The status of permanent residence will be granted when required conditions have been satisfied by foreign nationals who reside in Japan under another status of residence and who have applied for change of status of residence to permanent residence or by those who have applied to acquire status of residence due to birth or renouncement of Japanese nationality.

If a foreign resident is authorized to stay in Japan on a permanent basis, he/she will stay in Japan with the status of residence "Permanent Resident." The status of residence "Permanent Resident" provides much more advantageous treatments than other statuses of residence because it does not limit the status holder's activities or period of stay.

For this reason, the immigration control authority will examine permanent resident applicants very carefully.

(See You may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence )

From this viewpoint, immigration control legislations set forth separate provision for permanent resident status, independent from ordinary procedures for change of Status of Residence.

( See  Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence )

Application for Permanent Residence

Governing Law Articles 22 and 22-2, Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act

Applicant shall be a foreign national wishing to change their current status of residence to
the status of residence "Permanent Residence,", or foreign national wishing to acquire the status of residence "Permanent Residence" because of birth or any other reason

When to apply:  Up until the applicant's resident status expires (if the applicant wishes to change his/her status of residence);
o rWithin 30 days after birth or any other reason (if the applicant wishes to acquire he status of residence "Permanent Residence")

How to apply:    Applicant must complete the required application forms and prepare for the reqiured attached documents.
Make sure all the documents are completed then apply at regional immigration office. 
 
Who may submit:  Other than who are permitted by the director of regional immigration bureau, an immigration lawyer (Gyosei-shoshi) or an attorney at law (Bengo-shi) that gives notice to the director of regional immigration bureau, may submit on behalf of the applicant foreign national.

Fees for regional immigration bureau: 8,000 yen for receiving permission (Payment must be made with revenue stamps)

Required documents:
Application form 1copy
Supporting documents that proves the intended activity as indicated on the application form 1copy . (must be submitted at the time of the application).
(Note: Applicant may be asked to submit document(s) other than stipulated in the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Regulations.)

Passport and alien registration card
A document that proves the status (if a legal representative or agent submits the application form on behalf of the applicant)

Where to submit:  The regional immigration office in charge of applicant's intended address 

Duration: Approximately six months

Screening criteria:
Materials showing that the applicant's behavior and conduct have been good;
Materials showing that the applicant has sufficient assets or ability to make an independent living; and
The foreign national's permanent residence will accord with Japan's public interests.
(Note) If the applicant is a spouse or child of Japanese national,permanent resident or special permanent resident, the applicant does not need to satisfy the requirements (1) and (2).

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