[2025 Edition] Permanent Residency Visa Application FAQ｜Practical Answers to Common Questions

Permanent Residency Visa Application FAQ｜Practical Answers from an Administrative Scrivener

While the Immigration Services Agency’s official website outlines the basic requirements and procedures for permanent residency, many people feel uncertain when actually considering an application—especially about the interpretation of detailed conditions and differences between individual cases.
This page provides answers to frequently asked questions based on my experience as an administrative scrivener, including points that official sources may not fully explain.

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Chapter 1｜Questions About Eligibility and Basic Requirements

Q1. How many years must I live in Japan to apply for permanent residency?
In principle, 10 consecutive years of residence is required. However, there are exceptions:

• Spouse of Japanese national: At least 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan
• Highly Skilled Professional points system: 1 year or 3 years depending on points
• Long-term resident or special circumstances: Case-by-case evaluation
  It’s important to note that not only the total years but also the type and continuity of the residency status matter.

Q2. How many years after getting a spouse visa can I apply?
As a general guideline, 3 years of marriage and at least 1 year of residence in Japan are required. However, the actual marital relationship, period of cohabitation, and the stability of your livelihood will also be evaluated.

Q3. Can I get permanent residency with a work visa?
Yes, it is possible. Generally, 10 years of residence (at least 5 years under a work status) is required. Shorter periods are possible only under limited schemes such as the Highly Skilled Professional system.

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Chapter 2｜Questions About Income, Taxes, and Pension

Q4. How much annual income is required?
There is no legally fixed amount, but you must demonstrate a stable income sufficient to live without public assistance.

• Single applicants: Around 3 million yen or more
• Applicants with dependents: Higher amounts depending on family size
  In addition to the amount, stability (years with the same employer, industry) is crucial.

Q5. Can I apply if I have unpaid taxes or pension contributions in the past?
If you have a history of non-payment, it is likely to result in refusal. You should have full payment records for all recent years. Any past arrears must be fully paid, with proof of payment and an explanation.

Q6. Is it okay if I have many dependents?
Having many dependents is not an issue in itself, but the income-to-dependents ratio will be assessed. If income is considered too low for the number of dependents, you will need documents proving financial stability.

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Chapter 3｜Questions About Documents and Preparation

Q7. What documents are required?
The basic required documents are:

• Application form for permanent residence
• Statement of reason (optional but strongly recommended)
• Photo (4cm × 3cm)
• Copies of passport and residence card
• Resident record (showing all household members and relationships)
• Certificates of taxation and tax payment for the past 3 years
• Pension payment record
  ※ Additional documents may be required depending on your residency status and family situation.

Q8. Is a resident record with household members and relationships mandatory?
Yes. It is necessary to verify family relationships and dependent status. If there are discrepancies, explanatory documents should be attached.

Q9. Is the statement of reason mandatory?
It is optional by law, but strongly recommended. If you have any concerns about income or years of residence, it can help improve your chances of approval by providing supplementary explanations.

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Chapter 4｜Questions About Screening and Results

Q10. How long does the screening process take?
Usually 6 months to 1 year. The period varies depending on the immigration office’s workload and the contents of the application.

Q11. What are common reasons for refusal?
Main reasons include:

• Unstable income or livelihood
• Unpaid taxes or pension contributions
• Inconsistencies in residency status or history
• Doubts about the marital relationship

Q12. How soon can I reapply after a refusal?
Generally, 6 months to 1 year later. You should analyze the reasons for refusal, address them, and then reapply.

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Chapter 5｜Questions About Family Applications and Special Cases

Q13. Can the whole family apply together?
Yes, if each person meets the requirements. For children, approval of the parents’ permanent residency is usually a prerequisite.

Q14. Can only my spouse get permanent residency first?
Yes, but the rest of the family must maintain a different valid visa. They can apply for permanent residency once they meet the requirements.

Q15. What happens to my permanent residency if I get divorced?
If the divorce happens after obtaining permanent residency, you generally keep the status. If you divorce during the application process, the marital relationship will be a factor in the screening.

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Chapter 6｜Questions About Application Strategy and Using an Administrative Scrivener

Q16. What are the benefits of hiring an administrative scrivener?

• Pre-checking documents for errors and consistency
• Preparing statements of reason and supplementary explanations to improve approval chances
• Responding quickly to immigration officers’ inquiries and requests for additional documents

Q17. Can I hire you after a self-filed application was refused?
Yes. We provide reapplication support by analyzing the refusal reasons and taking corrective action.

Q18. When is the application fee paid?
Many offices require payment of half or all the fee at the time of contract. Some request the remaining balance upon approval.

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Summary

Permanent residency applications vary greatly depending on each applicant’s circumstances. Just because someone else was approved doesn’t mean you will be as well.
The FAQs on this page are general guidelines, and for the best outcome, professional advice tailored to your situation is highly recommended.

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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