Applying for Permanent Residency in Osaka
Overview of the System and Application Support

Have you been living in Japan for many years? Are you currently staying as a dependent, long-term resident, or spouse and starting to consider permanent residency?

If so, we hope this page will help guide you through the process.

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Chapter 1: What Is the Permanent Residency Visa?

The Permanent Residency Visa (officially known as the “Permanent Resident” status of residence) is one of the most important residency statuses for foreign nationals who wish to live in Japan on a long-term and stable basis. While often referred to as a “visa,” it is technically not a visa issued by an embassy or consulate, but rather a status of residence granted within Japan.

1-1. Key Features of the Permanent Residency Visa

The Permanent Resident status includes several benefits not available under other types of residence statuses:

• No expiration on period of stay
  Once permanent residency is granted, you are no longer required to renew your status of residence (although you must still renew your residence card every seven years).
• No restrictions on employment
  Unlike work visas, you are not limited by job category or employer. You may freely change jobs, engage in part-time work, start your own business, or pursue multiple income streams.
• No restrictions on activities
  Unlike work, student, or dependent visas, there are no limitations based on your purpose of stay. You may live in Japan in any lifestyle you choose.
• Easier re-entry procedures
  With permanent residency, it is easier to leave and return to Japan using the standard or special re-entry permit system, making temporary travel abroad more flexible.

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1-2. Differences Between Permanent Residency and Naturalization

For foreign nationals who wish to live in Japan long-term, both permanent residency and naturalization are attractive options. However, there are significant differences between the two:

Comparison Point	Permanent Residency	Naturalization
Legal Status	Retain foreign nationality	Acquire Japanese nationality
Period of Stay	Unlimited	No visa required as a Japanese citizen
Freedom to Work	Yes	Yes
Political Rights	No	Yes (can vote and run for office)
Passport	Use your home country’s passport	Switch to a Japanese passport
Family Sponsorship	Possible (case-dependent)	Possible as a Japanese citizen

In summary, permanent residency is ideal for those who wish to remain foreign nationals while enjoying the freedom to live and work in Japan, while naturalization is for those who wish to become full members of Japanese society as citizens.

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1-3. Advantages of Obtaining Permanent Residency

Permanent residency offers several practical benefits, including:

• Access to housing loans and financial services
  Many banks offer housing loans specifically for permanent residents. The absence of visa renewal risks can increase your financial credibility.
• Broader career and employment options
  Since your status of residence is no longer tied to your job, you do not need to apply for a visa change when changing employers—this is also reassuring for potential employers.
• Support for family stability and residency
  It may positively influence the ability of your spouse or children to obtain or extend their own residence statuses, providing long-term stability for your entire family.
• No more renewal stress or risk
  You can live without the need to constantly worry about visa renewals or possible denial of extensions, providing a greater sense of security.

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1-4. Important Rules Permanent Residents Must Still Follow

Even with permanent residency, you are still a foreign national under Japan’s immigration laws, and certain obligations continue to apply. For example:

• You must renew your residence card every 7 years
• You must notify authorities of any change of address within 14 days
• You must follow procedures for re-entry if leaving Japan (special re-entry is valid for up to 2 years)
• Permanent residency can be revoked for serious crimes or legal violations

In other words, permanent residency is not an unconditional lifetime right, but rather a privileged status that must be maintained by continuing to follow Japan’s rules and obligations.

Chapter 2: What Are the Requirements for Permanent Residency?

Applying for permanent residency is not something that just anyone can do. You must meet specific requirements set forth by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (commonly referred to as “Nyukan”). In this chapter, we explain the main eligibility conditions, notable exceptions, and common misconceptions.

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2-1. The Three Basic Requirements

According to the official “Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence” published by the Immigration Services Agency, the following three points are the main criteria for approval:

2-2. Exceptions to the 10-Year Requirement

In certain cases, the standard requirement of 10 years of residency in Japan may be relaxed. The following are examples of individuals who may qualify under special conditions:

Eligible Category	Relaxed Requirement
Spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or special permanent residents	Eligible to apply after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence in Japan
Biological or adopted children of Japanese nationals	No minimum residency period if legally recognized as a child
Recognized refugees	Eligible to apply after 5 years of residence in Japan
Holders of the Highly Skilled Professional visa	May apply in as little as 1 to 3 years, depending on point score and category

However, even in these cases, applicants are still subject to strict evaluation regarding their conduct, income, and tax compliance.

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2-3. Permanent Residency Is Not the Same as Visa Renewal

A common misconception is that if you continue renewing your visa, you will automatically qualify for permanent residency. This is not true.

• Permanent residency is not granted automatically—you must apply for it.
• It is judged based on a separate set of criteria by different immigration officers.
• In fact, permanent residency undergoes stricter scrutiny than a standard visa renewal.

Applicants who assume “I’ve always renewed without issues, so I’ll be fine” may find themselves unexpectedly denied.

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2-4. Immigration Uses a “Holistic Evaluation” Approach

When assessing permanent residency applications, immigration authorities do not only check whether the formal requirements are met. They also evaluate the applicant’s overall living situation and reliability. For example:

• Are there any gaps or delays in tax or pension payments?
• Are there issues with the residence statuses of your spouse or children?
• Do your submitted documents contain any inconsistencies or false information?

As a result, there are cases where applicants who technically meet all criteria are denied. Conversely, there are also cases where individuals who fall slightly short of the requirements are approved due to a history of honest and responsible living.

Chapter 3: What Documents Are Required for a Permanent Residency Application?

Applying for permanent residency in Japan involves preparing a large number of documents. Each document must be accurate in format and consistent in content, which means the preparation process requires considerable time and effort.

In this chapter, we organize the main required documents by category and provide practical tips and cautions for preparing them properly.

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3-1. Basic Document Checklist

Below is a list of the standard documents designated by the Immigration Services Agency:

Document Name	Notes
Application for Permanent Residence	Use the official form (can be handwritten or submitted electronically)
ID Photo (4cm × 3cm)	Must be taken within the last 6 months, with a plain background and clear lighting
Copy of Residence Card	Submit copies of both front and back sides
Copy of Passport	Must be valid and unexpired
Lease agreement or residence certificate (juminhyo)	Used to verify your current address
Taxation and payment certificate (from local city/ward office)	Must cover residence tax (juminzei) for the most recent year
Tax payment certificates (from tax office)	Proof of national income tax payments (Forms No.1 and No.2)
Pension contribution record	Issued by the Japan Pension Service; missed or unpaid contributions may negatively impact your application
Proof of income	Includes items such as withholding tax slips (gensen choshuhyo), pay statements, or income tax returns

Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s specific background or status.

3-4. Important Points to Keep in Mind

3-5. Where and How to Submit Your Application

Permanent residency applications must be submitted to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau that has jurisdiction over your current place of residence. There are two main submission methods:

■ In-Person Submission at the Immigration Office

Applications can typically be submitted without an appointment. However, depending on the office and congestion level, a numbered ticket system may be in place.

■ Online Submission (e-Application)

Applications may be submitted online through a legal representative, such as an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) or attorney.
If you intend to apply on your own, note that an electronic signature and prior system registration are required—making the process more complex for individuals.

Chapter 4: Key Points of the Review Process and Common Reasons for Rejection

The examination process for permanent residency applications is extremely strict and multifaceted. It is not as simple as “submit all the required documents and get approved.” Instead, immigration authorities make a comprehensive judgment on whether the applicant should be granted the right to reside permanently in Japan.

In this chapter, we explain the key factors that are especially emphasized during the review, along with common patterns that often lead to denial—based on real-world examples.

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4-1. The Three Evaluation Perspectives Used by Immigration Authorities

When reviewing an application for permanent residency, immigration examiners assess the applicant from three main perspectives:

4-2. Seven Common Patterns That Often Lead to Rejection

The following are real-world examples of situations that frequently result in the denial of permanent residency applications.

4-3. Permanent Residency Is Subject to Broad Discretion by Immigration Officers

Permanent residency is not granted automatically based on fixed legal criteria. Instead, it is considered a discretionary status granted on a case-by-case basis.

