Introduction
Japan’s Permanent Residency (PR) is one of the most advantageous statuses for building a stable, long-term life in the country.
In recent years, however, PR screening has grown increasingly strict. Immigration authorities now place particular focus on tax payment history, social insurance enrollment, and consistency across submitted documents, with more emphasis on verifying your actual circumstances rather than simply checking for required forms.
At IMS Legal Professional Corporation, we have successfully supported a large number of PR applications for clients worldwide. Our team—consisting of experienced Japanese immigration specialists, Gyoseisyoshi and a bilingual American staff member—offers comprehensive guidance in both English and Japanese.
Below, we answer the most frequently asked PR questions, share the latest review trends, and offer practical, experience-based tips.
1) Eligibility & Basic Information
Q1. How long do I need to live in Japan to apply for PR?
A. Generally, 10 consecutive years of residence is required. There are important exceptions:
| Applicant Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Spouse of Japanese national/PR holder | Married 3+ years and 1+ year living in Japan |
| Highly Skilled Professional (Points) | 1 year or 3 years, depending on points |
| Long-term resident / special cases | Case-by-case review (requires a reason letter and supporting evidence) |
Practice Tip: Officers also assess the continuity of your status and activities, not just years in Japan.
Q2. What are the benefits of PR in Japan?
- No need to renew your period of stay
- No restrictions on work or activities
- Potential advantages for your family’s visa status
- Access to housing loans and other financial products
- Full professional freedom
2) Income & Tax Requirements
Q3. What income level should I have?
There is no fixed minimum, but your income must be stable and sufficient to support your household.
Evidence typically includes taxation certificates and withholding slips from the past several years.
Q4. I have had late or unpaid taxes. Can I still apply?
You may still apply if you have fully paid all taxes and penalties. However, if you had arrears in the last three years, we generally recommend delaying your application until your record is clear.
When applying after past arrears, submit:
Checklist (for applicants with tax arrears):
- All overdue taxes paid in full
- All penalties/late fees paid
- An explanatory letter outlining the reason and corrective steps
3) Documents & Application Process
Q5. What documents are typically required?
Core documents include (additional items may be required depending on your case):
- PR Application Form
- Resident Record (for all household members)
- Taxation & Tax Payment Certificates (past several years)
- Certificate of Employment (sometimes required from past employers)
- Social Insurance Enrollment Certificate
- For dependents: remittance records and/or proof of cohabitation
At IMS, we guide applicants individually, identifying all necessary documents in advance to prevent delays.
Q6. How long does PR processing take in 2025?
Official guidelines state 6–12 months, but in 2025 we see actual processing times of 14–18 months, especially in Tokyo where delays are common.
4) Review Process & Results
Q7. What happens if my PR application is refused?
You’ll receive a refusal notice detailing the reasons.
If you work with IMS, our immigration lawyer will accompany you to the Immigration Bureau to hear the explanation directly from the reviewing officer.
We then prepare a targeted re-application strategy, addressing all refusal points with stronger evidence and clearer documentation.
Q8. What are the main factors officers focus on?
From our casework, these five factors are key:
- Complete tax payment history
- Continuous social insurance enrollment (no gaps)
- Consistency across all documents (names, addresses, dates must match)
- Stable livelihood (income and employment continuity)
- If living with foreign family members, their visa status and compliance record
Summary
In 2025, PR reviews are more thorough than ever—simply meeting the document checklist is no longer enough.
Officers expect complete, consistent, and credible proof of your real-life stability and compliance.
Starting early, understanding the examiner’s perspective, and ensuring documentation tells a coherent story are critical for success.
Pre-Submission Check Service
At IMS, we offer a Pre-Submission Document Check for PR applications:
- Review of document content and consistency
- Assessment of optimal filing timing
- Risk analysis and recommendations for improvement
Contact IMS today for expert bilingual guidance tailored to your situation. We will help you prepare a strong, credible application from start to finish.
