support includes the following:

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✅ Organizing Your Situation Through an Interview

We carefully gather information about your:

• Personal background and immigration history
• Family structure and relationships
• Employment status and income stability
• Level of integration in Japanese society and community involvement

Examples of what we clarify during the interview:

• How you transitioned between visas up to your current status
• Employment history (e.g., job changes, employment types)
• Specific examples of your lifestyle in Japan
• Family ties and regional connections

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✅ Drafting a Customized Structure and Content

Based on the interview, we propose the most suitable outline and content for your statement. This includes:

• Opening: Why you wish to apply for permanent residency
• Main Body: Your job, income, tax status, and social integration
• Conclusion: Your vision for the future and how you plan to contribute to society
• A final paragraph that expresses sincerity and your intention to live responsibly

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✅ Review and Language Refinement

We edit the draft to make it more natural and appropriate for official submission, with attention to tone and clarity:

• Polishing sentence endings for formal tone (e.g., “I think” → “I believe” / “と考えております”)
• Removing awkward expressions and contradictions
• Checking for typos, grammar, and polite wording
• Adjusting sentence length and rhythm for readability

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✅ Translation Support (If Needed)

If the applicant is not proficient in Japanese, we can support translation from English, Chinese, Tagalog, etc.

⚠ Note: The final version must be submitted in Japanese, as required by immigration authorities.

🧩 Conclusion｜Your Statement Is the “Face” of Your PR Application

In a permanent residency application, the Statement of Reasons is not just an optional attachment—
it is a personal message that reflects your character, lifestyle, and commitment to life in Japan.

Because there is no fixed format, the most important things are:

✔ Write sincerely
✔ Be specific
✔ Use your own words

Even if you’re unsure what to write at first, once you understand the key structure and points to cover, you can create a compelling and trustworthy statement that reflects your unique story.

At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, we offer full support for permanent residency applications, including assistance with writing your Statement of Reasons.
If you’re unsure about what to write or are concerned about consistency across your documents, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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.

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