Permanent residency application documents checklist (永住許可申請)

The permanent residency application documents (永住許可, eijū kyoka) you need in Japan depend on your status. As of October 2026 the fee is ¥200,000 and the standard processing period is 4 to 6 months. Work-status applicants show 5 years of tax records; spouses of Japanese nationals show 3 years. Every certificate issued in Japan must be dated within 3 months of filing.

Where do I apply, and how much does it cost?

You apply at the regional immigration bureau office (地方出入国在留管理官署) that covers your address. The fee is paid only if permission is granted, using a revenue stamp.

The reduced fee is limited. It is for spouses or children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents who also meet the agency’s hardship or humanitarian criteria. You need supporting papers, such as proof of public assistance and one year of income certificates. You must request the reduction in person at the counter, not online.

For other visa fees, see visa fees in Japan.

What documents do I need on a work visa?

This is the list for work-related statuses (就労関係の在留資格) and dependents (家族滞在).

1. Application form (永住許可申請書) and one photo, 4 cm by 3 cm.
2. Statement of reasons (理由書), free format.
3. Certificate of residence (住民票) for your whole household, with My Number (マイナンバー) left out.
4. Proof of work: a certificate of employment (在職証明書). If self-employed, a copy of your tax return and your business license, if you have one.
5. Passport and residence card (在留カード), shown at the counter.
6. Letter of guarantee (身元保証書) and a copy of your guarantor’s ID, such as a driver’s license.
7. Letter of understanding (了解書), required since October 1, 2021, available in several languages.
8. Proof of assets: a bankbook copy or a real estate registry certificate (不動産の登記事項証明書).
9. Awards, letters of thanks or recommendations, only if you have them.

What tax and insurance records do I need?

The agency counts back 5 years for taxes and 2 years for pension and health insurance.

• Resident tax (住民税): a tax assessment certificate (課税証明書) and a payment certificate (納税証明書), for the latest 5 years, or the longest period issued.
• National tax: the tax payment certificate No. 3 (納税証明書その3) covering five taxes: withholding income tax, income tax, consumption tax, inheritance tax and gift tax.
• Proof of payment: bankbook copies or receipts for any period your resident tax was not deducted from your salary. If it was always deducted, you do not need these.
• Pension: a record from the pension office (被保険者記録照会回答票), or your Nenkin Teikibin covering all periods, or a printout from Nenkin Net. Add National Pension receipts if you paid them yourself.
• Health insurance: a copy of your insurance card, or National Health Insurance payment certificates or receipts. With a My Number card used as insurance, copy the screen showing the qualification date, dated within 3 months.

Black out your basic pension number and insurer numbers so they cannot be read.

What changes if I am a spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident?

If you hold a Spouse of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等) or Spouse of Permanent Resident (永住者の配偶者等) status, the list is slightly different.

• Tax and income records cover the latest 3 years. For a biological child of a Japanese national or permanent resident, 1 year is enough. Pension and insurance records still cover 2 years (1 year for a child).
• Proof of marriage: your spouse’s family register (戸籍謄本) and a marriage certificate from your home country if your spouse is Japanese. If your spouse is a permanent resident, a marriage certificate or other proof of marriage.
• A list of relatives (親族一覧表).
• The guarantor is normally your spouse.
• A self-check sheet goes in with the application.

For the visa itself, see spouse visa in Japan.

Language, copies and other practical points

• Any document in a foreign language needs a Japanese translation. Home-country civil documents, such as marriage or birth certificates, are included.
• The agency does not return your documents unless you ask when you file.
• Print forms on A4, one side only.
• If you are a dependent (家族滞在), you also add proof of family relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate.
• Since June 14, 2026, a photo is needed for residence cards issued to anyone aged 1 or over.
• Immigration may ask for papers that are not on the list.

Questions about forms can go to the Foreign Residents Support Center (外国人在留総合インフォメーションセンター) on 0570-013904, weekdays 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00. Check which language the line offers before you call.

More guides

• Permanent residency requirements in Japan
• Permanent residency vs naturalization
• Spouse visa in Japan
• Visa fees in Japan