Permanent Residency in Japan: Relaxation of Requirements

Japan has increasingly become an attractive destination to many foreign nationals because of its strong infrastructure, unique culture and rich history and diverse economic opportunities.

Japan is unique in that it has been grappling with the challenge of an aging population, resulting in a shortage in domestic labor. Like many countries, Japan has turned to immigration possibilities as one of several solutions to tackle this issue.

Traditionally, for a foreign national to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Japan (when he/she does not have a Japanese spouse or parents, for example), the applicant must have resided in Japan for at least 10 years. The applicant must have also held a Japan work visa for at least five years during this 10-year residency period (and must be currently holding a Japan work visa with a validity of at least three years). However, news from the country related to the relaxation of the requirements may make it easier for a foreign national to obtain PR. 

Shifts Toward Relaxed Requirements

In 2012, Japan introduced a new work visa category known as the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional (HSFP) Visa, which introduced a points-based system. The points were calculated on the basis of an individual’s background and qualifications, including age, income, Japanese-language fluency, work experience and more.  

A HSFP Visa holder was entitled to certain preferential immigration benefits, including a shortened pathway for permanent residency. With the introduction of the HSFP Visa category, it was possible for the holder of this visa status in Japan to be eligible for PR on a shortened schedule.

Moreover, in late 2014, there were already talks of plans to further shorten the residency requirement to three years. In mid-2015, slight revisions were made to the HSFP Visa category, introducing the Highly Skilled Professional (i) and Highly Skilled Professional (ii) (HSP) visa statuses.

Instead of shortening the residency requirement for PR generally, the HSP (ii) visa status was introduced. Under this new scheme, anyone who held the previous HSFP or the new HSP (i) visa status (and has worked and stayed in Japan under these visa statuses for at least three years) was deemed eligible for the HSP (ii) visa status. The HSP (ii) status is akin to PR in the sense that it too does not have an expiry date, but the holder is also entitled to the added benefits of the HSP. 

In late 2016, there were speculations about plans to even further shorten the residency requirements for PR, but nothing was officially announced by the Ministry of Justice (which manages immigration into Japan).

Finally, in April 2017, the residency requirements for PR were shortened to three years for all foreign nationals who are able to score 70-79 points, and one year for those able to score 80 points or more (based on the points calculation of the HSP Visa scheme). The Immigration authorities also clarified that the applicant is not required to hold either the HSP(i) or HSP(ii) Visa statuses.

Relaxed Requirements in Practice

From a broad perspective, these developments helped to address Japan’s aging population and labor shortage. By shortening the residency requirement for PR, this allows Japan to fill the void in its labor market. The HSP points calculation criteria helps the government to ensure that the privilege of holding PR status in Japan is conveyed to those foreign nationals who are likely to make valuable contributions to Japanese society.

Since its introduction, Fragomen has seen an increase in PR requests and successfully assisted several individuals in obtaining their PR status.  While the eligibility requirements for PR have been reduced, the processing time of the application remains lengthy.  It is therefore important to note that the filing of a PR application (and the subsequent follow-ups with the authorities) is not a mere paper-pushing exercise.

For those who qualify and aspire to stay in Japan for an extended period, these developments help foreign nationals move one step closer to achieving their PR status.

Need to know more?

For any further information, please contact Business Immigration Manager Adrian Goh at [email protected]. This blog was published on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes.

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