Important Notice for Those Applying for Permanent Residency in Japan
Hello, this is Hong from IMS Legal Professional Corporation.
As of the end of 2024, Japan had a record 3.77 million foreign residents. Among them, over 918,000 held Permanent Resident status — the most common among Japan’s 29 visa categories, and still growing.
Permanent residency offers the greatest freedom: no restrictions on employment or activities, and no need to renew your status. However, because of these benefits, applications for permanent residency are subject to strict review under a different set of regulations than other visa types.
If You’re Paying Taxes or Social Insurance on Your Own, Please Read This Carefully
Resident taxes, National Health Insurance (NHI), and National Pension contributions are typically paid in one of two ways:
- Special Collection (withheld by your employer)
- Ordinary Collection (you pay yourself based on municipal notices)
If your employer handles these deductions, you generally don’t need to worry. But if you're on self-payment, you must ensure that every payment is made by the official due date — especially when applying for permanent residency.
Late payments — even if fully settled later — will be viewed negatively and can lead to denial. Immigration authorities evaluate whether you’ve properly fulfilled your public obligations during the review period. Failure to do so may disqualify your application.
Keep Proof of Payment — Receipts Are Essential
Timely payment alone isn’t enough. You must retain documentary proof, such as:
- Official payment slips or receipts
- Bank transfer records (ATM or online)
- Municipal payment confirmation
These may be requested when submitting your application or during supplemental document requests. If you cannot produce evidence, you’ll need to submit a written explanation (ryosyusho), but it carries much less weight than objective proof. Missing receipts can jeopardize your application, even if you paid on time.
How Far Back Will Immigration Review Your Payments?
That depends on your visa history and which PR route you're applying under. During the relevant review period (usually 3–10 years), if you were enrolled in self-paid resident tax, NHI, or pension, you must submit both:
- Official payment certificates
- Receipts or payment records
If any are missing, you’ll need a written explanation — but again, without hard evidence, it’s difficult to prove compliance.
What If You Missed a Payment in the Past?
If your PR application is denied due to past non-payment, or if you discover missed payments during preparation, don’t panic. You’ll need to rebuild your payment history over a new qualifying period (often 1–2 years), fully paying everything on time.
Be proactive: check your records early and keep all documentation in a safe place.
Need Help with Your Application?
We regularly support clients with PR applications and can advise on complex cases, including those involving past payment issues. Please note that we do not offer free consultations.
