Secret to 100% successful permanent visa application in Japan

If you are living in Japan and wish to stay long-term, enjoy the benefits of a Japanese citizen without losing your current nationality, then a visa permanent residence in Japan is the key for you. So what is a permanent visa and how to get this type of visa? Let's find out with T-Connect through the article below!

What is a permanent visa in Japan?

Define

Permanent visa in Japan is a special visa issued by the Japanese government that allows foreigners to live in Japan without any time limit. This is a big step forward for those who want to stay in Japan long-term, enjoy benefits almost equivalent to Japanese citizens without having to give up their current nationality.

The difference between a permanent visa in Japan and Japanese nationality is:

• Permanent visa holders are not entitled to vote or hold public office.
• No need to give up your original nationality, helping you maintain your national identity.

Advantages and disadvantages of permanent visa in Japan

Permanent visa in Japan will bring the following outstanding benefits:

• No limit on length of stay: With a permanent visa, you do not need to renew your visa periodically like with work, study or marriage visas. This saves time, effort and money.
• Freedom to work and live: You can work in any field or company without being bound by the industry conditions of the work visa.
• Social benefits: Enjoy social welfare benefits equivalent to those of Japanese citizens, including health insurance, unemployment benefits, and pension insurance. With a permanent visa in Japan, you are also allowed to borrow money to buy a house or invest in Japan more easily.
• Easy to sponsor relatives: People with permanent visas can sponsor their families to come to Japan with simpler procedures.
• Stabilize life: This type of visa provides peace of mind and stability, suitable for those who want to stay in Japan for a long time.

Although you have many benefits, you also need to note the following disadvantages of permanent visa in Japan:

• The approval process is complex and lengthy: The permanent visa application process usually takes between 6 months and 1 year. The application must be complete and detailed, and must meet strict conditions.
• High requirements on conditions: Must have lived continuously in Japan for at least 10 years (or 1-3 years if married to a Japanese person). Must have a clean legal record, no violations of the law or tax debts.
• No voting rights: Although they enjoy many of the same benefits as Japanese citizens, permanent residents are not allowed to vote or run for public office.

Conditions for applying for permanent visa in Japan

To apply for a permanent visa in Japan, you need to meet strict requirements set by the Japanese Immigration Bureau. Here are the basic requirements:

• Minimum period of residence in Japan: You must live continuously in Japan for at least 10 years, of which at least 5 years with a valid work visa or family visa.
• Clean legal record: Must have no criminal record or violation of Japanese law, including serious traffic violations. Residence history must be clear, with no violation of immigration and labor regulations.
• Pay taxes in full: You need to prove that you have fulfilled your tax obligations (income tax, residence tax) and social insurance during Last 3-5 years.
• Financial independence: Demonstrate financial stability and independence, with sufficient income to ensure a living without depending on social benefits.
• Bring benefits to Japan's economy and society: Volunteering, donating, and being recognized by Japan.

In addition to the above conditions, there are some special cases that will be given priority for permanent visa consideration:

• Wife or husband is Japanese or Japanese permanent resident visa holder: only need to be married for 3 years and have lived in Japan for 1 year.
• Japanese child: need to stay in Japan for 1 year. 
• Highly skilled visa: Those who score highly in the “Highly Skilled Professional” assessment system may be considered for permanent residency after 1-3 years resident.
• Special contributions: Individuals who have made significant contributions to Japan (e.g. scientists, businessmen, artists) may be given priority consideration.

>> Read more: Types of Japanese Visas – The most detailed guide to applying for a Japanese Visa and the renewal process

Application for permanent visa in Japan 

According to the requirements of the Immigration Bureau of Japan, the application for a permanent visa in Japan requires the following documents to be complete and accurate. All documents must be accurate, complete and unedited:

• Permanent visa application: You can download and use the official application form provided by the Immigration Department at here.
• 4x3cm ID photo: Photo taken within the last 3 months, white background, clear, unedited.
• Reason for permanent residence.
• Passport and residence card: original, still valid.
• Certificate of income and tax payment: within the last 3-5 years, issued by the local administrative office.
• Certificate of criminal record in Japan: Certificate of no criminal record or violation of the law during your stay in Japan, issued by local police or the Immigration Bureau.
• Copy of household registration book or certificate of marital status If you apply for a permanent visa through marriage.
• Financial proof: savings deposits, real estate documents...
• Documents related to the guarantee (if any): Written by a Japanese or permanent resident, guaranteeing your background and financial responsibility.
  • Guarantee
  • Certificate of employment of the sponsor.
  • Sponsor's income certificate.
  • Sponsor's citizenship certificate.

Detailed process of applying for permanent visa in Japan

The process of applying for a permanent visa in Japan is strict, but it can be easier if you prepare fully and follow the following 5 steps:

Step 1: Prepare documents

Collect all required documents as above, make sure that the documents are translated into Japanese and notarized if necessary.

Step 2: Submit your application to the Immigration Department in the locality where you reside.

Step 3: Verify and review application

The Immigration Department will review your documents, verify your information, and assess whether you meet the requirements for a permanent visa.

Step 4: Receive review results

• If approved: You will receive a permanent residence permit and notification from the Immigration Department.
• If rejected: You will receive a reason for rejection, and can resubmit your application after completing the missing requirements.

Step 5: Update residence card information

After you have been granted a permanent visa, you will need to visit the immigration office to update the information on your Residence Card. The new Residence Card will clearly state your residence status as “Permanent Resident.”

Cost and processing time for permanent visa in Japan

Normally, the official fee for applying for a permanent visa in Japan is 8,000 yen (equivalent to about 1.3 million VND, depending on the exchange rate). If you seek legal advice or assistance from a lawyer, the cost will increase, ranging from 50.000 yen to 200.000 yen, depending on the complexity of the application and the consulting organization.

Regarding the time for reviewing permanent visas in Japan, the application review process usually lasts from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the complexity of the application and the number of applications at that time.

Experiences to successfully apply for permanent visa in Japan

Applying for a permanent visa in Japan requires not only meeting the requirements but also thorough preparation and appropriate strategies. Here are some practical tips to increase your chances of success when applying:

• Thanks to a reputable guarantor: To be able to easily and quickly apply for a permanent visa in Japan, you should have a guarantor. The guarantor should be Japanese or a permanent visa holder with a good legal and financial background. In particular, if the guarantor is a relative, the application will be evaluated more highly.
• Always update the latest permanent visa regulations: Permanent visa regulations are subject to change, please ensure you stay updated with the latest information from the Immigration Department.
• Choose the right time: Avoid applying during peak season (usually early in the year or after long holidays) to reduce waiting times.
• With the help of experts: If you are not familiar with the process, to be more sure, ask a lawyer or a visa consulting company to help prepare your application better.

The request permanent visa in japan Not only does it open up opportunities for permanent settlement, it also helps you enjoy special benefits like local people. However, this is a process that requires careful preparation, from meeting the necessary conditions to submitting the correct application. T-Connect hopes that the above useful experiences can help you realize your dream of settling down in the land of cherry blossoms!

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