What is the period for applying for permanent residency? 2025 latest information and countermeasures guide

Obtaining permanent residency means that you no longer need to renew your residence status, and you can freely change jobs or start a business.

However, it takes some time and preparation from application to permission being granted.

In this article, we will explain the latest information on "permanent residency application period" in an easy-to-understand manner as the 2025 edition, based on actual application experiences and announcements from the Immigration Services Agency.

1. What is permanent residency?
Permanent residency is a residence status that allows you to stay in Japan indefinitely. Obtaining this visa has the following benefits:

• No need to renew the period of stay (e.g. no renewal for 3 or 5 years)
• No restrictions on occupation or place of residence
• Advantageous for bank loans and home purchases
• Freedom to find employment and change jobs
• Positive impact on spouse and children's residence status

However, there are strict conditions for application, such as stable income, tax status, length of stay, and conduct requirements.

2. How long does it take to review an application for permanent residence?

According to the official announcement by the Immigration Services Agency, the review period is about 4 months.

However, this is only the shortest possible time.

In reality, it often takes "6 months to 1 year," and in some cases it can take longer than 1 year.

Examples:

• Average: 6 months to 10 months
• If there are insufficient documents or additional requests: 12 months or more
• Highly skilled personnel, spouse visa, etc.: May be shortened

3. Differences in review period by region
The review period also varies depending on the **regional immigration bureau** where the application is made. This is influenced by the number of applications and the number of personnel.

Area Average review period

• Tokyo: Approximately 1 year and 5 months
• Osaka: Approximately 8 months
• Nagoya: Approximately 5 months
• Fukuoka: Approximately 6 months
• Sapporo: Approximately 9 months

Tokyo tends to take longer due to the large number of applicants.

4. Recent trends: Reasons for longer review periods
In recent years, the review period for permanent residence applications has been getting longer. The main reasons are as follows:

• Increase in permanent residence applicants (especially those switching from technical training or studying abroad)
• Stricter review standards (conduct, income, tax history, etc.)
• Immigration bureau staff shortage
• Strict checks to prevent fraudulent marriages and fraudulent employment

Therefore, accuracy and completeness of documents are more important than ever when applying.

5. Possibility of shortening the period by using the "Highly Skilled Professional Points System"

If you use the "Highly Skilled Professional Points System (Highly Skilled Professional Visa)", the number of years until you can apply for permanent residence will be significantly shortened.

Example:

• Normal: Can apply with 10 years of residence
• Highly skilled personnel (70 points or more): 3 years minimum
• Highly skilled personnel (80 points or more): 1 year minimum

In addition, the screening process is said to proceed relatively smoothly.
Engineers, researchers, and those working for large companies should be checked.

6. Application from a spouse visa and screening time
If you are staying as the spouse of a Japanese national or a permanent resident, you can apply for permanent residence even if your period of residence is short.
Example of a spouse visa:

• Married for more than 1 year
• Good conduct and stable income
  → Can apply even if you have resided for less than 3 years

In this case, the screening period also tends to be relatively short.

7. Flow of permanent residence application and preparation period
Advance preparation is very important for permanent residence applications. If there are any deficiencies in the documents, the screening process may be significantly delayed.

Preparation process:

• Check the necessary documents (based on the guidelines)
• Obtain a residence certificate, tax certificate, etc. from city hall
• Ask your employer for a certificate of employment, tax withholding slip, etc.
• Organize and translate documents (if necessary)
• Prepare an application (including a statement of reasons)

The preparation period usually takes about one month.

8. Points to be aware of during the review

• Pay attention to the expiration date of your "status of residence" even during the review
• If you change jobs or move, you must notify the immigration bureau
• If you receive a request for additional documents, it is important to respond immediately
• Since the review status cannot be checked online, be sure to check the notification carefully

9. Cases of denial/additional documents

As a result of the review, there are three possible outcomes:

1. Permit → Permanent residence card issued (notification by mail)
2. Reject → Reason stated (reapplication possible)
3. Additional documents → Request to submit to make up for deficiencies

Main reasons for denial:

• Unpaid taxes/pension
• No stable income
• Conduct problems (traffic violations, criminal history, etc.)
• False application/incomplete documents

10. Summary and advice

The application period for permanent residency is said to be 4 months to 1 year, but in reality it is not uncommon for it to take longer than that.

Since the application period tends to be prolonged, early preparation and reliable submission of documents are key.

You can also expect to shorten the review period by making good use of systems that suit you, such as the Highly Skilled Personnel System and Spouse Visa.

Permanent residency is a big step towards stabilizing your future life plans. It is important to proceed carefully and systematically.

Support from Injavi
Injavi regularly publishes information on residence and living support for foreigners. If you have any questions about permanent residency or visas, please contact us through our website at any time.
We are here to support you in living a stable life in Japan!