1. Good Conduct Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that they have observed Japanese laws and lived without engaging in behavior subject to social criticism.

• This includes:

  • Criminal record

  • Legal violations

  • Traffic offenses

  • Tax payment history

  • Pension and health insurance contributions

Please note that failure to enroll in or pay pension or health insurance has increasingly become a reason for rejection. If you have any concerns regarding your compliance history, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation.

 

2. Residence Requirement

Applicants must have continuously resided in Japan for 10 years or more, with at least 5 years under a work-related status.

Please note: There are exceptions to the 10-year rule. (See Section 4 below.)

3. Financial Stability Requirement

Applicants must be able to support themselves without becoming a public burden, and must have a stable and secure livelihood based on their employment, income, or assets.

Even if the applicant does not have a steady personal income, it is acceptable if their household (e.g. spouse) has sufficient financial stability.

 

4. Current Status of Residence – Duration Requirement

Applicants must currently hold a residence status with a period of stay of “3 years” or more (i.e. the maximum duration granted for their status).

 

5. Special Exceptions & Preferential Treatment

Certain applicants may be eligible for permanent residency even if they have not resided in Japan for 10 years, including:

• Spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents who have:

  • Maintained a genuine marriage for at least 3 years, and

  • Lived in Japan continuously for at least 1 year

• Long-term residents (“Teijusha”) who have lived in Japan for 5 or more consecutive years

• Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals (HSFP):

  • Those who have lived in Japan for 3 years or more and earned 70+ points under the HSFP points system over the past 3 years

  • Those who earned 80+ points may be eligible after just 1 year of residence

For more details about point calculation and eligibility under the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional system, please contact our office.
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