Permanent Residence in Japan (永住許可): Requirements, 2026–2027 Changes, Fees & Process | Climb (Tokyo)

Permanent residence vs. naturalization

• Permanent residence (永住): a status of residence with no time limit and no work restrictions. You remain a foreign national and keep your residence card (在留カード), which must be renewed every 7 years. You need a re-entry permit (or special re-entry permit) when you travel; leaving Japan without one can end your status.
• Naturalization (帰化): you become a Japanese citizen and lose your original nationality (Japan does not allow dual nationality). Separate procedure at the Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局).

Requirements for permanent residence

1. Good conduct (素行善良): you obey the law and live as a resident without social reproach. A criminal record normally leads to refusal.
2. Independent livelihood (独立生計): you will not become a public burden and can expect a stable life from your assets or skills.
3. Benefit to Japan (国益): in practice this includes
   • continuous residence in Japan for 10 years or more in principle, of which at least 5 years under a work status or a residence status (such as Spouse of Japanese National, Spouse of Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident);
   • proper fulfilment of public duties: resident tax, national pension and health insurance contributions, and notifications required under the Immigration Control Act;
   • holding the longest period of stay available for your current status (see the April 2027 change below);
   • no risk to public health.

Exceptions to the 10-year rule

• Spouse of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident: currently married for 3 years or more and resident in Japan for 1 year or more. For applications filed on or after 1 April 2027: married for 5 years or more and resident for 3 years or more.
• Biological child of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident: currently resident for 1 year or more; from 1 April 2027, 3 years or more.
• Long-Term Resident (定住者): resident for 5 years or more under that status.
• Recognized refugee: 5 years or more after recognition.
• Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職): 70 points or more for 3 years, or 80 points or more for 1 year.
• Persons recognized as having contributed to Japan in diplomatic, social, economic, cultural or similar fields: 5 years or more.

What changed in October 2026, and what changes in April 2027

• Income is assessed per household. The benchmark is whether household income exceeds the average income of Japanese households of the same size. Dependants are counted even if they live outside Japan. No fixed yen figure is published. This applies to applications filed on or after 1 April 2026 that were pending on 1 October 2026, and to all later applications.
• The government fee payable when permanent residence is granted rose from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 (applications granted on or after 1 October 2026).

• Japanese language ability (CEFR B1 level or equivalent), understanding of Japanese systems and rules, and school attendance of school-age children are added as factors taken into account. Expected future pension amounts are also considered.
• A period of stay of 3 years will no longer be treated as the longest period. In principle you will need a 5-year period of stay. Transitional measures apply to people who hold a 3-year period on 31 March 2027.
• The spouse and child exceptions change as described above (marriage 5 years / residence 3 years; child residence 3 years).
• A system for revoking permanent residence is scheduled to start, covering cases such as deliberate non-payment of tax or social insurance and imprisonment for certain offences.

Income and savings

• There is no legal minimum annual income for permanent residence. The assessment is made on the household as a whole, and assets are considered together with income.
• A spouse’s income counts in your favour. Income from activities outside your status (資格外活動) is generally not counted.
• If your tax certificate shows that you were not assessed for resident tax (非課税), it is usually better to wait until you are assessed before applying.

Documents

Process and timeline

1. Free consultation: we check the requirements, your tax and insurance records and the timing.
2. Document collection and preparation: we give you a list, obtain Japanese public documents on your behalf where possible, and draft the letter of reasons and the application.
3. Filing: as certified application agents (申請取次行政書士) we file at the regional immigration office with jurisdiction over your address. You do not need to appear in person.
4. Examination: the published standard processing period is 4 to 6 months. The immigration office may request additional documents, and we respond on your behalf.
5. Result: when permanent residence is granted, you pay the ¥200,000 fee in revenue stamps and receive your new residence card.

Fees

• Government fee (paid only when permanent residence is granted): ¥200,000
• Climb’s fee: ¥132,000 (tax included)
• Total: ¥332,000
• If the application is refused, you can choose either a refund of half of Climb’s fee or a free reapplication (conditions apply; see the fee page).

Frequently asked questions

Q．How many years do I need to live in Japan before applying?

A．In principle 10 years of continuous residence, including at least 5 years under a work or residence status. Shorter periods apply to spouses and children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, Long-Term Residents, recognized refugees and Highly Skilled Professionals (see the exceptions above). The spouse and child periods become longer for applications filed on or after 1 April 2027.

Q．My period of stay is 3 years. Can I still apply?

A．Until 31 March 2027 a 3-year period of stay is treated as the longest period for this requirement. From 1 April 2027 a 5-year period will be required in principle, with transitional measures for people holding a 3-year period on 31 March 2027. If you plan to apply, it is worth checking your timing now.

Q．Do I need to pass a Japanese language test?

A．No test certificate is required. For applications filed on or after 1 April 2027, Japanese ability at around CEFR B1 will be one of the factors the immigration office takes into account, together with your tax and insurance record, income and other circumstances.

Q．Does my residence card expire after I get permanent residence?

A．Your period of stay becomes unlimited, but the residence card itself is valid for 7 years and must be renewed at the immigration office. There is no fee for the renewal.

Q．Can you consult in English?

A．Yes. We have English-speaking staff. The first consultation (60 minutes) is free, in our Takadanobaba office or on Zoom. We also handle Chinese, Vietnamese and Nepali.

Contact us for a free consultation

• Phone: 03-5937-6960 (weekdays 9:00–19:00 JST, closed on weekends and Japanese holidays)
• Inquiry form (24 hours; we reply within 2 business days, excluding weekends and Japanese holidays): https://visanavi-law.com/contact.html
• LINE: https://liff.line.me/1645278921-kWRPP32q/?accountId=776ekgtz
• Consultations in our office or on Zoom. Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali.