日本の永住権申請Q&A20選｜よくある質問まとめ

Table of Contents

• Introduction.
• 20 Q&As for Permanent Residence Application
• Summary of key points for permanent residence application
• Why do we recommend consulting a specialist?
• Summary｜Free Consultation

1. application for permanent residence, we often receive questions like the following

I wonder if I can apply..." "How much of the paperwork do I need to prepare?" What if my application is rejected?

For those who have such concerns, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about permanent residence in Japan in a Q&A format.

2. 20 Q&As on Applying for Permanent Residence in Japan

Q1: What is the difference between permanent residence and residence permit?

Permanent residence allows you to live in Japan indefinitely without renewal.

Q2: How many years must I have been in Japan before I can apply?

As a general rule, the applicant must reside in Japan legally for at least 10 years.

Q3. what are the exceptions to apply for less than 10 years?

• 日本人・永住者の配偶者：結婚3年以上＋日本居住1年以上（2027年4月1日以降の申請は結婚5年以上＋日本居住3年以上）
• Permanent resident: Resident in Japan for at least 5 years
• Highly qualified personnel: 70 points → 3 years, 80 points → 1 year to apply
• Refugee status holders: residence for more than 5 years
• Japanese child: Residence in Japan for more than 1 year

All of them are subject to tax payment and social insurance.

Q4.How long do I need to stay in Japan?

原則として最長の在留期間（現在は5年）が必要です。2027年3月31日までの申請では「3年」も最長の在留期間として扱われます。

Q5. How much more than annual income is required?

固定の金額基準はなく、世帯収入が世帯人数に応じた日本人世帯の平均以上を継続して満たしていることが必要です（2026年10月改定ガイドライン）。家族滞在の家族のアルバイト収入は含めず、将来の年金水準も確認されます。

Q6: Is it disadvantageous to have a period of non-subscription to social insurance?

Health insurance and pension enrollment records are very important, and failure to pay within two years will likely result in disallowance.

Q7. do i need to have Japanese language skills?

2027年4月1日以降の申請からは、原則として日本語B1相当が必要になります。ただし高度人材とその家族、日本で初等・中等教育を6年以上受けた方などは例外です。

Q8. can my family members apply together?

It is possible. However, each family member will be screened individually.

Q9. can I apply if I have even a small tax delinquency?

The application should be filed only after full payment is made, as any arrears will be disadvantageous.

Q10. will a criminal record disqualify me?

Please note that even minor violations can affect the screening process.

Q11. May I leave the country during the application process?

If you obtain a re-entry permit, you may leave the country.

Q12. How long does the screening process take?

Usually 6 months to 1 year.

Q13. How will I receive the results?

It will be sent to the applicant's address by mail or by notification.

Q14. what happens if the application is not approved?

You can continue your stay as long as your status of residence remains. You can reapply after improvement.

Q15. Can I apply on my own behalf?

Application can be handled by Gyoseishoshi Scriveners and others.

Q16. What should I pay attention to after obtaining permanent residence?

If you leave Japan for more than one year, you may lose your permanent resident status.

Q17. can I change my name during the application process?

The renaming should preferably be done before the application is submitted or after the review is completed, as it may affect the review process.

Q18. what if I move during the application process?

Be sure to submit a change of address form to the immigration office and the local government office.

Q19. Can I change jobs?

Changing jobs is possible, but a significant drop in income may affect the screening process.

Q20. Will it be easier to bring in family members once I obtain Permanent Resident status?

Yes, permanent residents are more easily invited for family visas.

3. summary of key points for permanent residence application

• Social insurance enrollment and payment records are of utmost importance.
• Stable income and residential history.
• No history of past violations or tax delinquency

Reasons for recommending consultation with a specialist

Individual preparation, such as preparing documents and organizing requirements, is prone to omissions.
If prepared accurately under the guidance of an administrative lawyer, you can increase your reputation and avoid the risk of disapproval.

Introduction of Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Office

Official introduction pagefor more information.▶ See our office introduction page

Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Office (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Attn: Gyoseishoshi Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
Affiliation: Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Association, Shinjuku Branch
Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
Member of Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)
Member of AIL (Alien Visa Experts Network)

Access:
5-minute walk from Higashi Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
8-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Yamanote Line
12-minute walk from Okubo Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines