Hello, this is Lee of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. It’s the middle of the rainy season. Moving in the rain may be troublesome, but going to sleep feeling the cool breeze from the open windows and listening to the rain drops is a blissful time of this season. Today, I would like to talk about applying for the Permanent Residence Visa from a slightly different point of view.
MIPEX Results
In my previous blog, "移民統合政策の国際比較" [Japanese, English (Google Translate)], I talked about Japan’s acceptance of immigrants. When evaluating Japan’s migrant integration policy comprehensively (considering the following 8 policies; ① Labor Market Mobility, ② Family Reunion, ③ Education, ④ Political Participation, ⑤ Permanent Residence, ⑥ Access to Nationality, ⑦ Anti-discrimination, ⑧ Health), Japan was 34th place out of 52 countries, falling behind other developed countries.
Looking at the MIPEX results focusing on Permanent Residence, Japan seems to be corresponding generously, and is 23rd place out of 52 countries, alongside New Zealand and USA, and in front of UK, France, and South Korea.
Looking at “2. Special requirements for 10-year residence in principle” of the Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence, though it depends on what certificate of residence you hold and the situation you are in when applying, there are special requirements for applying with a period of stay of 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year.
Permanent Residence Visa
I especially want to focus on the special regulation that allows holders of a status of residence that is not connected to one’s social status to apply for “Permission for Permanent Residence” with a 1-year stay. Such case is when the applicant is applying as a “Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional.” A person who is deemed to have a total of 80 points or more when calculating (both 1 year before and at the time of the application) can apply for “Permission for Permanent Residence” with a period of stay in Japan of 1 year. This special requirement is exceptional even compared to those of other countries.
The only other regularity of developed countries that I can recall that makes it possible to apply for permanent residence with a 1-year stay is USA’s Diversity Immigrants Visa Program. For example, in the UK, when working visa holders apply for permanent residence, the shortest period of stay required is 2 years for those with an Investor visa. In South Korea, the shortest is 3 years for those with an Investor visa and by the point system. For France, you must be issued a 10-year resident card before you can apply. Thusly, very few countries allow people with only a period of stay of 1 year to apply for permanent residence.
Such special requirements that allows 1-year residence, instead of the principle 10-years, to apply for permanent residence is a breakthrough. Applying as a “Highly-Skilled Foreign Professional” with more than 80 points is prerequisite so the target range is narrow. However, those with 70 points and more can apply with a 3-year stay, so for Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals, the requirements have relaxed. Even if your status of residence is not “Highly Skilled Professional,” this special requirement applies, so you should try checking the points calculation table and calculate your points.
Applying for “Permission for Permanent Residence” concerning the special requirements targeting “Highly-Skilled Foreign Professionals” is one of the most common application requests we, IMS, receive. From our past experiences, we can surely provide prompt and accurate consulting.
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Permanent Resident Japan Requirements
If you have a work visa
- Be of good conduct
- No delinquent payments of resident tax, national health insurance, etc., no traffic violations or punishments such as imprisonment or fines, etc.
- Have sufficient assets or skills to make a living
- Have an annual income of at least 3 million yen, own a home, etc.
- Continuous stay in Japan of 10 years or more, 5 years or more of which were on a working visa status
- No more than a few months out of Japan in a 10-year period, etc.
- The current status of residence must have a period of stay of 3 or 5 years
- If you have a visa with a 1-year period of stay, you cannot apply for a permanent residence permit even if you meet the above conditions
If you have a Highly-Skilled Professional visa, or meet the qualifications of a Highly-Skilled Professional
- Be of good conduct
- No delinquent payments of resident tax, national health insurance, etc., no traffic violations or punishments such as imprisonment or fines, etc.
- Have sufficient assets or skills to make a living
- Have an annual income of at least 3 million yen, own a home, etc.
- Be in possession of 70 points or more, according to the highly-skilled professional point calculation table, AND have been in possession of 70 points or more 3 years prior
- Be in possession of 80 points or more, according to the highly-skilled professional point calculation table, AND have been in possession of 80 points or more for at least the last 1 year
If you have a Spouse of Japanese Resident visa, Spouse of Permanent Resident visa, or Dependent visa
- Be in a bona fide marriage for a continuous 3 years or more, and have lived in Japan for at least 1 continuous year
In the case of biological children, must have lived in Japan for at least 1 continuous year - The current status of residence must have a period of stay of 3 years or more
- If you have a visa with a 1-year period of stay, you cannot apply for a permanent residence permit even if you meet the above conditions
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For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
Please also visit our website dedicated to permanent residence applications.
