Good Conduct Requirement for Permanent Residency in Japan: Practical Examples

Introduction

For those aiming to obtain permanent residency in Japan, requirements such as the length of residence and income conditions are relatively straightforward. However, there is another crucial requirement—the “Good Conduct Requirement.” Many applicants find this criterion vague and difficult to understand. In reality, immigration officers carefully examine everyday behavior, such as traffic violations or unpaid taxes, during the screening process. In this article, based on practical experience as a certified administrative scrivener, I will explain concrete examples of the Good Conduct Requirement, common cases of denial, and points for improvement in an easy-to-understand manner.

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Chapter 1｜What is the Good Conduct Requirement?

This chapter clarifies the definition of the Good Conduct Requirement and what its assessment really means.
It is important to understand that the evaluation goes beyond whether or not you have a criminal record, and instead looks at your overall trustworthiness in society.

The Good Conduct Requirement is one of the criteria for permanent residency under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. It examines whether the applicant “follows the law and behaves as a trustworthy member of society.”

• It is not limited to having or not having a criminal record. Tax payments, enrollment in social insurance, and relationships with the community are also considered.
• Immigration’s perspective: “If this person becomes a permanent resident, will they pose any negative impact on Japanese society?”

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Chapter 2｜Common Issue (1): Traffic Violations and Minor Crimes

This chapter explains one of the most frequent concerns in practice: how traffic violations and minor crimes affect the Good Conduct Requirement.

Traffic violations and minor crimes are among the most common problems in permanent residency screening.

Examples of How Traffic Violations Are Treated

Case	Effect on Permanent Residency Screening
1–2 parking violations	Almost no impact
3 or more violations in a short period	Negative evaluation (risk of denial)
License suspension or revocation	Likely denial
Drunk driving	Serious violation. Almost always denial

Examples of Minor Crimes

• Shoplifting resulting in a fine
• Summary order for a minor violence case

👉 Even these minor offenses are treated as “having a criminal record” if documented, and can directly affect permanent residency.

Typical Judgment Points by Immigration

Situation	Immigration’s Likely Judgment
A single minor offense (several years ago)	May still be approved after years if improvement is shown
Repeated offenses within a few years	Considered untrustworthy → usually denial
During probation or right after sentence completion	Permanent residency is impossible; long observation period required
Fine within the last 5 years	Very high risk of denial (especially emphasis on preventive attitude)

Practical Guidelines

• If you have a criminal record with a fine: at least 5–10 years of “no repeat offenses” is often required
• If even minor violations are repeated: almost always denial unless improvement can be demonstrated
• If you try to hide it in your application: it will always be discovered → “false application” makes things even worse

👉 From practical experience: “One mistake may be overcome by reapplying after several years, but repeated offenses are fatal.”

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Chapter 3｜Common Issue (2): Taxes and Social Insurance

This chapter explains the consequences of neglecting obligations such as tax payments and social insurance.
Since financial records are officially documented, they are one of the most heavily weighted factors in screening.

Situation	Immigration’s Judgment
Taxes paid in full and on time	No problem
Temporary delay but later fully paid	Improvement shown → possible approval
Outstanding taxes at the time of application	Almost always denial
Not enrolled in social insurance (including employer’s failure)	Disadvantageous, but may be rectified with explanation + proof of enrollment

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Chapter 4｜Common Issue (3): Workplace or Community Troubles

This chapter covers less visible issues—how troubles in the workplace, family, or community affect screening.

• Violations of employment contracts or fraudulent receipt of benefits (e.g., unemployment benefits, subsidies)
• Disputes with neighbors (noise complaints, nuisance behavior)
• Domestic violence or family troubles that involved the police

👉 Even if not as obvious as crimes or taxes, if such issues are documented by public authorities, they can lead to a conclusion of being “unfit for permanent residency.”

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Chapter 5｜Consideration of “Improvement”

This chapter explains how, even if violations or delinquencies exist in the past, showing improvement can increase the chance of approval.

Examples of Valid Improvement

• ✅ Tax delinquency → fully paid, plus continued payment for more than 2 years
• ✅ Frequent traffic violations → no accidents or violations for the past 5 years
• ✅ Not enrolled in social insurance → completed enrollment and built a payment history

👉 Immigration considers not only “the existence of violations” but also “the applicant’s attitude toward preventing recurrence.”

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Chapter 6｜Profiles of Applicants Likely to Be Approved vs. Denied

This chapter compares cases where applicants are viewed favorably versus those at high risk of denial.

Likely to Be Approved	Likely to Be Denied
Stable employment, continuous tax and insurance payments	Long-term unemployment or unstable work
No history of violations, stable living foundation	Repeated traffic violations or minor crimes
No family or community troubles	Ongoing tax delinquency or lack of insurance

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Chapter 7｜Practical Checkpoints from an Administrative Scrivener

Finally, this chapter explains what I check in practice before submitting applications.
To avoid trouble during screening, prior confirmation and setting a period for improvement are essential.

• Tax and insurance status → confirmed with official certificates
• Traffic violations or criminal records → confirmed with driving records and applicant interviews
• Workplace and living stability

👉 If problems exist, the strategy should not be “apply immediately,” but rather “improve first → wait for a certain period → then apply.”

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Conclusion

The Good Conduct Requirement is not a numerical condition like income or years of residence, but rather a measure of trustworthiness in everyday life. Even small violations or delinquent payments, if accumulated, can become reasons for denial. On the other hand, if you can prove improvement, there is still a path to approval.

• If violations or delinquency exist → improve and wait a certain period before applying
• If uncertain → consult a professional to assess risks in advance

To secure permanent residency, it is essential not to underestimate the Good Conduct Requirement, but to steadily build and demonstrate credibility over time.

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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