How to Shorten the Permanent Residency Application Review Time in Japan [2025 Edition]｜Practical Guide with Osaka Insights

Introduction

Applying for permanent residency is the final and most important step for many foreign residents in Japan. However, the actual review period often takes one to one and a half years on average, and in some cases, it has even exceeded two years.

While many assume “there is nothing to do but wait,” the truth is that with thorough preparation in advance, it is possible to shorten the review period by several months.

This article explains the specific preparation points that can help reduce the waiting time, based on the latest trends as of 2025.

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Chapter 1｜Why Does the Permanent Residency Review Take So Long?

Why does the review process for permanent residency take such an extended time?

Understanding the background is the first step to considering strategies for shortening the process. Here, we outline the flow of examination, the rise in applications, and the delays caused by deficiencies.

• Complex review flow
  Local immigration office accepts application → Document check → Sent to Tokyo HQ for review → Approval by the Minister of Justice → Result notification
  
• Increase in application volume
  The number of applicants has grown significantly in recent years, causing backlog and delays
  
  
• Document deficiencies and additional requests
  Any missing or inconsistent documents lead to extra requests, pushing back the review schedule

These three factors combined explain why the processing time varies greatly depending on the applicant.

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Chapter 2｜Key Factors for Shortening the Review Period

The speed of the permanent residency process depends greatly on the quality of preparation.
In particular, the following four factors strongly influence review time:

Factor for Faster Review	Details	Risk of Delay
Accuracy & Consistency of Documents	All names, addresses, family information must match across all documents	Resubmission due to discrepancies
Fulfillment of Public Obligations	Taxes, pension, and social insurance fully paid	Major delay due to arrears or non-payment
Cooperation Framework	Guarantor and employer promptly issue required documents	Delay in document issuance
Stability of Living Base	Stable income, housing, and family support	Additional verification due to instability

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Chapter 3｜Document Preparation That Makes the Difference

The consistency of documents is the single biggest factor affecting review speed.
If names, addresses, or family information are inconsistent, additional requests will arise and delay the process for months. Here we break down basic checks and the specific requirements for different employment types.

1. Consistency Check of Basic Documents

• Resident Record (Juminhyo): includes all household members and family relationships
• Tax Certificates: ensure no discrepancies in name spelling
• Family Register: confirm spouse and children match

2. Employment-Type Specific Preparation

Employment Type	Required Documents	Notes
Company Employee	Employment Certificate, Withholding Tax Slip (Gensen Choshu-hyo)	Must submit latest year
Self-Employed	Tax Return Copy, Tax Payment Certificate	Blue Return Statement (Aoiro Shinkoku) is advantageous
Contract/Dispatch Worker	Contract, Payslips	Provide supplementary info on contract renewal

3. Possible Additional Documents

• Bankbook copies
• Employment contracts
• Residence cards of family members

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Chapter 4｜Perfect Check of Taxes, Pension, and Social Insurance

Taxes, pension, and social insurance are the areas immigration examines most strictly.
Any irregularities here will inevitably trigger requests and cause long delays.

• Resident Tax: Submit 3 years’ worth of tax & payment certificates; immediately resolve arrears
• Pension: Confirm no missing periods in National Pension or Employees’ Pension records
• Health Insurance: Ensure address and employer match with other documents
• Dependents: Ensure consistency between health insurance, tax records, and resident record

👉 Remember: tax, pension, and insurance data are cross-checked during review, so ensuring zero gaps is the key to a faster process.

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Chapter 5｜Coordination with Guarantor and Employer

The applicant alone cannot control everything—guarantor and employer cooperation is essential.
Employer-issued documents often take time, and guarantor delays can halt the entire process.

Item	Key Point	Notes
1. Early Request to Guarantor	Choose reliable guarantors such as spouse, employer, or trusted friend	Collect guarantee form and ID copy in advance
2. Employer Cooperation	Request employment and salary certificates promptly	Large companies’ HR departments may take longer—apply early

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Chapter 6｜Proving Income and Stability of Living Base

“Have you established a stable living base in Japan?” is at the core of the review.
Income, assets, and family living conditions all demonstrate ability and intention to settle in Japan.

• Annual income of 3 million yen or more is one benchmark
• Savings and real estate documents can be used as supplemental evidence
• Family residence and children’s schooling show stability of lifestyle in Japan

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Chapter 7｜Cases of Faster and Delayed Reviews

Learning from real cases reveals what accelerates or delays the process.

Case	Situation	Result
Faster Case	Documents fully consistent / Employer promptly issued certificates	Approved in about 8 months
Delayed Case	Resident tax arrears discovered → 6 months to correct / Guarantor documents missing → further delay	Extended to over 1.5 years

👉 These cases make it clear that preparation determines the review period.

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Chapter 8｜Merits of Hiring an Administrative Scrivener

There can be a major difference in efficiency between self-application and hiring an expert.
An administrative scrivener minimizes risks of additional requests and streamlines communication with immigration.

• Prevents document omissions and reduces extra requests
• Handles pre-checks with immigration to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth
• Based on practical experience, can advise on regional trends—especially in busy areas like Osaka where application volume is high

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Conclusion

Permanent residency reviews may take over a year, but with proper preparation, the process can be shortened significantly.

• Consistency check of documents
• Complete fulfillment of tax, pension, and insurance obligations
• Early coordination with guarantor and employer
• Proof of stable income and living base

By covering these four points, applicants can put themselves on the shortest path to approval.
In large cities like Osaka, where application volume is particularly high, the difference in preparation can be even more significant—making early action crucial.

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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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