Japan Permanent Residence 2026: Requirements, Fee, Timing
Permanent residence in Japan normally takes ten years of continuous residence, but several groups qualify far sooner, some after a single year. Two things changed in 2026: the guidelines were revised on 24 February, and the fee rose twentyfold on 1 October. This guide sets out the current rules from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
To get permanent residence in Japan you must, in principle, have lived there continuously for 10 years, including 5 years on a work or residence-based status. Shorter routes exist: spouses of Japanese nationals and permanent residents qualify after 3 years of marriage and 1 year in Japan; long-term residents after 5 years; highly skilled professionals with 70 points after 3 years, and with 80 points after 1 year. You also need good conduct, a stable livelihood, and a clean record of paying tax, pension and health insurance on time. The fee on approval is 200,000 yen for applications from 1 October 2026, and the standard processing period is 4 to 6 months.
The three legal requirements
The guidelines for permission for permanent residence, as revised on 24 February 2026, set three requirements.
- Good conduct. You obey the law and live in a way that draws no social criticism as a resident.
- Independent livelihood. You have the assets or skills to make a living without becoming a public burden, with a stable life expected in future.
- Your permanent residence is in Japan's interest. This is where the residence period and the record of obligations come in.
Spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents and special permanent residents do not have to meet the first two. Recognised refugees do not have to meet the second.
What "in Japan's interest" requires
- Ten years of continuous residence, of which at least 5 years must be on a work status or a residence-based status. Time on Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i) does not count towards the 5 years.
- No fines or imprisonment, and public obligations properly fulfilled: tax, public pension and public health insurance contributions, and the notifications required by immigration law.
- The longest period of stay available for your current status.
- Continued compliance with the landing criteria for your current status.
- No risk to public health.
Two details that decide many applications
Paying late counts against you. The guidelines state that even if your tax or contributions are paid by the time you apply, payments that were not made within the original deadline are, in principle, assessed negatively.
A 3-year status is enough for now. Until 31 March 2027, holding a period of stay of 3 years is treated as holding the longest period. Someone who holds a 3-year period on that date can rely on it once more, for the first decision made within that period.
The shorter routes
The guidelines list special cases in which the 10-year period does not apply. These are the main ones.
| Who | Residence required instead of 10 years |
|---|---|
| Spouse of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident | A genuine marriage lasting 3 years or more, and 1 year or more of continuous residence in Japan |
| Biological child of the above | 1 year or more of continuous residence |
| Holder of Long-Term Resident status | 5 years or more |
| Recognised refugee or person granted complementary protection | 5 years or more after recognition |
| Person recognised as having contributed to Japan in diplomatic, social, economic, cultural or other fields | 5 years or more |
| Highly skilled professional with 70 points or more | 3 years or more |
| Highly skilled professional with 80 points or more | 1 year or more |
| Special highly skilled professional | 1 year or more |
For the points routes you do not have to hold the Highly Skilled Professional status itself. The guidelines also accept someone who had the required points at the point 3 years, or 1 year, before the application, and has kept them while living in Japan.
What it costs
| When the application was received | Fee when permission is granted |
|---|---|
| By 30 September 2026 | 10,000 yen |
| From 1 October 2026 | 200,000 yen |
| From 1 October 2026, applicant meeting the reduction conditions | 20,000 yen |
The fee is paid with revenue stamps, and only when permission is granted. The date your application was received decides which fee applies, even if the decision comes after 1 October. Our Japan visa fees guide lists the other charges that changed.
How long it takes
The Immigration Services Agency gives a standard processing period of 4 to 6 months. There is no appeal procedure against a refusal.
How to apply
- Check yourself against the agency's checklist for your status before applying. It warns that a single "no" makes refusal likely, and that all "yes" answers still do not guarantee approval.
- Confirm your residence period under the 10-year rule or one of the shorter routes.
- Check your payment history for tax, pension and health insurance, including whether each payment was on time.
- Find a guarantor. This is normally a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident living in Japan.
- Prepare the documents for your category. The list differs for spouses, long-term residents and holders of work statuses.
- Apply in person at your regional immigration office. Applicants aged 18 or over apply themselves unless an authorised agent acts for them, and you must be in Japan.
- Pay the fee in revenue stamps if permission is granted.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to live in Japan to get permanent residence?
In principle 10 years continuously, including at least 5 years on a work or residence-based status. Spouses of Japanese nationals, long-term residents and highly skilled professionals qualify sooner.
How much does permanent residence in Japan cost?
200,000 yen when permission is granted, for applications received from 1 October 2026. Applications received by 30 September 2026 pay 10,000 yen, and a reduced fee of 20,000 yen applies to those who meet set conditions.
Can I get permanent residence in Japan in one year?
Yes, if you have 80 points or more under the highly skilled professional points system and have lived in Japan for at least 1 year with those points, or qualify as a special highly skilled professional.
How soon can a spouse of a Japanese national get permanent residence?
After a genuine marriage of 3 years or more and at least 1 year of continuous residence in Japan. The same applies to spouses of permanent residents and special permanent residents.
How long does a Japan permanent residence application take?
The standard processing period is 4 to 6 months.
Does paying tax or pension late affect permanent residence?
Yes. Under the guidelines, payments not made within the original deadline are in principle assessed negatively, even if everything is paid by the time you apply.
Do I need a 5-year visa to apply for permanent residence?
You need the longest period of stay for your status. Until 31 March 2027, a 3-year period of stay is treated as meeting that requirement.
Sources (official only)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidelines for permission for permanent residence, revised 24 February 2026 (Japanese)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Application for permanent residence (Japanese)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Revision of residence permission fees from 1 October 2026 (Japanese)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Points-based system for highly skilled professionals: questions and answers
All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. The guidelines are in Japanese and are applied case by case, so confirm your own position with the Immigration Services Agency or a qualified adviser. Information, not legal advice.