This means that even if you meet the formal requirements, your application may still be denied if:

• You are deemed lacking in credibility
• There is a perceived lack of explanation or transparency
• Your stated reasons for applying are vague or unclear

Conversely, even if you do not fully meet all conditions, your application may be approved if it demonstrates sincerity and a well-documented, stable life in Japan.

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4-4. You Can Reapply After a Denial

If your permanent residency application is denied, you are allowed to reapply. However, a successful reapplication requires:

• Clearly understanding the reason for the denial
• Making improvements or gathering additional supporting evidence
• Waiting an appropriate amount of time (typically 6 months to 1 year)

Simply reapplying with the same documents and conditions in a short period is unlikely to result in approval.

Chapter 5: Application Process and Timeline for Permanent Residency

Applying for a permanent residency visa in Japan requires proper preparation and scheduling. It’s not simply a matter of gathering documents and submitting them—you must also plan ahead for the preparation, application, review period, and post-approval procedures.

This chapter outlines the overall process and what to do at each stage, arranged in chronological order.

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5-1. General Timeline for the Application Process

Below is an approximate timeline for a standard permanent residency application:

Step	Description	Estimated Time
① Preparation	Collecting documents, checking for consistency and completeness	1–2 months
② Submission	File application at the immigration office or via e-application	Same day as submission
③ Review Period	Immigration conducts document screening and background checks	Approximately 4–8 months
④ Result Notification	Notification is sent by postcard, letter, or email
⑤ Post-Approval Procedures	Receive new residence card as a permanent resident, etc.	Approximately 1–2 weeks

Note: The review period varies depending on the individual case. It may take longer during peak seasons or if document corrections (hossei) are required.

Chapter 6: How Much Does It Cost to Apply for Permanent Residency?

Applying for a permanent residency visa in Japan involves various costs—not just the government fees, but also the expenses for obtaining necessary documents and potentially hiring a legal professional. In this chapter, we’ll break down the typical costs for both self-application and applying through an administrative scrivener.

6-1. Costs When Applying by Yourself

If you submit the application on your own, the main costs are limited to official fees and document issuance costs.

✅ Typical Cost Breakdown

Item	Approximate Cost
Revenue stamp (permanent residency fee)	¥8,000 (paid upon approval)
ID photo (4cm×3cm)	Around ¥1,000
Resident record, tax certificate, tax payment certificate	¥300–¥500 each (varies by municipality)
Pension payment record	Free (from Japan Pension Service) *Postage may apply if mailed
Postage (return envelopes, etc.)	Around ¥500–¥1,000
Other (copying, printing, etc.)	Several hundred yen to ¥1,000

▶ Total Estimate: Generally around ¥10,000, and rarely more than ¥15,000.

✅ Time Cost That’s Often Overlooked

Gathering documents, visiting offices, filling out forms, and submitting the application may take 10+ hours in total. Keep in mind that acquiring tax or pension documents can take several days.

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6-2. Costs When Hiring an Administrative Scrivener

If you hire a professional, you’ll pay the same actual expenses listed above, plus a service fee. The fees vary by office, but general price ranges in Osaka are as follows:

✅ Typical Fee Ranges (in Osaka)

Case	Price Range (incl. tax)
Single applicant	¥88,000 – ¥165,000
Applying with spouse or family	¥132,000 – ¥220,000
Higher-difficulty cases (e.g., borderline income)	¥165,000 – ¥275,000
Additional family member	+¥33,000 per person

※ These are general estimates; actual fees may be higher or lower depending on the office.

✅ Benefits of Hiring a Scrivener

• Handles document collection and checks for you
• Provides eligibility assessment
• Communicates with immigration and handles corrections
• Supports with denial cases, including analysis and reapplication

▶ Especially if this is your first time applying, hiring a professional can offer peace of mind as a form of “insurance.”

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6-3. What If Your Application Is Denied?

✅ If You Apply by Yourself

Fees are not refunded. If you apply again, you must pay another ¥8,000 revenue stamp.

