For spouses of Japanese nationals and spouses of permanent residents applying for permanent residency, there are relaxed requirements compared to the general permanent residency application.

 

General Permanent Residency Requirements

 

(1) Good Conduct:

Living a morally upright life, following the law, and refraining from actions that would attract criticism in daily life.

 

(2) Financial Independence:

Possessing sufficient assets or skills to maintain an independent livelihood without becoming a burden on public resources, ensuring stability in future living conditions.

 

(3) In the Interest of Japan:

Being deemed beneficial to Japan’s interests, including:

(i) Residing in Japan for 10 years or more, with a provision that having held a work visa for 5 years or more.

(ii) Not having received fines or imprisonment sentences, and fulfilling public duties such as tax payment, pension contributions, and proper immigration procedures.

(iii) Holding a current residency status for the maximum duration specified under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Enforcement Regulations.

(iv) Not posing a health risk from a public health perspective.

 

 

Relaxed Requirements for Spouses of Japanese Nationals & Permanent Residents

 

In the case of spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or special permanent residents, they may apply for permanent residency if their substantial marital life has continued for three years or more, and they have resided in Japan for one year or more continuously. This special consideration does not require the applicant to currently hold a residency status as a spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident. Even those holding work visa in fields like “Engineer, humanities, or international services” can apply for permanent residency if they meet the special requirements, regardless of whether they have resided in Japan for 10 years. In such cases, you need to submit the details of the marriage.

Other conditions remain the same as the general permanent residency requirements mentioned above.

 

 

Applying for Permanent Residency After Divorce

Residency statuses such as “spouse of a Japanese national” or “spouse of a permanent resident” are granted based on spousal activities. In the event of divorce, individuals no longer qualify under these categories, and the relaxed requirements do not apply. Moreover, a change in residency status is required within six months after divorce, which may include transitioning to a long-term resident or work-related residency status.

 

 

Required Documents

1. Documents to verify identity
   For applicants married to Japanese nationals: A copy of the spouse’s family register
   For applicants married to permanent residents: A marriage certificate
2. Residency certificates for all family members (Jyuminhyou)
3. Documents to verify occupation
   Employment certificate, registration certificate, etc.
4. Financial documents to verify the income and tax status of the applicant and dependents over the past three years
   Certificate of residence tax and tax payment certificates for the past three years, including income tax, consumption tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax (part 3)
5. Documents to verify assets
   Copy of savings account passbook, etc.
6. Documents to verify the payment status of national pension premiums over the past two years
   Documents such as pension notifications
7. Documents to verify the payment status of public medical insurance premiums over the past two years
   Copy of health insurance card, etc.
8. Guarantee letter
9. Documents verifying the guarantor’s identity
10. Letter of Acknowledgement

 

Revocation of Permanent Residency

Previously, once permanent residency was obtained, it was rarely revoked unless obtained through fraudulent means or in cases of forced deportation. However, there have been cases of abuse, including instances where individuals failed to pay taxes or pension premiums after acquiring permanent residency. As a result, the government is considering amending the law to allow for the revocation of permanent residency if a foreigner fails to pay taxes or social insurance premiums. This is aimed at strengthening measures against cases of failure to fulfill public obligations and ensuring the “properness” of permanent residency. Therefore, even after obtaining permission for permanent residency, it is now more important than ever to fulfill tax and social insurance obligations.

 

 

Permanent residency applications undergo increasingly rigorous scrutiny. If you are considering applying, please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form.

As an immigration lawyer, we provide comprehensive support for your permanent residency application.

 

 

Profile

Ami Ito　　Immigration lawyer in Tokyo, Japan

– Spent high school years in the U.K. and graduated from a local school.
– Studied mainly intercultural communication at Sophia University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages, English Department.
– Worked in the overseas department of SEIKO for 11 years after graduation.
– Over 10 years of experience teaching English to high school students, with a TOEIC score of 970 and a Class A level in the United Nations Associations Test of English.
– Serves as a board member in charge of international affairs at the Chiba Administrative Scrivener Association.
– Officially registered on the Financial Services Agency’s “List of Professionals (Administrative Scriveners) in Chiba Prefecture capable of providing services in foreign languages.”