Hello, this is Ito from IMS. We have recently received many calls about changing the residence status to "Long-term resident." A "Long-term Resident" is defined as "a person permitted to reside in Japan by the Minister of Justice for a certain period of stay in consideration of special reasons." The permitted activities are diverse, and even if a person previously had a permanent residency at one time, the activities are not necessarily the same. It is difficult to explain in a few words and is one of the most complicated residence statuses.
Who can receive a Long-Term Resident visa?
The notified reason includes the following: Indonesian (Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian) refugees, second and third generation of Nikkei (child of a child given birth by the Japanese national (grandchildren where their grandparents is a Japanese national), the child of a child who was once a Japanese national, child born before naturalization to Japanese nationality, children of permanent resident, spouse of a permanent resident, adopted children under six years of age by Japanese national/permanent residents/special permanent residents, and many more different various conditions. Below the link is more detailed information on the required conditions.
Immigration Services Agency official information
- 出入国管理及び難民認定法第七条第一項第二号の規定に基づき同法別表第二の定住者の項の下欄に掲げる地位を定める件（平成２年法務省告示第１３２号） (Japanese only)
- Long-Term Resident (e.g., third-generation Japanese descendant)
If your situation applies to the above notice, your application may be permitted, provided you meet the requirements. On the other hand, those whose situations do not apply can be granted special permission from the Minister of Justice and therefore are subject to the discretion of the Immigration Bureau. One familiar example is an application for divorce. If you are married to a Japanese national, permanent resident, or special permanent resident, and then you divorce, you may be allowed to change your status of residence to "permanent resident" by applying for permission to change your status of residence.
Long-Term Resident visa for divorcees
To be approved, the applicant must have been married for a certain period of time, the marriage must have ended in bankruptcy due to domestic violence, the applicant must have assets and skills to live in Japan, and the applicant must have a base of livelihood in Japan (it would be difficult to live in Japan even if they returned home). The applicant must also continue to support their children in Japan and prove the necessity of why they should stay in Japan.
There is no specific guidance on the documents to be submitted, as they vary depending on the individual's background. The screening process is entirely in writing, and there is no opportunity for verbal explanation. You will be required to submit whatever documents you think will be necessary for the Immigration Office to understand your case.
Please refer to the Immigration Services Agency’s website which provides examples of cases where permission was granted or not.
- 「日本人の配偶者等」又は「永住者の配偶者等」から「定住者」への在留資格変更許可が認められた事例及び認められなかった事例について (Japanese only)
Even in cases where the former spouse was at fault (by domestic violence), and the divorce resulted from the former spouse's fault, it may or may not be granted. Permission is often granted when the applicant is working, has a certain income, and is required to support their children in Japan.
"Long-term resident" is a status of residence that many people want because there are no restrictions on work. However, it is difficult if it is outside the notification, so first of all, the current activity is a requirement for another status of residence (e.g. work). Changing to "long-term resident" may be an option if it seems difficult.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