✅ If You Hire a Scrivener

Some offices offer partial refunds or free reapplication support, but there is no guarantee of approval. Be sure to read the terms carefully before signing any contract.

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6-4. Evaluating Cost vs. Benefit

Once granted, permanent residency eliminates future visa renewal costs, paperwork, and uncertainty.

• 3 visa renewals over 10 years: Save ¥60,000–¥100,000
• Easier to get a mortgage or job
• Positively impacts family applications

Taking all this into account, permanent residency offers long-term financial and lifestyle stability.

Chapter 7: How Is Permanent Residency Different from Other Residency Statuses?

The Permanent Resident visa is one of the most flexible and stable residency statuses in Japan. However, it differs significantly from other common statuses held by foreign nationals—as well as from naturalization, which involves acquiring Japanese citizenship.

In this chapter, we’ll help you clearly understand the unique characteristics of permanent residency by comparing it with other major types of status.

Chapter 8: Advantages and Disadvantages of Permanent Residency

Permanent residency is an extremely attractive status for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Japan long-term. However, it is not a perfect solution—there are also disadvantages and points to be cautious about. In this chapter, we will summarize the real benefits of obtaining permanent residency, as well as risks that are often overlooked.

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8-1. Key Benefits of Permanent Residency

8-2. Disadvantages and Points to Be Aware of with Permanent Residency

8-3. Who Is Permanent Residency Best Suited For?

Permanent residency is especially beneficial for people in the following situations:

• Those who wish to live in Japan with long-term stability
• Those who are married or living with family and want to build their lives in Japan
• Those who feel anxious or stressed about periodic visa renewals
• Those who want greater freedom to change jobs or pursue side work
• Those who are considering naturalization in the future

Chapter 9: What to Do If Your Permanent Residency Application Is Denied

Because the requirements and screening process for permanent residency are strict, it’s not uncommon for some applications to be rejected.
However, a denial does not mean you have to give up on permanent residency altogether. In many cases, if you analyze the reason for the denial and reapply after addressing the issue, your application may be approved.

In this chapter, we’ll explain the specific steps to take after receiving a denial notice.

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9-1. Carefully Read the Denial Notice

✅ Check the Reason for Denial
Common reasons generally fall into these categories:

• Poor conduct or legal violations
• Failure to meet financial or income requirements
• Insufficient residency period
• Missing or inconsistent documentation

✅ Inquiries Are Best Made in Person, Not by Phone
If you want more detailed information, it’s best to schedule an appointment at the immigration office and speak directly with the officer in charge.

✅ Keep Original Documents and Copies
Be sure to keep all submitted documents from the denied application, as they’ll be useful for comparison when preparing for reapplication.

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9-2. Common Reasons for Denial and How to Improve

Reason for Denial	Typical Causes	Suggested Improvements
Poor conduct	Accumulated traffic violations, minor repeated offenses	Reduce infractions, attach proof of fine payments, prepare written reflection
Financial shortfall	Low annual income, too many dependents	Increase income (job change or raise), show side income, include spouse’s income
Insufficient residency period	Miscalculated stay duration, long overseas trips	Wait until you clearly meet the 10-year rule, submit supporting explanation for absences
Documentation errors	Inconsistencies in name spelling, incorrect entries	Reissue documents, ensure consistency with residency and family records, have a legal expert review

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9-3. Cooling-Off Period Before Reapplying

✅ Recommended waiting period: 6 months to 1 year
Reapplying with the same conditions too soon is unlikely to yield a different result.

✅ When Improvement Is Needed
It’s better to wait until there are measurable changes—like increased income, cleared tax obligations, or reduced violation points—before reapplying.

✅ Exception: Minor Errors or Missing Documents
If the denial was due only to document issues, reapplication may be possible within 1–2 months of receiving a correction notice.

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9-4. Preparation Checklist for Reapplication

• List the reasons for denial in bullet points
• Identify concrete improvement measures (with data or evidence)
• Make a new list of required documents and a timeline for gathering them
• Consult a professional (administrative scrivener or attorney)
• Prepare supplementary documents, written explanations, and reflection letters
• Have everything double-checked by a third party before submission

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9-5. Benefits of Hiring a Specialist

• More accurate analysis of denial reasons
• Clear advice on specific improvements
• Can handle communications and corrections with immigration on your behalf
• Can help prepare persuasive explanation or opinion letters for reapplication

▶ While it involves additional costs, using a professional can be seen as insurance to make the most of your second chance.

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9-6. Case Examples: From Denial to Approval

Case	Initial Reason for Denial	Improvement	Result
Mr. A (Work Visa)	Annual income of ¥2.9 million with 3 dependents → did not meet financial criteria	Changed jobs + started side business, increased income to ¥3.8 million	Approved 8 months later
Ms. B (Spouse of Japanese National)	5 traffic violations + unpaid fines	Paid all fines, maintained clean record for 2 years, submitted reflection letter	Approved 1 year later
Mr. C (Long-Term Resident)	Name spelling inconsistency (passport vs. resident record)	Corrected resident record, unified name on all documents	Approved 6 months later

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Summary

• Don’t take the denial emotionally—read the notice carefully
• Implement objective improvements and reapply after an appropriate waiting period
• If unsure, consult an administrative scrivener and have them help with corrections and explanations
• Many people succeed on their second attempt. Don’t give up—respond strategically and prepare thoroughly for your next chance.

Chapter 10: Life Planning After Obtaining Permanent Residency and Your Next Options

Once you obtain permanent residency, your life in Japan becomes much more stable, allowing you to plan for the long term with greater confidence.
However, permanent residency is not the final goal. There are still necessary procedures to follow after approval, and you may eventually want to consider whether to take the next step toward naturalization.

In this chapter, we’ll explain the key things to keep in mind after receiving permanent residency and explore the options available for your future.

10-1. Procedures to Complete Immediately After Receiving Permanent Residency

10-2. Important Points to Keep in Mind as a Permanent Resident

10-3. Key Points for Long-Term Life Planning

• Consider applying for naturalization in the future, depending on your family’s residency status or your children’s education plans
• Clarify your legal and practical ties with your home country (e.g., military service, taxes, pension systems)
• Use the freedom of permanent residency to build your career—through home ownership, entrepreneurship, or job changes
• Understand and prepare for Japan’s social security system as you approach retirement age

▶ Obtaining permanent residency is not the end—it’s the starting point. Take this opportunity to plan for the future with confidence.

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10-4. How Our Office Can Support You Even After Approval

At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, we continue to support our clients even after they obtain permanent residency. We can assist with:

• Consultations and support for naturalization
• Permanent residency applications for family members (spouse, children, etc.)
• Guidance on re-entry procedures and long-term stays abroad for permanent residents
• Support for residence card renewal and address change notifications
• Long-term life planning consultations from a visa and residency system perspective

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Final Thoughts: Permanent Residency Is a Status of Both Freedom and Responsibility

The permanent resident visa is a major step toward living freely and independently in Japan.
While it grants a high degree of freedom, it also comes with clear responsibilities and obligations.

However, if you understand the system and proceed carefully, your life in Japan will become more stable—and your options will continue to expand.

At our office, we are here to support your next steps by helping you navigate the system.
If you’re unsure about applying for permanent residency, or have concerns about your eligibility, please feel free to contact us.

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No Hidden Fees — Transparent Pricing for Peace of Mind

At Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office, all fees are clearly listed on our website.

Even in cases involving frequent travel abroad, a previous denial, or irregular income, we do not charge any additional fees. Our pricing is fully transparent.

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Full Support Until Approval — Even If Your Application Is Denied

If your application submitted through our office is unfortunately denied, we will reapply free of charge as long as there is still a reasonable chance of success.

We are committed to helping our clients obtain their visa in the shortest time possible, and we stand by every client who chooses us—until approval is granted.

Please contact us using the inquiry form below.

If you are in a hurry, feel free to call us at
06-7777-3467　
(9:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Monday to Friday)

Please note that we may be unable to answer immediately if we are assisting other clients.
In that case, kindly leave a voicemail, and we will call you back as soon as possible.

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