Permanent residence, which removes work restrictions and makes renewing status of residence easier, has the advantage of simplifying procedures foreign nationals must complete compared with other statuses of residence, making life in Japan easier.

However, the permanent residence system does not guarantee rights entirely equal to those of Japanese nationals. Depending on individual circumstances, the permanent residence framework and Japan’s social systems may not always align, and problems often arise.

Still, insofar as it enables a lifestyle closer to that of Japanese nationals, foreign nationals who wish to settle in Japan long term may want to consider obtaining permanent residence in the future.

Can You Obtain Permanent Residence under Specified Skilled Worker?

The first requirement for obtaining permanent residence is a period of stay of 10 years. Within that period, five years of work is required. Periods of employment under Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training are excluded from this period-of-stay requirement.

For example, even if someone has five years as a technical intern trainee followed by five years under Specified Skilled Worker (i)—a combined 10 years of employment—that does not satisfy the 10-year period-of-stay requirement for permanent residence.

So what happens if someone spends five years under Specified Skilled Worker (i) and then transitions to Specified Skilled Worker (ii)?

Under Specified Skilled Worker (ii), status of residence is renewed every three years, one year, or six months. There is no limit on renewals, so if continuous residence is maintained, obtaining permanent residence becomes possible.

The Specified Skilled Worker system started in 2019, and as of now there are still no foreign nationals under Specified Skilled Worker (ii). However, if foreign nationals under Specified Skilled Worker (i) work continuously for five years and successfully transition to (ii), obtaining permanent residence will become possible in the future.

In addition, the industries in which employment under Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is currently permitted are limited to the construction field and the shipbuilding and ship machinery field.

What Is Permanent Residence?

The rights under permanent residence are freedom of occupational choice and no limit on the period of stay.

Under other statuses of residence, employment outside the designated occupational field is not permitted. Renewal of status of residence is also required in line with the validity period.

*As of June 2020, among 2,885,904 foreign residents in Japan, 800,872 were Permanent Residents.

Screening Criteria for Obtaining Permanent Residence

Foreign nationals who have resided in Japan for 10 years or more and wish to obtain permanent residence must meet conditions such as the following.

(*The period of stay is in principle 10 years, but it is three years or more for spouses of Japanese nationals, and five years or more when contribution to Japan is recognized.)

● Good conduct

Those who have violated traffic laws or the Immigration Control Act are not eligible.

● Sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living

The condition is that the foreign national works in Japan and can maintain an economically stable life.

Assets owned, occupation, and annual income are examined.

● Permanent residence is recognized as being in the interests of Japan

In principle, the conditions are continuous residence in Japan for 10 years or more, and residence for five years or more of those 10 years under a work status or a residence status.

● Fulfillment of public duties and tax obligations

Certificates of payment for national pension, national health insurance, and similar obligations are also required as supporting documents.

● No public health concerns

Absence of risk of infectious disease or addiction is also a factor in the screening decision.

● A guarantor is required.

A guarantor who is a Japanese national or Permanent Resident residing in Japan is required.

*Special conditions

● Being the spouse of a Japanese national.

If the marriage has lasted three years or more and the period of stay in Japan is one year or more, permanent residence can be obtained as a special case.

● Having been recognized as a refugee

Those who have continuously resided in Japan for five years or more after refugee recognition become eligible to obtain permanent residence.

● Being a highly skilled professional

For the three categories of status of residence—“advanced academic research activities,” “advanced specialized/technical activities,” and “advanced business management activities”—if the person has resided for three years or more and has 70 points or more, permanent residence can be obtained without meeting the standard 10 years. With 80 points or more, it can be obtained with a period of stay of one year or more.

(For the three categories above, points are added under the points-based system certified by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.)

Permanent residence also requires renewal every seven years

Under permanent residence, restrictions on status of residence are removed, but the residence card must still be renewed every seven years. Renewal can be completed on the same day by presenting the residence card, passport, and a photograph.

Applying for Permanent Residence

◇ Application documents

Residence card / photograph / supporting materials / Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted / Certificate of Status of Residence / passport /

Identification documents

◇ Application fee: 8,000 yen

◇ Processing time: 4 months

Processing times vary depending on how busy the Immigration Services Agency of Japan is, missing required documents, additional attachments, and similar factors, so allow preparation time and proceed with the procedures carefully.

http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-4.html

↑ Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Application for Permanent Residence

Summary

For Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence, a transition from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to (ii) is required. To satisfy the 10-year period-of-stay condition for permanent residence, counting begins from Specified Skilled Worker (ii), and the eligible industries are currently limited to two fields.

When Specified Skilled Worker foreign nationals wish to settle in Japan long term, a good place to start toward meeting the conditions for permanent residence is to maintain proper conduct in daily life in line with the screening criteria.

Conduct in Japan during the 10-year period of stay is necessary preparation for obtaining permanent residence, in addition to the various application forms.