Visas & status
Can I get permanent residency in Japan?
Yes, if you satisfy Japan's permanent-residence guidelines. Approval is discretionary and depends on residence history, conduct, livelihood, tax/social-insurance compliance and the stability of your status.
VerifiedExact primary sourceLast checked: 18 Aug 2026
What you need to know
Requirements & exceptions
- The ordinary route generally expects a long period of continuous residence.
- Accelerated routes exist for Highly Skilled Professionals and certain other categories.
- Recent tax, pension and health-insurance compliance is important.
Documents
- Passport
- Residence card (if resident)
- Application form
- Status-specific supporting evidence
Likely cost
A current government fee may apply to the specific immigration application (change, extension, permit, residence procedure or visa issuance); check the exact ISA/consular fee table for that procedure.
Where to act
Regional Immigration Services Bureau / Immigration Services Agency; entry visas are handled by the Japanese embassy or consulate abroad where applicable.